WFJC
{{short description|Radio station in Akron, Ohio (1924–1930)}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
WFJC was a radio station in Akron, Ohio. First licensed in 1924 in Cleveland as WDBK, it was moved to Akron in 1927 and deleted in 1930 as part of a consolidation with a Springfield, Ohio, radio station that created WGAR.
History
WFJC's first license, for 100 watts on {{frequency|1210|kHz}}, was issued in May 1924 under the station's original call sign, WDBK, to the M. F. Broz Furniture, Hardware & Radio Company at 13918 Union Avenue in Cleveland's Mount Pleasant neighborhood.{{Cite news |date=June 2, 1924 |title=New Stations |page=3 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=86 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=347&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715022337/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=347 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |id=This source incorrectly renders "Broz" as "Brothers" |via=HathiTrust}} It began broadcasting on May 15, 1924. WDBK was deleted in the fall of 1924,{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1924 |title=Strike out all particulars |page=6 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=90 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=420&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716115508/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=422 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} then relicensed the following spring, again with 100 watts, but now on {{frequency|1320|kHz}}.{{Cite news |date=April 1, 1925 |title=New Stations |page=4 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=96 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=548&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715022357/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221817&view=1up&seq=548 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} Programming included jazz selections interspersed with an imitation steamboat whistle as a station identification,{{Cite news|last=Failor|first=Ralph|date=May 13, 1925|title=Last Night On The Radio|page=12|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84052056/last-night-on-the-radio/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84052056/last-night-on-the-radio/|url-status=live}} along with live musical performances;{{Cite news|date=April 20, 1926|title="The Pied Piper of Hamlin" Basis Of Tonight's Everready Program- Wood-Wind Ensemble 'Moorish Moods'|page=10|newspaper=The Lancaster Daily Eagle|location=Lancaster, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84058841/the-pied-piper-of-hamlin-basis-of/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84058841/the-pied-piper-of-hamlin-basis-of/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=May 22, 1926|title=Last Night on the Radio|page=2|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84059002/last-night-on-the-radio/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84059002/last-night-on-the-radio/|url-status=live}} reception for WDBK was limited outside of Cleveland and was barely audible in Akron.{{Cite news|date=April 13, 1926|title=Last Night On The Radio|page=28|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84052181/last-night-on-the-radio/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84052181/last-night-on-the-radio/|url-status=live}} In early 1927 the owner was changed to WDBK Broadcasting (Inc.) (Stanley J. Broz) at the Bolton Square Hotel on Carnegie Avenue,{{Cite news |date=January 31, 1927 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=7 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=118 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=253&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712202337/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=253 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} using the slogan "Broadcasting from Cleveland".
Automobile dealer W. F. Jones purchased WDBK on July 15, 1927, with the intent of moving the station to Akron.{{Cite news|date=July 15, 1927|title=W. F. Jones Planning Akron Radio Station|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84057187/w-f-jones-planning-akron-radio-station/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184536/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84057187/w-f-jones-planning-akron-radio-station/|url-status=live}} Jones's involvement in the medium began when—at his insistence{{Cite news|last=Schetter|first=Clyde E.|date=December 31, 1927|title=Akron Radio Prospects Are Good|page=16|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84057881/akron-radio-prospects-are-good/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84057881/akron-radio-prospects-are-good/|url-status=live}}—a February 1925 auto show used a temporary station named WADC to broadcast the show's events, with a transmitter built by the Willard Storage Battery Co.{{Cite news|date=February 21, 1925|title=More Than 200 Cars On Display as Auto Show Opens|page=22|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84056403/more-than-200-cars-on-display-as-auto/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184532/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84056403/more-than-200-cars-on-display-as-auto/|url-status=live}} After the show ended, Jones tried to sign on the station permanently,{{r|AkronRadioProspects}} but theatre owner Allen T. Simmons launched WADC from the Portage Hotel on April 8, 1925.{{Cite news|last=Failor|first=Ralph|date=April 8, 1925|title=City broadcasts on air tonight, station to open|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84058515/city-broadcasts-on-air-tonight-station/ 18]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84058458/city-broadcasts-on-air-tonight-station/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84058458/city-broadcasts-on-air-tonight-station/|url-status=live}} Jones was granted a permit to move WDBK to Akron{{Cite news |date=July 30, 1927 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=5 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=124 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=371&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716115432/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=371 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} but would remain on {{frequency|1320|kHz}}{{Cite news|date=July 21, 1927|title=W. F. Jones buys radio station for removal to Akron|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84056874/w-f-jones-buys-radio-station-for/|access-date=August 24, 2021|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824184535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84056874/w-f-jones-buys-radio-station-for/|url-status=live}} and sharing time with Cleveland station WJAY.{{r|AkronRadioProspects}} Renamed WFJC,{{Cite news |date=October 31, 1927 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=9 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=127 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=423&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712202346/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=423 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} the station made its debut broadcast from the Akron Beacon Journal building on October 22, 1927,{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1927 |title=Radio Station WFJC On Air |page=TWO-A |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} but merely as a tenant, the Beacon Journal did not have any ownership stake.{{r|JonesBuysWDBK}} Sam Townshend was listed as station manager,{{Cite news|date=April 12, 1948|title=Our Respects To: Sam Willard Townsend|volume=34|pages=56, 60|work=Broadcasting-Telecasting|issue=15|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-04-12-BC.pdf|access-date=August 22, 2021|via=World Radio History|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190749/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1948/1948-04-12-BC.pdf|url-status=live}} secretary and lead engineer.{{r|AkronRadioProspects}}
Following the establishment of the Federal Radio Commission (FRC), stations were initially issued a series of temporary authorizations starting on May 3, 1927.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112106763078&view=1up&seq=60 "List of broadcasting stations issued temporary permits"], Radio Service Bulletin, April 30, 1927, pages 6-14. In addition, they were informed that if they wanted to continue operating, they needed to file a formal license application by January 15, 1928, as the first step in determining whether they met the new "public interest, convenience, or necessity" standard.[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112106763078&view=1up&seq=205 "Extension of Broadcasting Station Licenses"], Radio Service Bulletin, December 31, 1927, page 7. On May 25, 1928, the FRC issued General Order 32, which notified 164 stations, including WFJC, that "From an examination of your application for future license it does not find that public interest, convenience, or necessity would be served by granting it."[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011384305&view=1up&seq=182 "Appendix F (2): Letter to and list of stations included in General Order No. 32, issued May 25, 1928"], Second Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission for the Year Ended June 30, 1928, Together With Supplemental Report for the Period From July 1, 1928 to September 30, 1928, pages 146-149. However, the station successfully convinced the commission that it should remain licensed.
As part of a major reallocation under the provisions of the FRC's General Order 40, on November 11, 1928, WFJC was assigned to {{frequency|1450|kHz}}, again in a time share with WJAY.{{Cite news |date=October 25, 1928 |title=Revised list of broadcasting stations, by frequencies, effective 3 a. m., November 11, 1928, eastern standard time |pages=211, 213 |work=Second Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission |publisher=Federal Radio Commission |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c021003683&view=1up&seq=247&skin=2021 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228022851/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c021003683&view=1up&seq=247 |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} WJAY moved to a different frequency allowing WFJC to operate full-time,{{Cite news|date=March 29, 1930|title=High Power, Full Time Requested By WFJC|page=18|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345623/high-power-full-time-requested-by-wfjc/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345623/high-power-full-time-requested-by-wfjc/|url-status=live}} but this was temporary as WCSO—the radio station of Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio—was reassigned to {{frequency|1450|kHz}} a few months later as WFJC's new timesharing partner.{{Cite news |date=June 29, 1929 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=17 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=147 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=955 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190754/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221818&view=1up&seq=955 |archive-date=August 4, 2022 |via=HathiTrust}} WFJC filed paperwork with the FRC on March 30, 1930, to move to {{frequency|900|kHz}}, operate full-time and increase power to {{val|1000|fmt=commas|u=watts}}; station management cited what had become a competitive disadvantage against WADC and Cleveland's WHK and WTAM.{{r|WFJCFullTimeRequest}}
{{Quote box
| quote = An air of sadness prevailed, this being the last day on the air for WFJC... The radio commission has taken away the right to broadcast from this station, but there is one thing that never can be taken away from us—memories and fond recollections of the many pleasant hours spent in the studio at WFJC. We hold hopes that perhaps in the near future, Akron will be able to have and hold a downtown radio station.
| author = Louella Houser Yackle
| source = host of WFJC's final program on December 14, 1930{{Cite news|date=December 16, 1930|title=High Power Stations Are Urged In Report|page=26|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347369/high-power-stations-are-urged-in-report/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347369/high-power-stations-are-urged-in-report/|url-status=live}}
| align = right
| width = 275px
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At the same time the FRC confirmed a forthcoming hearing for WFJC's application,{{Cite news|date=August 29, 1930|title=Radio Czars To Hear WFJC Plea Sept. 25|page=21|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345938/radio-czars-to-hear-wfjc-plea-sept-25/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345938/radio-czars-to-hear-wfjc-plea-sept-25/|url-status=live}} George A. Richards, Leo J. Fitzpatrick and P. M. Thomas—owners of WJR in Detroit—incorporated the WGAR Broadcasting Company in order to establish "Cleveland's fourth radio station".{{Cite news|date=September 26, 1930|title=WJR Back of New Radio Studio Here|page=11|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio}} On September 6, the company filed an application with the FRC for authorization to "consolidate stations WFJC and WCSO into a new station with new equipment at Cleveland Ohio",{{#tag:ref|Application 2-P-B-1653, dated September 6, 1930}} which was approved that same month.{{Cite news|last=Reeves|first=Russell H.|date=September 29, 1930|title=Checking Over the News of the Week|page=10|newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer|location=Cleveland, Ohio}} The WGAR Broadcasting Company took over ownership of WCSO on September 26, 1930,{{Cite book | last=Frost | first=S. E. Jr. |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/History/Education%27s-Own-Stations-Frost-1937-HOB.pdf |title=Education's Own Stations |publisher=Arno Press, Inc. |year=1971 |isbn=0-405-03555-1 |location=New York, New York |pages=475–478 |orig-date=1937 |via=World Radio History |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929132558/https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/History/Education%27s-Own-Stations-Frost-1937-HOB.pdf |url-status=live }} later recognized as a casualty of the Great Depression.{{Cite book|last=Kinnison|first=William A.|title=Modern Wittenberg|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4628-6058-6|location=Bloomington, Indiana|pages=41}} WFJC was acquired seven days earlier.{{Cite news |date=October 30, 1930 |title=Alterations and Corrections |page=12 |work=Radio Service Bulletin |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |issue=163 |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221819&view=1up&seq=292 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016133921/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3221819&view=1up&seq=292 |archive-date=October 16, 2020 |via=HathiTrust}}{{Cite news|date=September 20, 1930|title=See Sale Of WFJC As Network Move|page=3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347009/see-sale-of-wfjc-as-network-move/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053226/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83347009/see-sale-of-wfjc-as-network-move/|url-status=live}} The deal was approved despite opposition from the chambers of commerce for both Akron and Cleveland,{{Cite news|date=September 26, 1930|title=Radio Station Protest Filed|page=14|newspaper=Dayton Daily News|location=Dayton, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345194/radio-station-protest-filed/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804190751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345194/radio-station-protest-filed/|url-status=live}} in addition to local community groups{{Cite news|date=September 26, 1930|title=Sale Of WFJC Confirmed, U.S. Commission Approves|page=1|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345445/sale-of-wfjc-confirmed-us-commission/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83345445/sale-of-wfjc-confirmed-us-commission/|url-status=live}} and competing Cleveland radio stations.{{Cite news|date=September 27, 1930|title=Protest Ignored By Federal Radio Body|page=3|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83346161/protest-ignored-by-federal-radio-body/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83346161/protest-ignored-by-federal-radio-body/|url-status=live}}
WCSO made its final broadcast on October 11, 1930, after coverage of the Wittenberg Tigers-Washington & Jefferson Presidents football game{{Cite news|date=October 12, 1930|title=Last Program is Broadcast|page=35|newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer|location=Cincinnati, Ohio|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342043/last-program-is-broadcast/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342043/last-program-is-broadcast/|url-status=live}} and its license was formally deleted at the end of the month.{{Cite news|date=October 31, 1930|title=Radio Station WCSO Stops Broadcasting|page=25|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342185/radio-station-wcso-stops-broadcasting/|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053220/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83342185/radio-station-wcso-stops-broadcasting/|url-status=live}} As construction for the new station began immediately,{{Cite news|date=September 28, 1930|title=Radio Change In Ownership Made|page=1|newspaper=The Mansfield News|location=Mansfield, Ohio|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83346676/radio-change-in-ownership-made/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053221/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83346676/radio-change-in-ownership-made/|url-status=live}} WFJC continued to broadcast from Akron until December 14; the December 13, 1930, Akron Beacon Journal informed its readers that WFJC would cease operations the next day at midnight, "to make way for WGAR, at Cleveland, which purchased its claim to the ether".{{Cite news|date=December 13, 1930|title=WFJC Bids Goodby To Local Radio Fans|page=18|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83348516/wfjc-bids-goodby-to-local-radio-fans/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053225/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83348516/wfjc-bids-goodby-to-local-radio-fans/|url-status=live}} In its fifth annual report, the FRC reported that, effective June 12, 1931, WCSO and WFJC had been consolidated "to form new station WGAR, Cleveland, Ohio".{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1931 |title=Radio broadcasting stations consolidated during the fiscal year 1931 |page=13 |work=Fifth Annual Report of the Federal Radio Commission |publisher=Federal Radio Commission |location=Washington, D.C. |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011384305&view=1up&seq=545 |url-status=live |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716115538/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011384305&view=1up&seq=545 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |via=HathiTrust}} WADC eventually moved into the Beacon Journal building studios vacated by WFJC.{{Cite news|last=Gloss|first=Edward E.|date=January 12, 1931|title=WADC To Occupy Beacon Journal Building Rooms|pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83348688/wadc-to-occupy-beacon-journal-building/ 21]|newspaper=Akron Beacon Journal|location=Akron, Ohio|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83348664/wadc-to-occupy-beacon-journal-building/|access-date=August 13, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813053227/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83348664/wadc-to-occupy-beacon-journal-building/|url-status=live}}