Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
WIBM
WIBM. The second annual RADIO show featured station WIBM sponsored by the Telegraph-Herald and the Dubuque radio dealers. Held during the first week of December, 1926 broadcasts were made from the ARMORY. During the week prior to the broadcasts, test programs were aired giving listeners the opportunity to adjust their "receiving sets." If potential listeners could not receive the signal, they were to call 5903 and ask for the radio engineer. This person would give instructions as to what adjustments were needed. (1)
WIBM broadcast at 215.7 meter wave length. Some people reported picking up the station on the same dial markings used by WOK from Homewood, Illinois. Those not receiving good reception were asked to call 5903 and ask for the radio engineer. Although the radio show would not formally open until Monday night, radio programs obtained by the Telegraph-Herald were to be broadcast Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. This program was scheduled to begin with a short talk by Mayor Harlan G. MELCHIOR followed by a talk by "Uncle Bob," KYW popular radio personality who read bed-time stories. The Armory was open in the afternoon for children to visit with "Uncle Bob" whose program Sunday night featured another of his stories. The doors of the Armory were also open from 4:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for those wishing to watch the radio show Sunday evening as its was produced. (2)
To encourage attendance at the end of the week, a five-tube radio receiving set was awarded each evening the crowd remained in the auditorium until the completion of the program. A "radio dance" was scheduled for Saturday night with music broadcast to dancers by a "popular orchestra." (3)
Requests for some performers to return came by mail, telegram, and telephone from local listeners and those living in Ohio, Missouri, and "western states." Among those requested to repeat performances were Miss Mayne Flynn, a singer, and John T. Neu whose program was old time violin numbers. (4)
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Source:
1. "Station WIBM Tunes Up for Dubuque Fans," The Telegraph-Herald, October 28, 1926, p. 1
2. Ibid.
3. "Special Features Adding More Interest to Local Radio Show," The Telegraph-Herald, November 4, 1926, p. 1
4. Ibid.