The 1940s
War-Time Radio
WBRU's "Man-on-the-Campus" interviews mimicked the "Man-on-the-Street" programs of commercial radio stations. Here, Charles Scovil, Jr., '44 (left) interviews William Meyers '44.
World War II changed the Brown Network, leaving it with a new purpose and programming, an expanded staff, and the call letters WBRU.
As men left campus to enlist, the Brown Network operated with a reduced staff. Students in Brown's Army and Navy ROTC units began contributing to the Network's programming. Members of the Naval unit developed a morning show of swing music and official military bulletins. Army students produced a weekly series called "Taps" that featured quiz shows and concerts by Army musicians. The ROTC shows helped connect Brown to the war effort, and entertain students during a tense time.
In 1944, the Brown Network aired four hours a day, five days a week. The Army and Navy programs alternated with all-request music shows, a comedy called "Anything Goes," and broadcasts of baseball and basketball games.
Joe Palastak (left) and John Dillingham (right) direct WBRU's 10th Anniversary Show, November 1946.
In 1945, the Brown Network marked the end of an era by changing its call letters "BUBC" (for the Brown University Broadcasting Company) to "WBRU."
By 1946, with the war over, WBRU enjoyed the benefits of a larger staff (75 students), new equipment, and more business from national advertisers.
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