Saturday, February 15, 2025

Radio History: Feb 16


➦In 1901...American musician, songwriter, singer and orchestra leader Wayne King was born in Savanna, IL.

In early radio of the 1920`s his band was featured in half-hour`remote` broadcasts from Chicago`s Aragon Ballroom.  In the 1930`s he was heard on the networks in weekly half-hour broadcasts for Lady Esther cosmetics, a line he is credited with popularizing.  In the mid-40`s he was a summer replacement for the Jack Benny and Jimmy Durante programs.  The saxophonist and bandleader died July 16, 1985 at age 84.

Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen

➦In 1903...American actor, comedian and radio performer, Edgar Bergen was born (died September 30, 1978 at age 75).    With his little wooden ‘sidekicks’ Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, he delighted audiences for decades.  He had a featured Sunday evening show first on NBC and then on CBS Radio from 1937 to 1955.  He died in his sleep following a performance in Las Vegas Oct 1 1978 at age 75. He was also the father of actress Candice Bergen.

➦In 1922...WDAF (now Sports KCSP)  was started by the Kansas City Star. The official starting date is open to dispute, because the Star's broadcasting activities pre-dated WDAF.

On February 16, 1922, the Star used WOQ, the station of the Western Radio Company, to broadcast what the newspaper described as a "wireless telephone concert". The Star had just constructed radio studios at its building at 18th and Grand. In that evening's newspaper, the program appeared on the front page:

Courtesy of route56.com

The Star adopted the WDAF call letters May 16, 1922. WDAF bounced around various frequencies, traveling to 750, 730, 680, 820 and 810 kHz. WDAF moved to 610 kHz in 1928, splitting time with station WOQ. WDAF joined the NBC radio network before moving to 610 kHz, running both Red & Blue programs up until 1930, when they became a primary NBC Red affiliate.

It also had become the westernmost affiliate of the NBC Red Network. WDAF retained its NBC affiliation well into the 1960s.

WDAF changed its call letters KCSP on September 23, 2003, after moving the longtime country music format to the FM. Entercom still maintains the WDAF-FM call letters at 106.5. Today KCSP airs Sports Talk.

➦In 1929...KGIO changed call letters to KID-AM in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The station was first licensed under the call letters KGIO, and began broadcasting on December 3, 1928 on a frequency of 1320 kHz.  On February 16, 1929, the call was changed to KID, and the station began broadcasting under this call.  The station had moved to 1350 kHz by 1942 (likely in the March 29, 1941 changes, pursuant to the North American Radio Broadcasting Agreement, that saw many stations raise frequency by 10 to 30 kHz), where it stayed for several years.  In 1950, the station changed from 1350 to its current 590 kHz frequency.

Today the station is owned by Townsquare Media and airs a News/Talk format at 590 AM.

Sonny & Cher
➦In 1935...Salvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono born (died in a skiing accident January 5, 1998 at age 62).  A talented songwriter and astute businessman, the multi-talented Sonny was, was, if not a great singer, then definitely an entertainer … I Got You Babe, Baby Don’t Go, The Beat Goes On. On TV, he co-starred in The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.  After show biz he became mayor of Palm Springs, CA, then a U.S. Congressman.

Senators Condemn Political Targeting of Broadcasters


Three Democratic U.S. Senators—Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.)—have issued a strongly worded letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr and fellow Republican commissioner Nathan Simington, accusing them of exploiting the agency to target broadcasters and public media for political reasons.

Key points from the letter:

  • The senators expressed alarm over recent FCC actions, led by Carr, to initiate or revive investigations into broadcasting companies without evidence of misconduct, suggesting an intent to intimidate broadcasters for political gain.
  • They criticized Carr and Simington for implying that broadcast stations could face scrutiny over editorial decisions, raising First Amendment concerns.
  • The lawmakers highlighted the FCC's decision, within Carr's first two weeks as chair, to reopen three previously closed complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC without new evidence, while not reinstating a similar complaint against a Fox station.
  • They voiced concern over a new investigation into PBS and NPR member stations regarding sponsorship disclosures, despite no evidence of deviation from long-standing practices.
  • The senators argued that these actions appear politically driven, aimed at punishing, censoring, or intimidating the free press based on disagreement with editorial choices.

They urged Carr and Simington to halt these practices, adhere to the Constitution, stop misusing the FCC's authority, and return to evidence-based decision-making consistent with the agency's historical standards.

Background:

  • Carr recently launched an FCC probe into PBS and NPR sponsorship policies.
  • In an unusual move for an FCC chair, he has also endorsed efforts to defund public media

Audacy Remains Mum On FCC - KCBS Probe


The Federal Communications Commission is investigating KCBS All News radio for telling listeners where Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents would be conducting deportation raids in the Bay Area.

Traditionally, the FCC has had a hands-off attitude toward news coverage by broadcasters out of concern about infringing on their First Amendment rights.

But with a new president, the composition of the FCC now consists of three Republicans and two Democrats. The Republican majority is investigating newsroom operations of broadcasters.

The FCC’s new chairman, Brendan Carr, confirmed the KCBS investigation during an interview on Fox News. Carr said the San Francisco radio station gave its listeners live locations and vehicle descriptions of immigration agents on Jan. 26.

ICE has complained that the KCBS broadcasts put their agents at risk. Criminals might use the information to ambush the agents.

KCBS’ parent company, Audacy, has declined to comment.

If the FCC determines KCBS was in violation, it has a range of actions it could take, from fining the station to taking away its licenses.

A First Amendment advocate said the FCC investigation will have a chilling effect on news organizations that report on the Trump administration’s deportation plans.

“Law enforcement operations, immigration or otherwise, are matters of public interest,” David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, told KQED in an interview. “People generally have the right to report this on social media and in print and so on. So it’s very troubling because it’s possible the FCC is potentially being weaponized to crack down on reporting that the administration simply just doesn’t like.”

FCC Considers Updates to CALM Act Rules


The FCC has provided additional details on potential updates to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act rules, which aim to prevent excessively loud TV commercials, as part of its preparations for the February 27, 2025 Open Meeting.

Key developments:

  • The FCC Media Bureau has initiated MB Docket No. 25-72, titled "Updates to the Commission’s Rules Implementing the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act."
  • On February 6, the FCC released a document circulated to commissioners for tentative review before the February 27 meeting. This proposed Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, to be voted on during the meeting, seeks public feedback on whether CALM Act rules should be updated.
  • The FCC emphasized that the document and the issues it addresses are still under consideration and do not represent official Commission action.

Brendan Carr
In a February 5 blog post announcing the Open Meeting agenda, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr highlighted the need to revisit the CALM Act, enacted by Congress in 2010 to require broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to manage TV commercial volumes.

Carr noted, "Loud TV commercials are a frustrating headache. You’re sitting there, chilling out, and then BOOM some commercial breaks in at a high volume. I don’t like them, and I’m pretty sure you don’t either." He pointed to a recent increase in consumer complaints about loud commercials.

Carr added, "Back in 2010, Congress passed a law to address this issue, but given the rise in complaints I think now is the time for the FCC to revisit the issue. Accordingly, we will consider a notice of proposed rulemaking to see if there are additional actions the Commission could take today to make sure TV viewers aren’t inundated by exceedingly loud commercials."

Paramount Global and Skydance Merger Nears Completion


The proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media has moved closer to finalization following key regulatory developments.

Key updates:

  • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved Paramount Global's S-4 filing, a required document for mergers and acquisitions, effective as of Thursday. The filing states: "On behalf of the Board of Directors of Paramount Global, a Delaware corporation, we are pleased to enclose the information statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction among Paramount, Skydance Media, LLC, a California limited liability company, and certain affiliates of investors of Skydance."
  • The European Union granted approval earlier this week, with the European Commission determining that the merger raises no significant competition concerns.
  • The primary remaining obstacle is securing approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which must sign off on the transfer of broadcast licenses for Paramount's 28 owned-and-operated local TV stations.

FCC approval faces challenges under new chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump. Carr has reopened a previously dismissed "news distortion" complaint against Paramount-owned CBS, filed by the Center for American Rights, concerning the editing of a "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris regarding a question on Gaza.

Additionally, five New York City pension funds—NYCERS, New York City Fire Department Pension Fund, New York City Police Pension Fund, New York City Board of Education Retirement System, and Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York—filed a class-action lawsuit this week to halt the merger. The suit claims that controlling shareholder Shari Redstone and members of Paramount’s special committee breached their fiduciary duty in evaluating bids.

Execs Fear Lawsuits If CBS Settles With Trump


Paramount Global is wrestling with whether to settle President Trump’s lawsuit against its CBS News unit, and how it might do so without exposing executives to future legal threats, such as accusations of bribery.

President Trump
The Wall Street Journal reports company executives in recent weeks have talked about the risk that paying such a settlement could expose directors and officers to liability in potential future shareholder litigation or criminal charges for bribing a public official, according to people familiar with the conversations. Some executives have expressed an additional concern that such litigation may not be protected by director and officer insurance, some of the people with knowledge of the discussions said.

Paramount is awaiting regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media. Some executives have flagged the potential risk that if the company settles and the deal is approved in short order, the payment could be construed as a bribe, the people familiar with the matter said. 

Some executives involved in the merger see settling the lawsuit, which is focused on how CBS edited a “60 Minutes” interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, as a way to alleviate tensions with the Trump administration, people close to them said. At Paramount, some executives oppose the settlement and the precedent it might establish.

Seattle Radio: KVI's John Carlson Stepping Away From AM Show


Earlier this week, KVI morning show host, John Carlson, announced his retirement from radio, telling listeners his last day on-air will be April 4, 2025.

According to KVI, Carlson has been named as the next president of Kemper Development Co., succeeding the Bellevue commercial real estate company’s longtime president, John Melby, who is retiring after 35 years.

“Since the summer of ’93, I’m probably having more fun (now) than ever before,” hosting a KVI show, Carlson said in reference to his initial start on America’s first all-conservative talk station, “and yet despite all that, I am announcing this morning that I will be stepping away from this microphone and retiring from radio this April.”

Carlson advised listeners that everything is “okay and fine” with his wife and family but “in just the past few weeks (I) have received an astonishing opportunity that I cannot pass up.”

The Commute With Carlson is heard weekday mornings from 6-9 on Talk Radio 570 KVI.

Trump Revokes AP's Oval Office Access

Trump: There's the Door

The Associated Press (AP) has been indefinitely barred from the Oval Office after refusing to comply with President Donald Trump's directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich announced on X on Friday: "The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America. This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation." He emphasized that while the First Amendment protects their reporting, it does not guarantee access to restricted areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One.

Budowich added that the vacated space would be allocated to thousands of previously excluded reporters, though AP journalists and photographers will retain their White House complex credentials.

According to The Wrap, the AP was initially excluded from a Tuesday Oval Office press conference with Elon Musk and later from a Thursday meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, due to its insistence on using the internationally recognized name "Gulf of Mexico."

AP executive editor Julie Pace condemned the move as "a deeply troubling escalation of the administration’s continued efforts to punish the Associated Press for its editorial decisions," calling it a "plain violation of the First Amendment" and urging the Trump administration to reverse the decision.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the ban on Wednesday, stating, "Nobody has the right to go into the Oval Office and ask the president of the United States questions. That is an invitation that is given." She asserted that the body of water off Louisiana is officially the "Gulf of America" and questioned why news outlets resist the change.

Trump's second administration is also diversifying the White House Press Briefing Room by including "new media voices" while reducing the presence of some traditional legacy outlets.


Hannity Scores Interview With Trump, Musk


Sean Hannity will conduct a joint interview with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire leading a nongovernmental agency tasked with reducing the size of the federal government, according to Mediaite.

Under Trump's guidance, Musk has spearheaded a comprehensive and contentious review of numerous federal agencies. Their actions have generated controversy and criticism, with some arguing that Musk and his team are the very "unelected bureaucrats" influencing the US government that Republican leaders have long cautioned against.

The pre-taped interview, set to take place in the White House, will be broadcast on Hannity's show on Tuesday night. Mediaite reports that the discussion will center on DOGE, the Trump administration's first 100 days, and other current news topics. This interview marks the first joint television appearance for President Trump and Musk.

Hannity previously secured the first interview with Trump during his second term as president. The Fox News host, known for his strong ratings on both television and radio, discussed policy plans with Trump, ranging from TikTok to presidential pardons.

An insider familiar with the scheduling revealed that the interview was arranged prior to the joint Oval Office press event featuring Trump and Musk on Tuesday.

NYC Mayor Adams Faces Critical Weekend


New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a pivotal weekend as pressure intensifies for him to resign, with Governor Kathy Hochul also facing calls to remove him from office. The situation stems from allegations that Adams is beholden to President Trump after the Justice Department dropped a criminal case against him.

Key developments:

  • Adams has become increasingly isolated from former allies, with some turning against him and others grappling with whether to continue supporting the city's second black mayor.
  • Sources indicate that Hochul has begun behind-the-scenes discussions about removing Adams from City Hall, following her confirmation that she was consulting state officials about his future.
  • The controversy erupted after Trump's DOJ ordered Manhattan federal prosecutors to drop historic corruption charges against Adams, citing political motivation and the impact on his ability to lead and support the president's immigration agenda.
  • New York Attorney General Letitia James acknowledged ongoing discussions about Adams' future, refraining from further comment until a decision is reached.
  • Acting Manhattan US Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned, accusing the DOJ and Adams of an illegal "quid pro quo" to support Trump's immigration agenda in exchange for dropping the case.
  • Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado led calls for Adams' resignation, alleging the mayor is deeply influenced by Trump, but stopped short of urging Hochul to use her authority to remove him.

Hochul, the only state official with the power to oust Adams, described the allegations of a quid pro quo as "extremely concerning and serious" but has not ruled out removing him.

Some doubt Hochul will act without support from black lawmakers and voters, with a Democratic pundit warning of potential "blowback" if she cannot justify the decision based on management issues.

Spotify Considers Premium Add-On for Enhanced Features


Spotify, a leading music streaming service, is reportedly planning to introduce a new subscription tier called "Music Pro" that could cost up to $5.99 per month on top of existing subscriptions, according to Bloomberg News. The new service is expected to offer high-quality audio, remixing tools, and access to concert tickets.

Key points:

  • The "Music Pro" tier may launch this year, with prices varying by region and lower costs in less-developed markets.
  • The service will incorporate artificial intelligence for some features, enabling subscribers to mix songs from different artists.
  • Spotify has engaged in preliminary discussions with major promoters and ticket sellers to facilitate the concert ticket access.
  • In the US, Spotify's largest market, the current individual tier costs $11.99 monthly, while the family plan, accommodating up to six members, is priced at $19.99.

A Spotify spokesperson declined to confirm the specifics of the potential features or pricing, stating that the company cannot comment on speculation. 

Recently, Spotify secured multi-year agreements with Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group for recording and publishing music. 

CEO Daniel Ek has previously hinted at personalized offerings, including a premium tier for "superfans of music." The company projects 678 million monthly active users for the first quarter, aligning closely with analyst estimates of 679.4 million.


CBO Estimates Low Cost Impact for AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act


The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a new cost estimate for the "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025," indicating that the proposed mandate to ensure AM radio availability in passenger vehicles would have a minimal financial impact, despite opposition from some automakers, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Key findings:

  • The legislation would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish rules ensuring AM broadcast stations are accessible in all new passenger vehicles (up to 12 passengers, excluding motorcycles) sold or imported in the U.S.
  • Contrary to automaker claims of high costs for electromagnetic shielding or other modifications, the CBO estimates annual implementation costs in the "several millions of dollars" range, significantly lower than industry projections. This covers updates to radio equipment in approximately 2 to 2.5 million vehicles yearly, mainly EVs that have eliminated AM radio compatibility.
  • Direct federal spending to enforce the mandate is projected at about $1 million over five years, subject to appropriation, with civil penalties for non-compliance expected to yield less than $500,000 over ten years.

The bill includes a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on AM radio's role in emergency communications, highlighting public safety benefits emphasized by supporters.

The legislation would preempt state and local regulations on AM radio access in vehicles, with the CBO noting no significant impact on state or local government revenues.

This marks the third time the CBO has refuted automaker claims of excessive costs, reinforcing the federal perspective on the economic viability of maintaining AM radio access as the bill progresses through Congress.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville Backs Defunding NPR


Influential U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has expressed strong support for efforts to eliminate federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR), which he refers to as "National Propaganda Radio."

Senator Tuberville
This week Tuberville stated, "Not a single dime of taxpayer dollars should go to the National Propaganda Radio – or NPR. NPR used to be a go-to source of news for millions of Americans. But it’s clear that NPR now sees itself as an arm of the Democrat party bought and paid for by American taxpayers."

Conservatives have long criticized NPR and public media, alleging a liberal bias, and have repeatedly threatened funding cuts.

Established in 1967, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) aims to ensure universal access to telecommunications nationwide and provides funding to both NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Despite conservative opposition, NPR has maintained its federal funding.

However, with President Donald Trump’s administration and a Republican congressional majority, there is growing concern that these defunding threats could be realized.

'SNL' Turns 50


"Saturday Night Live" will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sunday (8 pm ET, NBC) with a three-hour special featuring former cast members, hosts, and major musical guests. In its normal 11:30 pm ET slot Saturday, viewers can watch a rerun of the debut episode. 

First aired Oct. 11, 1975, "SNL" was conceived as a countercultural, live sketch comedy show meant to fill a scheduling gap where reruns of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" used to play. The show launched the careers of its original cast, including Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd, and became a staple in cultural discourse with its irreverent takes and satirical "Weekend Update." Dozens of alumni would go on to become A-list comedic actors like John Belushi, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, and many more. See a list of the show’s 10 most-watched sketches here.

Television critics suggest "SNL's" success stemmed in part from its decision to rotate celebrity hosts and regularly turn over the cast to spotlight new comedians, as well as the guidance of longtime NBC producer Lorne Michaels.

Alice 105.9 Cares for Kids Radiothon™ Raises $1.1 Million


Audacy’s Alice 105.9 (KALC-FM) in Denver raised $1.1 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado, a proud member of the Children’s Miracle Network®, during its 24th annual “Alice 105.9 Cares for Kids Radiothon™.” The amount donated during the annual radiothon brought the overall fundraising total to over $26 million since 2001. Proceeds will support advanced research at Children’s Colorado, the implementation of cutting-edge technology, the enhancement of regional clinics offering convenient, local care and more. 

“The groundbreaking research and unwavering care that Children’s Hospital Colorado provides to both its patients and their families inspire us to continue raising awareness,” said Mike Peterson, Vice President of Programming, Audacy Denver. “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love within our community. The generous donations raised will help change the lives of countless children, offering them and their families new hope and a brighter future.” 

On February 13, Alice 105.9’s “BJ and Jamie Show” and “The Slacker Show” broadcasted live  from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MT at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Programming highlighted the personal stories of patients, their families and front-line healthcare workers. Listeners were encouraged to donate via phone, online or text.

FOX Nation Goes Inside Alabama Football


FOX Nation will debut a new multi-part docuseries on February 19th entitled “The Tides That Bind: Inside Alabama Football,” announced Lauren Petterson, its president. The series will spotlight the accounts of the players, coaches, and staff of the Alabama Crimson Tide for their first season following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban with unrestricted access to the most storied team in the history of college football for the first time ever.

The docuseries includes six episodes which will drop weekly through the spring. In each installment, viewers will be brought behind the curtain as this elite program is challenged, elevated, and transformed, redefining itself for the next generation. Following a variety of celebrated players and coaches, including Malachi Moore, Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams, as well as coach Kalen DeBoer and more, the series will delve behind the scenes of the team as they adapt to a year of unprecedented change. Players are showcased through spring ball, summer workouts, fall camp and the 2024 season and postseason.

In making the announcement, Petterson said, “We are thrilled to bring our viewers this intimate behind the scenes look at the historic Roll Tide football team as they navigate the trials and tribulations of a year in transition.”

“The Tides That Bind: Inside Alabama Football” was created by WAVELENGTH in association with WALK-ON MEDIA and Caleb Castille, in partnership with RANGE SPORTS, with executive producers Jenifer Westphal, Joe Plummer, Seth Carter, Steph Higgs Carter, Caleb Castille, Patrick Feldman, JP Hughes, and John Henion, who also serves as series director.

Radio History: Feb 15


Mary Lee Robb
➦In 1926
...radio actress Mary Lee Robb was born in Illinois.

She made her radio debut in 1947 on the “Lum and Abner” program, but it was a small part in a 1948 episode of NBC radio’s “The Great Gildersleeve” that led to her full-time role as Gildy’s niece Marjorie, which she played until 1954.

She also appeared on “The Penny Singleton Radio Show,” “Father Knows Best,” “Burns and Allen” and others before retiring to raise her daughter and son.

She died of heart failure Aug. 26 2006 at age 80.


➦In 1932… George Burns and his delightfully ditsy wife Gracie Allen debuted as regulars on “The Guy Lombardo Show” on CBS radio.  The couple was so popular that by Sept. 1934, they would have their own show “The Adventures of Gracie” on CBS.  Two years later it evolved into the “Burns & Allen Show.”  George and Gracie continued on radio for 14 more years before making the switch to TV. They were headliners on radio and TV combined for more than 30 years.

 Burns and Allen's radio show was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1994.

➦In 1943…The radio drama 'My True Story was first heard on the  ABC Radio Network. It was the start of a 19-year run on daily radio.  

➦In 1965…Singer Nat King Cole died in 1965 from cancer at age 45.

On November 5, 1956, The Nat 'King' Cole Show debuted on NBC TV . The variety program was one of the first hosted by an African American, and started at a length of fifteen-minutes but was increased to a half-hour in July 1957. Rheingold Beer was a regional sponsor, but a national sponsor was never found.

Joe McCoy
➦In 1975...Joe McCoy started as a disc jockey at WCBS 101.1 FM in NYC.

He eventually became Program Director in 1981.  In his 23 years as Program Director at WCBS-FM in New York City the station was # 1 (12+) 5 times as well as a leader for many years in the all-important 25-54 demo.

He's now retired enjoying traveling, jazz and baseball.

➦In 2002... former CBS Radio correspondent and ABC TV anchorman Howard K. Smith died of pneumonia at age 87. He was one of the original members of the team of WW2 correspondents known as the Murrow Boys.

Howard K Smith
Upon graduating, Smith worked for the New Orleans Item, with United Press in London, and with The New York Times. In January 1940, Smith was sent to Berlin, where he joined the Columbia Broadcasting System under Edward R. Murrow.

He visited Hitler's mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden and interviewed many leading Nazis, including Hitler himself, Schutzstaffel or "SS" leader Heinrich Himmler and Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels.

When Smith refused to include Nazi propaganda in his reports, the Gestapo seized his notebooks and threw him out of the country. He left for Switzerland on December 6, 1941, the day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.