Suggested Further Research

A History of the Walter C. Bridges Broadcast Stations

Besides WEBC and the two Bridges stations mentioned in this thesis--- WMFG in Hibbing MN and WHLB in Virginia MN --- the study could include WJMC in Rice Lake WI, WHSM in Hayward WI, WEAU and WEAU-TV in Eau Claire WI, and WISC-TV in Madison WI. Bridges' daughter, Mary Smith, and Jorgenson's memoir would be good starting points.

A Biography of Walter C. Bridges

A true broadcast pioneer, Bridges was a technical innovator. He also prompted strong reactions, pro and con, from those with whom he worked. Bridges' daughter, Mary Smith, has expressed an interest in providing financial assistance for a biography of her father. Jorgenson's memoir would be helpful here.

Duluth-Superior FM Radio History.

WDUL(FM) and WEBC-FM were the first FM radio stations in Duluth/Superior. After WEBC-FM left the air in 1950, only a year passed until WHSA(FM) was put on the air as an instructional FM station in Brule, 40 miles to the east. KUMD followed in 1962, and WWJC-FM in 1965 which was the first commercial FM in Duluth in the post-WEBC-FM era. Bruce Elving, Ph.D. has done work in this area.

A History of Rock Music on Duluth-Superior Radio

Stations programming Top 40 or Rock music include WDSM (1957-58), WEBC (1955-82), WAKX (1964-67), WDTH(FM) - the first FM rocker (1972-76), WAKX-FM 1976-78), KZIO(FM) (1979-96), KQDS(FM), and WRBR(FM). Possible sources include Dave Gordon of Duluth, Don Rose of San Francisco, and Lew Latto of Duluth who was a disk jockey at WDSM and WEBC in their early Top 40 years, and was owner of WAKX AM/FM.

A History of Extinct Duluth-Superior Stations

Besides stations mentioned in this thesis--- WFAC, KFMS, WJAP, WDUL(FM), WREX, WSBR, WEBC-FM, AND WDTH(FM)--- the study could include WIGL (1961-64). Roger Elm, Earl Henton, and Lew Latto are good sources who still reside in the area.

NBC Radio Network Programming Decisions Made By WEBC, 1928-1945.

The study could examine the local programming choices made between the offerings of NBC's Red and Blue Networks. The full slate of both networks is a matter of record. WEBC's daily listings were published in the local papers, just as TV schedules are today. An examination of programs selected and those rejected could prove a worthy critical study.

Duluth-Superior Broadcasting During World War II

WEBC, KDAL, and WDSM were all on the air for the duration. Studies of technical concerns could include the industry-wide ten percent power reduction and parts scarcity. Programming studies could look at morale-building programming originating locally (coverage of ship launches, bond sales, scrap drives, etc) and localized news coverage of the war itself (casualties, citations for local servicemen). Few people survive who were involved in programming decisions during this period, but radio programs still made news in the daily papers in that era. Library microfilm records could be studied.

Duluth-Superior Television History

Included would be WFTV channel 38 (1953-54), KDAL-TV channel 3 and WDSM-TV channel 6 (begun 1954), WDSE-TV channel 8 (begun 1964), WDIO-TV channel 10 (begun 1966), and KNLD-TV channel 21, (begun 1995). Earl Henton (see Appendix B) is a good source for both the short-lived WFTV and the start of KDAL-TV. The three commercial TV stations maintain their own limited archives.

A History of Christian/Religious Radio in Duluth-Superior

Beginning with WWJC in 1965, through the failure of WNLT in 1981, and a flurry of FM licenses in the 1980's and 90's. Roger Elm (see Appendix B) is a good source. Researcher John Bass is exploring this area.