As mentioned in Pluto's Today in History roundup, March 14th is the anniversary of the Vancouver Sun's radio station going on the air.
It appears the station went on very suddenly. Broadcasts are seemingly in the future on the 14th, and then the next day, readers are told the station has been on the air for several days. Say what?
What happened was the Sun got scooped. The Province put its station on the air first, so the Sun quickly got on the air without any warning to readers of the debut broadcast.
Here are the newspaper stories for the 14th, 15th and 16th (page one, no less).
Radiophones Simple To Operate Despite Mysterious Status
[Vancouver Sun, Tuesday, March 14, 1922]
THREE HUNDRED years ago a person that would dare suggest that the human voice could be heard 1000 miles by the use of any device, would immediately be elected to the select circle of spookism.
Today, amateur radio operators of from 14 to 20 years of age look upon other beings as more or less stupid if they have not progressed from the student stage in wireless research.
The contrast herein is solely due to the fact that wireless is not so involved, scientific of mysterious as the average citizen believes.
This fact is being emphasized more every day and as it is the army of radio operators is increasing.
Fifteen years ago wireless activities were confined to sparks and codes. With the introduction of radiophones, where music, words, sermons, speeches or other sounds can be transmitted easily and clearly, the art is becoming of general interest.
It is safe to say that there will be hundreds who will avail themselves of The Sun’s radiophone service when it is installed.
Sun Radio Telephone Broadcasts Musical Numbers and News
[Vancouver Sun, Wed., March 15, 1922]
Latest news reports and a musical programme were broadcasted over The Sun’s radiophone last night. The news service consisted of a digest of world happenings, while the musical programme included some of the latest and best-known selections. Two world news bulletins were spoken slowly in order to be audible to all operators.
There will be another programme tonight. Starting at 8 o’clock, The Sun’s radiophone will broadcast a summary of the latest local and world happenings in the form of news bulletins. From 8:30 till 9:30 there will be a musical programme of selected numbers.
The Sun’s radiophone has been in operation for several days, since the announcement of the inception of this service by the paper over a week ago. It has been in communication with Seattle and as far south as San Francisco.
Announcement of programmes which will be broadcasted over The Sun’s radiophone will be made daily.
Sun Radiophone Broadcast Lauded
[Vancouver Sun, Thurs., March 16, 1922]
“Hear you perfectly, modulation excellent.”
Such was the comment that poured into The Sun office last night. From all parts of the city, from New Westminster, North Vancouver and other points came reports that The Sun’s Radio Broadcast registered clearly and distinctly. Working on a 200 metre wave length, the Radio Broadcast got into operation promptly at 8 o’clock and within a few minutes amateurs were enthusiastically telephoning that they were getting excellent service.
“Am getting great results, marvellous modulation, don’t stop,” phoned one enthusiast who was much excited over the fact that his instrument actually caught and gave forth the news bulletins as spoken.
REPORTS CLEAR
C. Longley, Radio 5 A.H., 3351 Quebec Street, was highly elated. He telephoned The Sun saying that the news reports were very clear and that they had been easily and distinctly heard. Some of the fainter musical selections were a little difficult to hear, he said.
“The Wabash Blues, however, were very good,” he stated.
[line unreadable] called up The Sun office and remarked on the clearness with which the news bulletins were received in that city.
“The news reports were heard very plainly,” he said. “The modulation was excellent.”
F. Sterling, Arbutus and Third, heard the broadcast very distinctly, he stated. He said that The Sun’s radio recorded on his instrument better than he expected and much better than other broadcasts he has caught.
One enthusiat who has been following closely The Sun’s announcement concerned its radio phone service, called up over the telephone last night and asked to be connected with the radio phone.
“I’ll hold the phone until you can connect me up,” he said.
Some time later it may be possible for The Sun to make these connections.
AMATEURS JUBILANT
Amateurs, naturally jubilant that the broadcast was being sent out on a low wave length, were not slow to tell The Sun of their pleasure. By working at 200 metres, all the amateur stations could easily tune in on the broadcast, and it is the intention of The Sun to operate at that wave length.
Gerald Newmarch, Radio 5 C.D., on Comox Street, gave considerable assistance last night by checking in at regular intervals, reporting on his the broadcast was registering on his instrument, and all amateurs can assist in the success of The Sun’s daily radio programme by co-operating with The Sun in this. Call up Sey. 40 and ask for the radio man; he will appreciate your interest.
COVERS WIDE RANGE
The Sun’s Radio news programme last night covered a wide range of events. A resume of the latest market reports giving closing quotations and summary was broadcasted from 8 till 8:15 o’clock. Following that flashes received from all parts of the world were given out. Items from London, Dublin, Constantinople, Johannesburg, El Paso, New York, Chicago and other points were sent out in quick succession.
The musical programme broadcasted last night was “Underneath [line unreadable] sung by Enrico Caruso; “Bright Eyes,” “Wabash Blues,” “Humoresque,” played by Kreisler, and “Sal-O-May.” The last number registered very effectively, according to reports telephoned the Broadcasting station, and it was repeated by request.
RADIO PROGRAMME
The Sun’s Radiophone Broadcast Tonight on a 200-metre wavelength is as follows:
7:30 p.m.—Latest market reports and summary of news reports received right up to that time.
7:45—Concert numbers.
8:00—Sport report and special wire despatches.
8:15—Musical selections.
8:30—Resume of important news.
8:45—Music.
9:00—Final flashes from every corner of the world, including important local news happenings.
The musical numbers that will be broadcasted at 7:45, 8:15 and 8:45 are as follows—“Bow Bow Blues,” “La Forsa Del Destine,” sung by Stracofiari and Hacket; “I ain’t Nobody’s Darling,” “Cuckoo,” “O Terra Addio” from Aida, sung by Rosa Ponselle and Hackett; “Frankee and Johnny,” “It’s You.”
Remember the wave length is 200 metres, and don’t forget to phone Sey. 40 and ask for the radio man; he wants you to co-operate by checking up the broadcast and reporting to him.