RADIO STATION AT FAIR IS GETTING SPLENDID RESULTS

    Machinery for the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio broadcasting station arrived today, and will be set up this afternoon for preliminary tests tonight. The installation of the equipment will take three or four days, and it is now expected to have the plant in operation by December 17th. This is a tentative date, however, definite announcement of the opening to be made through these columns. The Crater Club of this city will present the first program.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 10, 1926, page 5

    The Mail Tribune-Virgin broadcasting station, KMED, went on the air yesterday afternoon, in a test, and hundreds of radio fans in southern Oregon and northern California "listened in" at the initial program. Scores of telephone calls were received from local and out-of-town points. The reception, on a 250 wavelength, was clear and distinct.
    Tomorrow evening the informal opening of the station will be held with the broadcasting of "The Star of Bethlehem," a cantata presented by the choir of the Christian Church of this city.
    The formal opening of the station presented by the Craters Club of this city will be held the coming week. The program will consist of music, short talks, song numbers and features by local talent.
    Regular programs will be given thereafter consisting of musical numbers, local and general news, market reports and other radio attractions.
    The following program was broadcasted last night:
    Instrumental trio--Violin, flute, and piano--W. T. Bolger, flute; Mrs. Bernice Bolger, violin; Mrs. George Andrews, piano--Selection from "The Fortune Teller" by Victor Herbert.
    H. H. Corliss, bass--"I Am a Pirate King"--from "The Pirates of Penzance."
    George Maddox, tenor--Mrs. Geo. Andrews at the Steinway--"Ah Moon of My Delight," from the "Persian Garden," by Liza Lehmann.
    Trio--Serenade by Gounod--Mrs. Bernice Bolger, violin; W. T. Bolger, flute, Mrs. Geo. Andrews, piano.
    Duet--Maddox brothers--George Maddox, tenor; Rupert Maddox, baritone--"The Enchanted Glade."
    H. H. Corliss, bass, accompanied on the Steinway by Mrs. George Andrews--"I Am a Jolly Old Rover."
    W. Carlton Janes, violinist--Siegmund's Love Song from Valkyrie, Wagner. As a (b) number, Prelude, Massenet. Mr. Janes was accompanied by Mrs. George Andrews on the Steinway.
    Rupert Maddox, baritone--"Shipmates o' Mine" by Sanderson.
    Trio--"The Shepherd Boy" by Wilson--Mrs. Bernice Bolger, violin; Mr. W. T. Bolger, flute, and Mrs. George Andrews, piano.
    George Maddox--"My Jean" by Caro Mora.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 26, 1926, page 6

    Jackson County now has a real radio broadcasting station. Medford is the home of KMED, made possible by the enterprise of the Mail Tribune and Mr. Virgin, radio dealer. KMED is on the air every night, and offers very good programs. You will find them by turning the wavelength to 250.
Central Point American, December 31, 1926, page 1






    With an address by Judge W. M. Colvig, pioneer resident of Southern Oregon, extolling Rogue River Valley as the ideal place to live and with a speech equally as good on general game conditions by W. R. Coleman, state superintendent of fish screens, the first program to be broadcast by the Medford Realty Board last night over station KMED, the Mail Tribune and Virgin station, was hailed today as being one of the best yet heard since the station opened.
    Judge Colvig, opening his speech with a Chinook Indian jargon of which he is a thorough master, went as far back as the days of Nineveh and Babylon to gradually build up the history of Southern Oregon, telling of early days, bringing his listeners up to the present time. Despite his 82 years, his voice was exceptionally clear, even if it was his first experience in front of a transmitting microphone.
    In a thorough manner Mr. Coleman, well versed in game matters, told of Oregon's game resources in such a way as to leave no doubt of the attractions in this section. He also dwelt on the future of the country, giving an optimistic word picture.
    After he had completed his talk he was asked: "How do you keep so young, Mr. Coleman? How old are you?"
    "I am 56."
    "How do you do it?"
    By eating Rogue River Valley fruit with its spray residue for every day during the past 40 years."
    Judge Colvig attributed his good health to the climate and correct living.
    Several numbers were presented by the Medford Realty Board orchestra, and a number of vocal selections were given by Mrs. Raymond Ballard while L. Pettit presented violin solos. Telegrams were received from Tacoma, Wash., and Honolulu, H.T., reporting that the programs were being received with remarkable clarity. The latter wire came from Dr. O'Day, old friends of the Judge.
    The program of the preceding hour was presented through the courtesy of the Virgin Radio Service shop by the Fada Eight Orchestra, the latest musical aggregation in the valley and one of the best. It is composed of the following members: Herb Alford, banjo and saxophone; Ralph Gill, clarinet and saxophone; Ruth Vimont, violin; C. T. Robertson of Ashland, drums; Miss Ruby Timmons, piano. The orchestra is equally as good as those heard from metropolitan stations, having a large number of special effects and an unusual amount of enthusiasm.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 4, 1927, page 2


    Following the news and market items as furnished nightly by the Associated Press leased wire of this paper, KMED, the Mail Tribune and W. J. Virgin radio broadcasting station, will present two full hours of entertainment tonight through the courtesy of F. J. McPherson, well-known local clothier and Young's hardware Store, commencing at 8 o'clock.
    The following numbers will be presented in order by the McPherson orchestra: "In the Middle of the Night," "Always," "In a Little Spanish Town," "Idolizing," "Me Too," "Hello Blue Bird," "Put Your Arms Where They Belong," "Caroline," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Hello Aloha," "That's Why I Love You" and "Lonesome Melody." Violin solo, a baritone selection and an accordion solo will be features of the hour's entertainment. The McPherson store, located on North Central Avenue, will present similar programs on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
    Following is the program to be presented this evening from 8 o'clock by Young's Hardware Store:
    1. Melody in F (Rubenstein) by the Aerolia Trio, Vaughn Quackenbush, Carl Quackenbush and Al Cummings.
    2. Son--Melody of Love (Engleman) by Fidelis Piatt, accompanied by Don Piatt.
    3. Violin solo--A Little Grey Home in the West (Lohr)--La Cinquantine (Gabriel-Marie) by Vaughn Quackenbush, accompanied by Al Cummings.
    4. Song--Memories (Alstyne) by Fidelis Piatt.
    5. Simple Confession (Thomas) by Aerolia Trio.
    6. Song--Since I Kissed You (Cadman), Fidelis Piatt.
    7. Violin Solo--Eleanor (Deppen)--Love Came Calling (Zamecnik) by Vaughn Quackenbush.
    8. Song--Who Knows (Ball) by Fidelis Piatt.
    9. A Perfect Day (Carrie Jacobs Bond)--Aerolia Trio.
    10. Those Songs My Mother Used to Sing (Smith)--Fidelis Piatt.
    11. Violin Solo--Sing Me to Sleep (Green)--Vaughn Quackenbush.
    From 8 to 9 o'clock tomorrow night, the Armory Service Station will present Nick Kime, old-time fiddler who will play a number of selections, and during an intermission of the musical program C. L. Wolf, the tire man and proprietor of the station, will give a short speech on rubber and tires.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 4, 1927, page 3


    The usual general news and market reports, as furnished by the Associated Press leased wire of this paper, will be broadcast tonight at 6:45 instead of 7:45 over KMED, the Mail Tribune and W. J. Virgin radio broadcasting station, due to the fact that tonight's programs will commence at 7 o'clock, featuring for the first hour music by the Four Aces through the courtesy of the People's Electric Store and for the second hour a program arranged by Mr. and Mrs. W. Carleton Janes. The latter will be presented by the Jackson County Creamery.
    Tomorrow night, following the regular news broadcast at 7:45, the Associated Buick Dealers of Southern Oregon will give a program, featuring the Buick Master Six Orchestra in a program of an hour, while Saturday night from 10 to 11:30 p.m. the Nite Hawks will furnish music from the Oriental Gardens.
    An exceptionally good program is promised for Sunday night from 9 to 10:30 when the Pirates of Penzance, a popular opera, will be presented through the courtesy of the Russell's Department Store.
    Following is the cast: Pirate King, H. H. Corliss; Samuel, Rupert Maddox; Frederick, a pirate apprentice, George Maddox; Major General Stanley of the British army, A. C. Burgess; sergeant of police, Fletcher Fish; Ruth, a piratical maid of all work, Mrs. Edna Isaacs; Edith, a daughter, Zita Maddox; Kate, Ethel Burgess; Mabel, the favorite daughter, Nellie Andrews Hazelrigg. The cast also includes an ensemble of General Stanley's other daughters, pirates and policemen.
    Act I takes place on the coast of England in a pirate lair and Act II has its location on General Stanley's estate.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 6, 1927, page 2


    Music by the Bob-o-Link Orchestra was presented last night from 6:30 to 7:30 by Russell's Department Store, over KMED, giving valley radio fans an ideal dinner concert, interspersed with special numbers, including accordion and violin solos by members of the musical organization. Russell's, Inc., is a regular broadcaster over the Mail Tribune and W. J. Virgin broadcasting station and is rapidly becoming popular to all listeners of the valley.
    Over 20 contestants took part last night in the Gates and Lydiard contest, which took more than an hour to present, taking a part of the time allotted to Walker's dance hall. The hour from 8 to 9 was used by the Jackson County Creamery, presenting a varied selection of musical numbers.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 28, 1927, page 5


    Commencing at 6 o'clock this evening KMED, the Mail Tribune and W. J. Virgin radio station, will be on the air with a musical program for Russell's Inc., until 7 o'clock, with the Mail Tribune news reports presented at 6:15. The station will be on the air until 12 o'clock, closing down with the end of the old-time fiddlers' contest in Walker's dance hall.
    From 7 to 8 the Associated Buick Dealers of Southern Oregon will present the D.O.K.K. band in a series of popular and classical numbers, followed by the Jackson County Creamery from 8 to 9 and Gates & Lydiard from 9 to 10. Walker's hall will be on the air for two hours from 10 to 12 with the fiddlers' contest, which is attracting county-wide interest.
    The D.O.K.K. band program was published yesterday and will follow its schedule of numbers. Russell's Inc. program will feature the Bob-o-Link Orchestra, presenting popular numbers and instrumental solos.
    The Jackson County Creamery will present the Gold Seal Trio, composed of Bernice Bolger, violin; Charles D. Hazelrigg, piano; W. T. Bolger, flute; Katherine Wendt, soprano, and Catherine White, comedy recitations, will also take part in the program.
    The three winners of the Gates & Lydiard music contest of last week will present an hour of entertainment on vocal and instrumental selections. The Walker fiddlers' contest will present two hours of music.
    Following is the program to be presented by Russell's Inc.:
    "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain," "Tonight's My Night with Baby," "Blue Bonnet"; piano solo, by a member of the Bob-o-Link orchestra; "That's Why I love You"; "I Never Knew How Wonderful You Were"; "You Need Someone to Love"; selection by the orchestra, "Roses of Picardy"; "Too Many Parties"; "Lonesome Melody o' Mine"; "An Old-Fashioned Girl"; saw solo, by a member of the Bob-o-Link Orchestra"; "Idolizing"; "A Round About Way to Heaven"; "Mary Lou."
    Tomorrow from 2:30 to 3:30 Virgin's Radio Service will be on the air with their regular weekly program, followed in the evening by a presentation by the Liberty Market featuring Nick Kime, old-time fiddler. The news and market reports, as furnished by this paper, will be on the air at 6:45.
    That the station is being heard by distant listeners is evidenced by the letter received today from J. H. F. Lacey of Vanderhoof, B.C., over 900 miles from Medford. He listened to the music contest put on by Gates & Lydiard last Thursday night and reported that it was plainly heard. He sent in a vote for Number 19, a vocal selection.
    They also heard the music from Walker's dance hall.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 3, 1927, page 8


    In one of the most deserving cases ever brought to the attention of local and valley citizens, KMED, the Mail Tribune and W. J. Virgin radio station, came to the aid of the F. A. Blaesing family, who lost all when fire destroyed their farm home on the Crater Lake Highway Tuesday evening, last night, by putting on a benefit broadcast program, which netted the family over $1000 in cash, furniture, groceries, clothes and other household needs. The condition of Mrs. Blaesing and her four-year-old son, who were burned as a result of the fire, was reported to be better today.
    Cash donations, which last night, following a two-hour program, totaled $508.80, ranged from 50 cents to $26.60, with donors making themselves known from all parts of the valley, including Ashland, Talent, Jacksonville, Gold Hill, Central Point and Medford. Donations other than cash and clothing included stoves, ranges, complete sets of dishes, laundry service, free milk, wood, meats, groceries, home-canned fruit, potatoes, flour, beds, mattresses and merchandise credit at local stores.
    The benefit program was made possible through Mr. Virgin, who donated the use of his station, musicians who donated time and William Gates and John Dennison, who acted as announcers. Mr. Gates, who was in charge of the microphone for the greater part of the evening, eloquently presented the needs of the family, and through his persuasive pleas a large amount of the donations are principally due.
    While a large number of donations were phoned to the station last night over three phones, more were still coming in today, showing that practically the majority of the valley and local residents have receiving sets. A complete list of the donors is to be published tomorrow, demonstrating how efficiently KMED covers the local field. A number of replies to the radio pleas are expected from out of county and state points and are expected to be arriving for days to come.
    When Mrs. Blaesing is released from the hospital, which is presumed to be within four weeks, she will be able to rejoin her family and find that Medford and out-of-town residents have taken such an interest in the case that she will find a home completely furnished and clothing available for the entire family. Enough groceries have been donated to care for the needs for a month and one dairy donated two quarts of milk daily for 30 days. Several tiers of wood will take care of the heating question, while Russell's Department Store donated credit enough for the family to be completely outfitted in hosiery and underwear.
    The selections of music played were sold to highest bidders, one of whom, William Hanson, gave $25 to hear one selection. The Shrine Patrol turned in a $26.60 donation and the Knights of Pythias turned in $25. The California Oregon Power Company gave $15 cash.
    The following musicians donated services for the two-hour program, which commenced at 7, stopped at 8 and resumed at 9, after the Buick program: Miss Ruby Timmons, Miss Gladys La Marr, Miss G. Brown, Mrs. Clay Witham, Miss Lorraine Stoltze, Robert Stoltze, James Johnson, Mr. Estes, Herb Alford, Ralph Gill, Keith Cole, Margaret Dickey, Lloyd Williamson, Fletcher, Fish, Roy Finch and William Waite and others in reserve.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 19, 1927, page 6


    Making its debut in Southern Oregon last night between 10 and 11 o'clock, over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, Esterly's Southern Oregonians, a new dance orchestra, made a decided hit with radio fans in this section as well as in other parts of the state, 200 requests being received during the hour in addition to five telegrams. The orchestra, which will appear at the Jackson Hot Springs tomorrow evening, will broadcast again tonight from 9 to 10.
    The musical aggregation is composed of seven pieces and is directed by Daniel Esterly, who formerly was the radio announcer at KFSD in San Diego. Its members are all local musicians, all of whom are well versed in music, causing Mr. Esterly to be sincere that the orchestra will be one of the best Southern Oregon has ever heard. According to present plans, it will play every Wednesday evening at the Hot Springs pavilion, following tomorrow night's dance.
    Tonight's radio request program is in answer to the insistence of Southern Oregon listeners, and all requests are urged to be sent in before 9 o'clock in order that the program may be properly arranged.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 10, 1927, page 2


    The daily mail of KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin broadcasting station, covers many instances of people from distant points voluntarily writing to Bill Virgin to tell of the fine programs they had enjoyed on their home sets. The latest, dated August 19th, was received today from A. Sanford Allen of 3850 Sixth Street, San Diego, Calif., who writes as follows:
    Thursday night, August 19, I enjoyed a program of great variety from your station. I listened from about 11:00 p.m. till slightly after midnight, when you signed off. During this program I heard "Ain't She Sweet," "Brainstorm" and "Side by Side," by the orchestra; also a whistling solo, "Indian Love Call," and a vocal solo, "Muddy Water." I also heard many other numbers including some old-fashioned dance music. I heard this program clearly with my one-tube Crosley "Pup," and would very much appreciate a verification of this report.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 23, 1927, page 3


    In the quiet New England home, the rambling adobe hacienda of old Mexico, the lone ranger's cabin in the Alaska mountains and on the great steamers plowing through the waters of the Pacific Ocean, radio programs from the Mail Tribune-Virgin broadcasting station K.M.E.D. are heard and enjoyed. From far and wide, radio fans have been in the habit of spinning the dial to Medford's station when they are seeking real radio entertainment, for K.M.E.D.'s programs are always carefully planned and never fail to draw a flood of letters from fans in every section of the country.
    Few cities in the United States the size of Medford have a licensed radio broadcasting station, and few cities of any size can offer programs equaling in entertainment those of the Mail Tribune-Virgin station.
    K.M.E.D.'s home is located in the Sparta building at Riverside and Main Street in this city, connected by remote control with the offices of the Medford Mail Tribune on North Fir Street. The service afforded fans is more complete than most larger cities offer. In the morning between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 an hour program of music, household hints and recipes are broadcast for the benefit of housewives. At noon time there is a special program and in the afternoon there is often a program "on the air." At 6:15 o'clock the Mail Tribune sends out local and Associated Press news items followed by a special dinner-hour program, and in the evening K.M.E.D. may often be heard until midnight.
    When the elections are held, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station broadcasts regular dispatches. When championship prize fights are held a blow-by-blow account of the fray is sent out while the fight is in progress. When a World Series baseball game is on, K.M.E.D. fans are thrilled by a detailed play-by-play report, and when the great college teams face each other on the gridiron, local radio owners may "tune in" and get the game in detail while it is being played. All surrounding cities, Roseburg, Grants Pass, Ashland, Eagle Point and such towns as Jacksonville, Ruch, Trail and Prospect keep in touch with happenings through K.M.E.D.'s service. Far off in the mountains, at Crater Lake in the heart of winter, at the Diamond Lake lodge and in remote ranger cabins, people's lives are made brighter through the entertainments provided them by the Mail Tribune-Virgin station.
    Medford's radio station is nearing its first birthday, and its popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. Credit is due W. J. Virgin for his excellent management of K.M.E.D., and Mr. Virgin and the Mail Tribune are deserving of credit for their enterprise of progressiveness in supplying a radio station for Medford and Southern Oregon.
Medford Mail Tribune, September 14, 1927, page C2



    Each day brings scores of telegrams, letters, cards and long distance telephone calls from radio fans who have "listened in" and enjoyed programs from KMED, the popular Southern Oregon broadcasting station owned and operated by W. J. Virgin and the Medford Mail Tribune. From sunny Mexico to the rugged mountain country of northern Canada and Alaska, people have been tuning in on KMED's radio entertainment, and this station has won an enviable reputation for the excellence of its programs.
    Few cities of the size of Medford have the distinction of having an up-to-the-minute radio broadcasting station, and KMED has a record of having more churches broadcasting services that any similar station in the United States. Eleven remote control wires enter the Sparta building studio of KMED, and four of these are owned by the station. A direct wire connects the studio with the offices of the Mail Tribune and Associated Press, and local news items and markets are sent out daily over the ether together with election returns and play-by-play accounts of great sporting events.
    Through KMED's service, communities surrounding Medford are kept more closely in touch with valley, state, national and international news as well as afforded a chance to enjoy carefully prepared musical programs and radio frolics. World Series baseball games are given to them direct from the great eastern ball parks. Thrilling play-by-play accounts of gridiron tilts and basketball games are brought instantly to their homes while ringside blow-by-blow reports of championship prize fights also come to them over KMED. Medford merchants, too, have used the Mail Tribune-Virgin station to familiarize the public with their stores.
    KMED station has been "on the air" for more than a year and its popularity has increased with phenomenal rapidity as evidenced by the increasing volume of fan mail. It is managed by W. J. Virgin, well-known local radio expert, and operated under the supervision of the Federal Radio Commission.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1928, page B6


    Showing that KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, is being well received in Roseburg, two letters were recently received by W. J. Virgin from Taylor's Battery and Electric Shop of Roseburg on the merits of the local station.
    The first letter, which was written January 12, is as follows:
    "We have missed your station the last few days during the noon hour. Has the station been silent, or are conditions different than they have been for the last few weeks?  For some time we have been able to get you perfect during the noon hour. We have put on a noon concert from your station until the last few days. When your station is on in the daytime we get wonderful reception and look forward to more from your station and will tune in every day to find out it you are there or not."
    The second letter, which was written January 16, is as follows:
    "Today's reception is exceptional from your station. My set can be heard for over a block this noon. Yesterday's program from your station, I believe I am safe in saying, was enjoyed by over 2000 people right here in town, and reports from the country would lead us to believe that at least that many people heard the reception in the country. It came in perfect. I was glad to hear you announce today that you would be on every noon this week. We will listen for the pipe organ concert Friday night.
    "I want you to know that we are enjoying these programs from your station and hope they continue."
Medford Mail Tribune, January 22, 1928, page 3


    The condition of W. J. Virgin of KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station here, was reported to be improving today, following his collapse last night at the broadcasting station, from where he was immediately taken home. It was feared at first that he was the victim of a stroke of paralysis, but later examination showed that such was not the case.
    For a time Mr. Virgin lost the use of one leg and arm, but regained the use a short time after he arrived home. He will probably be incapacitated for over two weeks.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 25, 1928, page 2


    D. E. Thrasher, who has been connected  with KMED for some time past as assistant operator, is now in charge of the local radio station during the absence of W. J. Virgin, the owner, who collapsed at the station during a broadcasting hour Tuesday night.
    The condition of Mr. Virgin was reported as no better today.
    The station will be operated as usual, and Medford and Southern Oregon radio fans are assured that they will receive the same good radio service that was theirs when Mr. Virgin was in personal charge.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 27, 1928, page 7


     William Johnston Virgin died at his home, 1403 East Main Street, Friday evening, January 27, 1928, aged 41 years, 6 months and 3 days. His illness, extending over a number of years, became acute a few days ago. His death came as a shock to scores of friends throughout Southern Oregon.
    He was born July 8, 1886, in Wisconsin, and at an early age came to the Rogue River Valley, his father being one of the pioneer business men of the county, owning the Central Point flour mills.
    Bill, as he was known, was a companionable and sunny soul. In his youth he was a football player for the Ashland high school, and they still tell of his deeds upon the gridiron. He also attended the University of Oregon. He served in the United States navy and was always highly interested in electrical work.
    He was a pioneer in the radio business of this section and established the first radio store in this city. He later established a radio broadcasting station at the county fairgrounds, which grew into KMED, which he operated at time of his death.
    Mr. Virgin was a charter member of the local Rotary Club and a member of the Medford lodge of Elks.
    Besides a wide circle of friends, Mr. Virgin is survived by his wife, Mary B. Virgin, and his mother, Mrs. C. A. Owen of Ashland.
    The funeral services will be held from the Perl funeral home, the date of which will be announced later.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 28, 1928, page 2


    KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, will not be on the air until early next week, due to the death last night of its well-known owner, W. J. Virgin. An announcement will probably be made the first of the week as to the date of the reopening.
    Phone calls were received from all parts of the county today from radio fans who had listened to KMED since its establishment over a year ago. Old and young telephoned this office and called personally telling of their regret over Mr. Virgin's sudden passing. Phone calls were received prior to his death telling how his voice was missed as announcer and how hopes were held that he would soon be able to return to his duties.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 28, 1928, page 6


    After having been off the air since Friday because of the death of W. J. Virgin, KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station will be on the air again tomorrow night with news items from the Mail Tribune at 6:15 and tabernacle services at 7:30. The absence of the station from the air has caused many telephone calls to be received at this office, with the majority inquiring whether or not the tabernacle services would be broadcast last night.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 30, 1928, page 3


    The ministers of the city, who have been broadcasting services over KMED for several months, and who had come in personal contact with W. J. Virgin, who was always so pleasant and obliging to them, and who were grief-stricken at the news of his death, adopted these resolutions, which were read at the Sunday evening services in the tabernacle:
        Because of the very great sorrow that has come upon our city by the sudden death of our esteemed citizen, Mr. W. J. Virgin;
    Be it resolved that we, the ministers of Medford, do express our unqualified appreciation of the fine brotherly spirit, and unstinted generosity of Mr. W. J. Virgin, who because of his love and interest in the best things made possible the broadcasting program of the churches in the city.
    Furthermore, be it resolved that we express our sincere sympathy to his widow, Mrs. W. J. Virgin, in this, the time of her great bereavement, and that a copy of these resolutions to be published in the Mail Tribune and Daily News and be spread upon the minutes of the ministerial association.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 30, 1928, page 3


    Tuesday evening, from 8:00 to 9:00 the California Oregon Power Company will sponsor a radio program over the local radio station, KMED, which will be a new departure in radio broadcasting from Medford. The broadcast will feature a radio drama, based on historical facts, which will be of interest to all residents of Oregon.
    The play is called "The Birth of Oregon" and relates the proceedings of the meeting of the settlers of the Willamette Valley, held at Champoeg, Oregon on May 3, 1843. The action of the story will be related as though it were being broadcast from the Willamette Valley location at the time the action took place.
    The dramatization of this historical episode was written by a Medford man, and all of the characters will be portrayed by citizens of this city. The California Oregon Power Company feels that this program will be of particular interest to school children and all others interested in Oregon history.
    As this program is merely a trial of a new method of broadcasting, the sponsors of the program will appreciate hearing the reaction of their listeners, and if this drama is satisfactorily received, others of like nature may follow.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 6, 1928, page 3


    The new policy which W. J. (Bill) Virgin had outlined to make KMED a big-time radio service, able to hold its own with other monarchs of the air, was interrupted by the radio pioneer's death. Plans are already underway for their immediate execution, and Medford is to have a radio service bigger and better than ever before.
    The station will continue to be known as KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, and the Mail Tribune will maintain its same interest as formerly. This paper will furnish exclusive news, sporting events and markets from its full leased wire Associated Press dispatches and its local news and editorial force.
    With the assistance of William Gates, who on account of his friendship and close association with Mr. Virgin, was familiar and conversant with the plans of Bill Virgin. Mrs. Virgin will handle the actual management of the station. Her service, which has been invaluable in the past, will be renewed with double effort in the execution of the new policy.
    Earle Davis, formerly connected with KFWB of Hollywood, has been secured as announcer. Davis, a well-known lecturer, was called the "Billy Sunday of the Marines," and will be remembered by some of the local residents for his fiery lecture delivered here when he came through Medford on a tour of the Northwest in 1920. Davis, apart from his pleasant voice and ready wit, is said by experts to possess what is distinctly known as a "radio personality." The new announcer was induced to accept the position in Medford through the influence of relatives who live in Rogue River Valley, together with the appeal held by the far-reaching policy of the local station in this year's program.
    That KMED is one of the greatest publicity assets of the valley is the realization of local business interests, who for the past four days have been signing long contracts to get the preferable "air space" for their advertising programs, according to William Gates.
    "I didn't fully realize just how much benefit comes to this community from the broadcasting station until I looked over the files of KMED and found what a wide area was reached through the programs. For instance, Hunt's Craterian organ program was received a few days ago in Pennsylvania. A letter was received here from a Pennsylvania radio fan who went into details over the program, even going so far as to comment upon the various selections played.
    "This convinced me conclusively that KMED is one of the biggest assets in the way of publicity that the valley has ever had or can hope to have," he said. Mr. Gates has volunteered his time and assistance to Mrs. Virgin in getting the new radio policy under way, and states that the public is due for a pleasant surprise in the way of service in the immediate future.
    One of the principal new features, which was to be introduced at the beginning of the year for the benefit of subscribers of air space, will be inaugurated within the next two weeks. This will provide a contact between the radio listener and the ads appearing in the Mail Tribune, which is bound to greatly increase the readers of the ads of subscribing merchants. Naturally, the connection of the Mail Tribune with the station makes this an exclusive Mail Tribune feature and puts this paper in the position of being able to render a service to its advertisers which is not offered by any other newspaper on the Pacific Coast. This feature will be fully explained to all prospective subscribers, who are to be called upon within the next few days.
    Under the new plan of management the programs are to pass a rigid censorship, and only the finest arrangement of talent will be permitted to broadcast. An organization of local talent will be effected and occasional guest artists will be imported to create a far-reaching demand for KMED programs.
    Among those who have grasped the opportunity to arrange for long-term contracts under the new policy is the California Oregon Power Company, who is loud in its praises of the reaction received from past programs. That company will double its efforts during the next year, and, from what was disclosed of their plans, it is apparent that the Copco programs will become a popular feature.
    Mann's Department Store has also signed a year's contract and is planning something unique in the way of a weekly program. The local service clubs will rotate in their weekly programs, giving each club a chance to broadcast once a month. The Realty Board is also expected to continue their former beneficial activity through this medium of Rogue River Valley publicity.
    Snider's Dairy signed a long contract with the local radio service this noon and will also be among the larger concerns to be heard on the air programs. Business men who want preference space are requested to get in touch with William Gates or Mrs. Virgin early, as the space is going rapidly.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 7, 1928, page 1


    "The voice of a great country" is the slogan to be incorporated in the introduction of KMED programs from now on, according to Wm. A. Gates, principal speaker at the Realty Board meeting this noon. Giving voice to the Realty Board slogan for advertising the Rogue River Valley was the idea suggested by Gates, who for the past week has been out to sell the local radio station to the community.
    Gates said that the full announcement over the Medford station will now be "Southern Oregon station, KMED, at Medford; the voice of a great country." This will precede and follow each program broadcast.
    The Realty Board voted unanimously on signing a year's contract with KMED, and will broadcast an official program once a week. Carl Tengwald was appointed chairman to take charge of the programs and will announce his first plans the middle of next week.
    Walter Leverette, Thomas, Otis Mays and Warnock are the committee in charge of erecting and distributing the new "This Is a Great Country" slogan signs through Medford and the surrounding districts. This is only part of the local board's extensive campaign to advertise the community to the summer tourists who start their march through Medford during the spring months.
    A vote of thanks is to be extended by the organization to the Richfield Oil Company for the erection of a large electric sign bearing the slogan, south of Medford. The sign was erected this week in cooperation with the board's publicity plan.
    Postcard week will begin on Lincoln's birthday, February 13, and all of Medford is urged to purchase the attractive packets of postcards arranged in a scenic series for the advertising of local attractions. C. S. Butterfield is in charge of the sale of these cards, which will be placed at the disposal of the public for advertising the Rogue River Valley to their friends in other sections of the country.
    The Realty Board's hour scenic drive was another vital project reported upon at today's meeting. The drive has been arranged so as to take in several selling features of Rogue River Valley, and will include the Tomlin Box factory, the Old Stage Road leading through Jacksonville and around through some of the principal orchards and sections of diversified farming in the valley. The cooperation of the highway commission in erecting guide signs for the drive has been secured, and the farmers along the route are also urged to assist the board in making the drive attractive by keeping their properties in condition.
    Judge Hartzell, a guest of the organization, expressed himself as being greatly in favor of the movement to advertise the valley, and Victor Bursell, county commissioner, said a few words pledging the cooperation of the county court and commission in the splendid work to be accomplished by the Realty Board along this line.
    Eric and Jonas Wold, the two new members of the Realty Board, were welcomed into the fold today.   
Medford Mail Tribune, February 10, 1928, page 8


    The playlet "Just Plannin'," written by Miss Helen Norris, living just south of Medford, and put on the air last night by KGO, the General Electric Company at Oakland, Cal., was listed to by thousands of people in Medford and Southern Oregon, and judging from the telephone messages and letters of commendation received last night and today by Miss Norris, the playlet was enthusiastically enjoyed and exceeded by far all expectations. In fact, Miss Norris' first radio drama predicts a bright career for her and guarantees that her dream of "Helen Norris, the writer," and not "Helen Norris, the cripple," will be fully realized.
    "Just Plannin'" was the simple story of a hard-working widowed mother who was always planning for the future and her children and trying to produce a wholesome home atmosphere, and although all seemed lost for a time, her planning was fully realized so far as her son was concerned.
    The playlet was well written and could easily have been the recital of a true story, and reflects great credit on the ability of Miss Norris.
    Another important feature of the playlet's success was not only the splendid cast who rendered it, but the careful study of Miss Norris' ideas, presented in the manuscript by Wilda Wilson Church, director of KGO players, her preparation of the scenes, presentation of them to the players and her thorough explanation of the same to her radio audience of thousands.
    It was easy to imagine you were comfortably seated in a theater looking at the scenes being played on the stage and could hear and see the players as they so splendidly presented their parts, could sympathize with the devoted mother as she toiled for and talked to and planned for her children and could feel the motherly love and devotion of the modest home.
    From the close of the playlet until midnight and all day today Miss Norris was showered with telephone messages of congratulation and has received a number of letters and messages today, one from the players, Mrs. Church and Milton Samuels of the news bureau of KGO.
    Copies of the picture printed in this paper of Miss Norris seated before the fireplace, listening to the radio, with her pet dog at her feet, were furnished to a number of news syndicates together with a story of her life and playlet through Mr. Samuel of KGO and the Mail Tribune, and were printed the past two weeks in hundreds of newspapers all over the United States. Miss Norris is receiving letters from everywhere congratulating her on her efforts to secure an education, her devotion to a literary career and predicting success.
    Two letters were received from New York City, containing clippings of the picture from the New York World.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 17, 1928, page 4


    With an increase in wavelength of 20 meters operation on 1110 kilocycles, KMED, the Mail Tribune Virgin station, beginning with March 1, will reach throughout a larger area than ever before. This change in wavelength was brought about through the direct influence of Senator Charles L. McNary because of his interest in Southern Oregon generally and especially because of his desire to protect the fruit industry of this section.
    Under the improved condition, orchardists all over the valley will be able to get a clear reception of the Floyd Young frost broadcasts. In addition to proving of great benefit to the orchardists, this change in wavelength will be beneficial to Medford from a publicity standpoint, according to William Gates, who has been associated with the business end of the station. Mr. Gates explained that the change will give KMED a clear wavelength, the nearest interference that coming from KOKAC at Corvallis, the latter being on the same wavelength.
    "Medford, however, will not be bothered by this as both stations will cooperate and divide their time so that neither will be on the air at the same time." he said.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 27, 1928, page 1


    Following in the footsteps of other broadcast stations throughout the country, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, KMED, is installing the famous C. H. Preston permanent radio ground on their transmitter. C. H. Preston and his son arrived in Medford from Los Angeles last night, and the large size transmitter ground is now on display at the Stewart-Warner service station, 3 South Riverside.
    Everywhere that this massive ground has been installed on broadcasting stations, a 50 to 100 percent better performance has been noted. The following stations have recently installed the large type: KNX, KFQZ, KDGM, KMIC, KVOS, KFBL, KMO, KHJ, KMTR, KFWO, KFWC, KHL and many others. A decided improvement and a greater distance is the outcome and the reports which Mr. Preston has on these stations are very interesting.
    Mr. Preston left Los Angeles with the KMED ground Sunday noon, arriving here Monday at 7 p.m. The grounding circuit to either the receiver or transmitter is of extreme importance, says Mr. Preston, yet it is sadly neglected by countless radio fans. The small size Preston ground, used on receivers, has demonstrated its merit by its present popularity, taking the world like a cyclone; it is now used in 38 states and 12 foreign countries, took both world's records for long distance reception, is endorsed by the best radio stations, its technical staffs throughout the world, and Radio News, Radio Broadcast, KNX laboratories have all issued certificates of merit on it. the United States government is using it in many places and fans who have them in use have endorsed it, throughout the world, as being 100 percent efficient, no matter what receiver it is installed upon.
    The Preston invention is not only a perfect ground but is a perfect underground aerial, fans in various parts of the country reporting reception of Japan, Australia, Cuba and England from beneath the earth.
    Mr. Preston is going to make some technical broadcasting talks over KMED, and no doubt many of the fans will get a better knowledge of this new radio discovery through his broadcasting. Mr. Preston has broadcast over nearly every radio station in the country, and his technical talks and knowledge of radio has done much to improve the reception as a whole. He will speak over KMED tonight at 10 o'clock.  
Medford Mail Tribune, April 10, 1928, page 3


    KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, wishes to thank C. H. Preston, the radio engineer and inventor of the Preston permanent radio ground for transmitters and receivers. The large, massive ground was installed on our transmitter at 4 p.m. yesterday. Radio fans locally, and from different points, kept the telephone operators busy commenting on the wonderful improvement this ground made to our station. Selectivity was increased 50 percent, local fans reporting that they are now able to tune in KATB and other Oakland stations heretofore not receivable, due to closeness to KMED. Signal strength volume was nearly doubled, and the generator's hum, which has been with the station for some time, has been completely eliminated; tone quality incomparable with any station. Fans reported a decided improvement, and we know KMED's distance reception will exceed our expectations. But Mr. Preston says; "This is the usual result where stations have installed this ground, and many have done so. In every case improvement has been wonderfully exceptional."
    The technical lectures delivered by Mr. Preston on radio reception were well received by KMED fans. His talks were on radio frequencies, audio frequency, detections, amplification, modulation cycles, electrolysis, northern lights, powerless noise and electromagnetic waves.
    Preston's experience in lines of communication embracing 25 years comprises railroad, commercial and wireless telegraphing. At one time Mr. Preston was telegraph operator in Medford on the Southern Pacific, working here in the passenger station. He also was night chief operator for the Western Union here.
    Mr. Preston was made the announcer on his own program last night, which was given in his honor by the KMED staff, and for 30 minutes fans enjoyed the technical talks of Mr. Preston and the piano and songs given by Mr. Preston's friend with him on the trip, Frank Islip. The opening number was "Down in Jungle Town," "Does the Spearmint Lose its Flavor on the Bed Post Overnight," and closed with "A Long, Long Trail." Mr. Preston will depart tomorrow for Lacey, Wash., to install the same type on KGY and from there to Seattle on KFOA.
Medford Mail Tribune, April 11, 1928, page 10


    Two very pretty girls idled in a corner of the large room. About them grouped three men--much as men may be found grouped in most any room occupied by pretty girls. So far, at least, everything appeared to conform to the usual. A large clock upon the wall struck the hour of nine, however, and as the last stroke died away--normalcy flew out the window.
    The room became suddenly hushed, save for the faint buzzing of some sort of apparatus in a cabinet at the far end.
    One of the men detached himself from the group and declaimed something in a singsong voice, addressing himself to no one in particular; a second man grasped a set of chimes from a stand nearby and struck them sharply, thrice--and again thrice. A girl stepped forward a pace and, apparently to the chandelier, uttered a few sentences in a voice so languidly indifferent as to leave the impression that a world-weary and blasé grande dame had spoken. The second girl, a distinctly American type, next moved forward, and opening her lips, gave voice to English pleasantly though unexpectedly punctuated by a coquettish French accent.
    First one and then another spoke, at times altering the voice to such an extent that despite the visual evidence, there seemed many times more than the five people actually in the assemblage.
    Ten minutes of this, and again one of the men struck the chimes--the first act of the radio play was over.
    To that vast audience, the "friends of the air," the radio play is just another of many variations of the amusement to be had from the ether by simply turning a dial. To the visitor who sits for the first time within the sound-deadened walls of a studio while a play is being broadcast, the matter is hardly so simple.
    The radio play requires a new technique, both from the playwright and the actor. The former must forsake all previously accepted methods of creating illusion by the use of scenery, lighting and properties, while the latter must discard every implement of the stage or screen and depend entirely upon his voice to weave the story which he would portray.
    The new art has caught the public fancy and the "Madame Q" series of plays written by Miss Mary Greiner and broadcast over the Mail Tribune-Virgin station KMED, and also the play by Miss Helen Norris created remarkable interest in the Southern Oregon homes where radio has a place.
    With the incursion of local writers into the field of radio dramatics, Medford also boasts a most competent company of radio players.
    The cast in the final episode of "Madame Q," although containing but five players, depicted 10 or 12 characters, a rather difficult task before the soulless and impersonal microphone. Unlike the actor upon his stage, the radio player is buoyed by no applause, he cannot accentuate his bit by use of pose or gesture, and could he duplicate the grimace of Lon Chaney, it would add not a whit to the performance, so far as the distant audience might be concerned.
    Miss Jo Murray and Earl Davis, as Madame Q and her secretary, Jack Merryweather, respectively, played their leading roles straight, while Miss Greiner, James Stevens and Harold Corliss "doubled in brass," as the old trouper might say, each carrying several characterizations.
Medford Mail Tribune, June 3, 1928, page 3


To the Editor:
    The radio is on the wane; with listeners confined to the local station they lose all interest.
    Interference is the bunk. I have a little Crosley one-tube set, and a year ago I could get Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Tacoma, Portland on the north, Spokane, Boise, Walla Walla, Salt Lake City and Denver on the east, and all the main stations on the south to San Diego. The only interference was between KEX, Portland and KMED, Medford, as they were in the same wavelength.
    When I wanted something else I cut them out and picked up NBC at Oakland for my amusement, without interference.
    Now I can't tune in on anything but the local station, and it is the bunk.
    Variety is the life of the radio, both in local output and all of them. And variety of radio stations for the radio fan to tune in on is the life of the radio business. When you stop tinkering with the Radio Commissioner's interference, radio will live; if not, it is dead as a nit right now. The commission has killed the groundworkers of the business already.
    There are too many people that want to hog the earth, but the ground hogs will be shoved off into space rather soon if they keep it up.
"Communications," Medford Mail Tribune, June 16, 1928, page 4


    Welcome news for the people of Medford and the valley, and to all other residents of Southern Oregon and those of Northern California, no matter what their politics, in hearing of the Mail Tribune-Virgin broadcasting station is that all political speeches by the candidates for President or others of national prominence heard during the campaigns, which are broadcast over the National Broadcasting Company network, will be heard over KMED.
    For, after weeks of negotiations, that foremost radio broadcasting chain has just decided to include the Medford station in its hookup for political addresses and other important political news during the campaign, and telephone experts were busy here today connecting KMED with the National Broadcasting Company.
    The first speech to be heard in this new arrangement is the speech of acceptance of Herbert Hoover, the Republican candidate, next Saturday afternoon in the Stanford University stadium at Palo Alto, Cal. The acceptance speech of Al Smith, the Democratic candidate, which will be delivered later, will also be heard over KMED.
    Medford and all Southern Oregon can feel quite proud at being included in the National Broadcasting hookup, which is only made possible by the large territory and population covered by KMED, as Medford forms the longest gap in the whole chain, Portland being the nearest connection of that network.
    It is also very probable that KMED may eventually be included to broadcast the programs of such pronounced excellence of the National Broadcasting network, although nothing definite has so far been done to bring this about. However, the hookup with this company for political speeches is regarded as the opening wedge which will bring the other about.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 7, 1928, page 5


    An ordinance, which will be welcomed by the many hundreds of owners of radio sets in Medford and the valley, was introduced at the city council meeting last night by attorney Frank DeSouza, on behalf of the radio users, which because of the stress of other business, the council received, but took no action on, as the city officials desired to look it over and study it provisions carefully. This ordinance will come up at the next council meeting two weeks hence.
    It has long been recognized by owners of radio sets that some such ordinance should be passed for their protection. The ordinance introduced last night provides for the minimizing of radio interference, declares an emergency, which means that if passed it would go into effect at once, and provides penalties for violations.
    The ordinance, among other things,, would make it unlawful for any reason to operate apparatus that interferes with radio broadcasting and reception, including any apparatus generating or causing high-frequency oscillations, which interfere with radio broadcasting or receiving apparatus, without a permit to use the same, and sets forth how such permits must be obtained from the city electrical inspector.
    On the construction of radio aerials the ordinance makes it unlawful for any person to construct, maintain, or use any aerial or other device or apparatus which shall cross any street or alley, or which shall cross or be within [blank] feet of any high-tension electric wire, carrying in excess of 440 volts at any time; that any or all aerials hereafter constructed must be equipped with a lightning arrester or switch of some standard design; and that all aerials heretofore constructed shall, within 30 days of the passage of the ordinance, be rebuilt or repaired so as to conform with the provisions of the ordinance.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 8, 1928, page 3


    Radio station KMED was favorably commented on in a talk broadcast recently over KYA by Thomas Nunan, radio editor of the San Francisco Examiner. The following was taken from the article which appeared in the Examiner for August 12:
    "While spending part of my vacation at the celebrated Mary John ranch in Williams, a beautiful community in Southern Oregon, I had opportunity to observe the important part that radio plays in modern farm life. My hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Banks Newcomb, placed an excellent receiving set at my disposal in order that I might tune in on KYA and other San Francisco stations and keep in touch with home affairs.
    "Daylight reception of our station was impossible, Portland, Oregon, being similarly silent at noon. Satisfactory daylight service, however, was afforded by a local station, KMED of Medford, Southern Oregon. This impressed me with the importance of proper geographical distribution of broadcasting stations in the West, where distances between large cities may be very great.
    "However complete and satisfactory night service from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and Denver may be, there are hundreds of good-sized communities and hundreds of thousands of individual homes so situated that they are deprived of radio between the hours of sunrise and sunset, unless local service is provided.
    "In the instance to which I allude, station KMED is of real value--of high value--to the flourishing cities of Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, and to the country for a radius of 100 miles around. Louie Carson, famous for table grapes he ships to eastern markets, told me he could tune in on all America at night, but he must depend on Medford at noon."
Medford Mail Tribune, August 16, 1928, page 7


    Beginning next Friday night, August 24, station KMED will broadcast between the hours of 8 and 9 o'clock programs under the direction of various members of the Medford Realty Board, it was decided at today's luncheon meeting, held at the Hotel Medford.
    For the past two years the board has sponsored weekly programs, but this is the first time that individual dealers have agreed to advertise, although the matter has been discussed at several meetings.
    Members of the board expressed the opinion that radio advertising is of great value to the valley. Suggestions were offered as to means of familiarizing the public with the Rogue River Valley pears. The history of the growth of sauerkraut and bacon advertising and its results was given as an example of the value of getting a product before the public, especially by advertising in magazines and newspapers of wide circulation.
    Tonight's radio program will be arranged by Charles Wing, chairman of the radio committee for this month. Next Friday members of the Wold and Wold real estate agency will sponsor the program.
    Otis May presided at today's meeting, the regular president, Walter Leverette, having resigned recently.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 17, 1928, page 6


    The new wavelength which will go into effect over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, will reach all the Pacific Coast states and up into the mountains, according to local station heads, who have been trying out its carrying power at intervals during the week.
    Although only adjusted in a hit-and-miss fashion, the new length proved to have sufficient carrying power to bring Medford programs down to Southern California and Arizona and at times into the extreme eastern sections of the United States.
    All radio stations throughout the country will receive their new wavelengths on Armistice Day, so that there will be no interference in reception. Local radio enthusiasts have cause to be grateful for the length given to KMED, which will do more than any single factor toward advertising this locality to the outside world.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 6, 1928, page 3


    Giving Medford and Southern Oregon residents complete service on election returns from city, county, state and nation, KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, was on the air continuously yesterday afternoon from 4 o'clock to 12:45 this morning, with Carl Y. Tengwald and C. T. Baker as announcers.
    The local service was fast and, in some instances, national returns were heard over KMED before they were heard from members of the broadcast chain. Probably every radio set in this county, as well as in Josephine County, was in use, with most listeners using their sets until the station was closed down.
    At midnight, when listeners were asked if they wished to continue, phone calls were received from Grants Pass, Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Eagle Point, Lake Creek, Central Point and Gold Hill, in addition to numerous calls from persons in Medford. The studio phone, according to Floyd Bush, in charge there, was ringing incessantly for over half an hour.
    The broadcasting of returns continuously throughout the evening was made possible by several firms turning their regular schedule at the station to that purpose, and included the Mail Tribune, the Coast Advertising Company, Snider Dairy Company and the California Oregon Power Company.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 7, 1928, page 3


    With the new allocation which has been assigned to KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station, by the radio commission going into effect November 11, an interesting new program and policy is being worked out by local interests for the coming year.
    The new wavelength has been tested out the past week and has proved to have unusually far-reaching carrying power, with no interference from larger stations during its schedule. Harold LaFont, radio commissioner for this district, has shown the station every consideration and has expressed his appreciation for the service given the surrounding district by its programs.
    In addition to the wide advertising schedule through its interchange of programs with KOIL, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, once a week, when Medford Chamber of Commerce activities and local civic publicity is broadcast from that station throughout the entire Middle West and East. KMED, through its association with the Mail Tribune, has brought the residents of Rogue River Valley all the big news events of the year.
    Maintaining a strictly nonpartisan attitude, the station was thrown open to candidates of both parties in the recent campaign. And the reports on both the national election and local election were received over KMED through the cooperation of the Associated Press and the Mail Tribune news force to a degree that was unequaled by the larger stations in the national network.
    With the World Series broadcasts, local football broadcasts, the news and market reports, frost reports and warning that save the valley thousands of dollars during the fruit season, as well as the daytime programs that are brought into local homes at a time when the larger stations are silent, KMED has come to fill a place in the community that cannot be duplicated.
    The local station, with the new allocation going into effect on Armistice Day, will be heard all over the western half of the United States with absolute clarity, according to local radio experts. With this in mind, an effort will be made to get the proper amount and quality of advertising on the air that is expected to bring population and beneficial interests into the valley.
    One idea suggested in this behalf is that of rotating service club programs, giving community talks once a week. In this way all the major activities of the community would be presented in an interesting and artistic way to the outside world.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 8, 1928, page 7


    Medford has been given still another wavelength. On account of interference due to the proximity of six or seven other stations, the Federal Radio Commission has granted KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, a wavelength of 228 meters, or 1310 kilocycles, to replace the 1420-kilocycle length the local station has used since the reallocation went into effect November 11.
    With the 1310 wavelength there is practically no interference with exception of one station at Oakland, Cal., which will cause only a slight wail now and then, according to Floyd Rush, local station mechanic.
    Listeners tuning in tonight for the Mail Tribune news and market reports will find KMED about 10 points higher on the dial. Later they will be pleased to find that the new wavelength is still better for distance, on account of the lack of interference, than either of the two had here previously.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 6, 1928, page 3


    There are several things to do in the case of an artist becoming temperamental. But when "Mike" of the iron visage and his mechanical assistants in a broadcasting station decide to throw a fit, it's home sweet home for the station mechanic. Or at least, that was the situation Sunday night over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station.
    It was right in the midst of Rev. Bill Ray's radio church service last night when the local broadcasting station ceased to broadcast. After spending considerable time and energy attempting to locate the difficulty, Floyd Rush, mechanic, decided to let nature take its course, and went home to bed.
    But in the morning, the temperamental Mike still maintained its sullen aspect, and the other mechanical helpmates continued to strike in sympathy. It is hoped that the difficulty will be cleared up by tonight. The only way in which the public may find out is to tune in.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 10, 1928, page 8


    It was about 7:30 and the evening programs were going on schedule at KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station. A gentle, almost apologetic tap on the door of the broadcasting station brought no response from within. The tap became a rap. Still no response. The rap became a knock, and then an infuriated boom-boom-boom.
    The door opened from within, and the station assistant riveted a pair of querulous eyes upon the stormy optics of the intruder.
    "What can I do for you?" asked the assistant, and then with a quick glance over in the direction of the announcer before the microphone, his voice repeated in a hushed whisper, "What do you want?"
    "I bane coom to hear the play that cooms oudt over the wires," boomed the voice of the Scandinavian visitor in the dark hallway.
    "Sh-sh--another program is on. The play doesn't come on until an hour and a half later--" whispered the assistant, attempting to close the door.
    "I bane vant to hear the actresses putting on their makeup," insisted the intruder in still louder tones. The assistant jerked the stranger into the studio, clapped his hands over his mouth, sat him down in a chair, warned him to be quiet in no uncertain terms and rushed over to lend his help to the broadcaster.
    It was Santa Claus night at KMED, and the studio was converted into a veritable toyland. There was a call to the North Pole, and Santa Claus appeared among the toy makers in his shop and answered the phone. He was told by the station announcer that there were a number of boys and girls in Medford who wanted to hear him talk and was asked if he had received letters from them.
    Whereupon Santa emitted a lusty and jovial laugh and picked up a sheaf of letters beside his telephone. The eyes of the big Swede made three complete revolutions, and he rose slightly from his chair, then settled solidly down in it again as he noticed the assistant locking the door leading out into the hall.
    "Now that you're in here, you've got to make yourself useful." Hissed the assistant, forcing  a pair of small clubs into the hands of the visitor, and jerking him over to a miniature xylophone. Whereupon, the Swede began to play music. The assistant picked up various sizes of horns and whistles and blew them in turn--hopped over to several sizes of drums and beat them--picked up crying dolls and tipped them upside down in front of the "mike."
    The idea penetrated the consciousness of the visitor and he began grabbing toys right and left and thrusting them in sound-producing motion before the microphone. He leapt from table to table, playing toy pianos, blowing miniature saxophones, sawing blocks of wood with the tiny saws, hammering boards and shaking baby rattles.
    So pleased with his ability as a toy shop performer and sound producer became the visitor that he tackled the assistant, threw him to the floor and began to yodel to the large audience of children listening in. About that time, Santa Claus found the key in the pocket of the floored assistant, opened the door, grabbed the intruder between the chest voice and the falsetto and threw him out to complete his yodeled chorus in the hallway.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 13, 1928, page 4


    Local football fans will be glad to hear that the big New Year's Day game between California and Georgia Tech will be broadcast over station KMED next Tuesday afternoon. A direct wire report will give the full details of this big football classic play by play, through the courtesy of the California Oregon Power Company. Earl Davis, popular football referee and sports announcer, will officiate at the microphone, and a thrilling account of the game is assured. It is expected that many local people will tune in on this special Copco program Tuesday afternoon.
Medford Mail Tribune, December 29, 1928, page 2


    Tomorrow night's radio broadcast over KMED, by the California Oregon Power Company, will be a melodramatic playlet by Miss Mary Greiner of the Mail Tribune staff. The plot concerns itself with a cub reporter on a newspaper located in a fair-sized town, who covers a murder assignment.
    The first part of the play centers around the repressed cub, and the second part deals with the reading public's conception of how it must have taken place, after having read the story of the young reporter.
    The Copco Players, already famous to the local radio fans, will present the playlet which in itself assures a pleasing hour's entertainment. The play, which will be broadcast from nine to 10, is the first of a series concerning the same characters which will appear periodically on the Copco hour.
Medford Mail Tribune, January 21, 1929, page 8


    The local radio public will be pleased to learn that a brand-new radio drama by Miss Helen Norris will be broadcast by the popular "Copco Players" Tuesday evening, Feb. 5th. The play, which is entitled "The Chuckle," is a story of pioneer days in the West and is said to be one of Miss Norris' best efforts. The locale of the story is in a "wild and woolly" western town, and the play is full of dramatic situations which promise to keep all "listeners-in" keenly interested up until the close of act 3.
    The cast of the "Copco Players" which will present this novel radio program includes such old favorites as Harold Corliss, Fletcher Fish, Melba Williams, Stella Quizenbury and Earl Davis. The drama will be given through the courtesy of the California Oregon Power Co. during the regular "Copco hour" and will be directed by Mr. Davis.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 3, 1929, page 5


    Beginning tomorrow, Mrs. Blanche Virgin has declared Sunday a holiday over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin radio station. This, according to Mrs. Virgin, is to give her staff of workers a day of rest, and to provide time for developing even further efficiency in service the other six days.
    Heretofore Sunday was given over to church services locally. While these programs were short, they tended to break up the day so that the KMED staff were prohibited from making any other plans for Sunday.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 9, 1929, page 2


    With the recent announcement by the management of KMED, the Mail Tribune station, that the Valley Radio Church would be on the air again tomorrow night, comes the explanation by W. A. Gates of a misunderstanding which resulted in the station being silent last Sunday night.
    "For some time, it has been the desire of KMED to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest," said Mr. Gates, "and this was brought to the attention of the pastor of the radio church, who agreed to change the church's plans to conform with this policy.
    "But it would seem that the pastor spoke without authority, as the organizers of the valley radio church were unwilling to approve of his arrangement with the station." Mr. Gates explained that the management of the station had heretofore conducted all the business with Mr. Ray and had understood that any arrangements he had made represented the wishes of his followers.
    "This does not seem to be the case, however, and consequently the services will be back on the air as usual tomorrow night," he said. That this explanation is made to correct in the minds of the public the erroneous impression which the misunderstanding with the pastor caused to be circulated locally, was further stated by Mr. Gates.
    "After consulting with the people who are really behind the Valley Radio Church, things were quickly smoothed out to the satisfaction of  most parties concerned," he said.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 16, 1929, page 6


    "As It Ain't" is the name of a farcical travesty on department store technique which will be broadcast over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, by Mann's Department Store, on their hour from 10 to 11 Wednesday morning.
    The little playlet is one of contrast. First, Mann's ready-to-wear department, with all its assortment of dainty spring frocks featured in "Dress Week," which begins Wednesday, will be presented briefly. Then will follow the ridiculous farce "As It Ain't," enacted by Jo Murray Rostel and Mary Greiner.
    Local housewives, and the public in general, will be interested and entertained by this novelty program, which promises to hold the interest and to prompt several good laughs during this hour.
Medford Mail Tribune, February 18, 1929, page 3


    "The Leprechaun," a two-act Irish phantasy written by Miss Mary Greiner, reporter and writer of popular special stories for the Medford Mail Tribune, expressly for presentation by Copco from KMED Tuesday, March 19, is an important contribution to the growing literature of radio drama.    
    It is the story of a little colleen straight from Erin; of her search for the famous good-luck fairy of Ireland, the leprechaun, and of her finding it in the home given her by an American author and his wife and in the love of a handsome young sea captain named Terrence McBride.
    The brave little mother from whom Noreen learned to be looking for the leprechaun is not heard before the microphone--neither is the gallant Terrence. According to the peculiar technique of the radio drama they are made to live in the story through the conversation and dialogue of the other characters; Dwight Carlton, the author, read by Gene Wright; Gertrude Carlton, his wife, read by Jo Murray Rostel; and Noreen herself, read by Miss Greiner.
    These actors succeeded in producing authentic impressions of an irritable, depressed literary man changed to an eager, unselfish person successfully writing under fresh inspiration; a fashionable, sophisticated wife with too much leisure transformed into a thoughtful, interested woman; and a lonely little immigrant made over to the treasured daughter of a comfortable home--all because of the leprechaun.
    The announcing was done by W. A. Gates in his usual pleasing style. An original song, "Noreen O'Kane," the music to which was composed by Miss Maude Barrigar, director of physical education of Medford schools, was sung by Miss Eleanor Curry, popular soloist.
Medford Mail Tribune, March 20, 1929, page 3


    A fine musical program is in store for local radio fans who tune in on "Copco Hour" next Tuesday evening from 9 to 10 p.m. The program will feature a number of original songs written by Jeunesse Butler, well-known musician of this city. Miss Butler will be assisted by Nina Mulholland, contralto, and A. J. MacDonough, tenor, both of whom are prominent in local music circles.
    Although Miss Butler has been composing songs for some time, this will be the first time her compositions have been presented over station KMED.
Medford Mail Tribune, May 12, 1929, page 5


    Just about everything from a mouse trap to an airplane, only not including the latter, was pledged the American Legion for their auction sale by local residents who listened in on the Whoopee program over KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, last night. The auction will be held next Saturday, July 20, on the lot next the chamber of commerce headquarters on Main Street.
    The program, in charge of Earle Davis, presented a group of local artists in a variety of numbers. They included Margaret Huntoon Williamson, Ellow Mae Wilson, Fletcher Fish, Melba Williams, William Kirkpatrick, Lloyd Williamson in vocal numbers; Betty Brown and Gladys LaMar on the piano; Miss Dorothy Ness and Mary Greiner in a skit; the Herb Alford orchestra in a group of jazz numbers; the American Legion drum corps and others.
    Between the numbers of the program, impresario Earle Davis made brief pleas for articles, pledges for which were phoned in at a rapid rate.
    The donations were as follows: A baby buggy and mattress; a flower pot, Standard Roofing Co.; an automobile, Aiken Motor Co.; $10 cash, Pinnacle Packing Co.; a five-gallon jug, a box of cigars, Jack Stewart; one piano, Palmer Piano House; service to get piano, Eads Transfer Co.; one suit of clothes, Model Clothing Co.: one electric range, People's Electric Store; one automobile, Armstrong Motors; one battery, Lewis Super Service; one range, Medford Electric Co.; one sweater, The Toggery; two nursery chairs; one white enameled tin bath tub, Modern Plumbing and Sheet Metal Works; electric vacuum cleaner, Gates and Lydiard; one $35 watch, Brophy Jewelers; one lawn mower, Monarch Mill and Seed Co.; one box cigars, Ross & Ross, of Central Point; $5 order on Hubbard Brothers; one electric washer, Southern Oregon Electric; $5 merchandise, Park Grocery, one Premium Ham, Marsh's Grocery; one bull calf, Ted Fish, Phoenix; one can cigars, Jensen and Dalley; one box of cigars, Putman and Hoffman; one Royal typewriter, Mason and Ehrman; one waterless cooker, Southern Oregon Gas Co.; one coat, one half dozen jars fruit, one thoroughbred dog, Mrs. Marshall.
    Donors of further articles are asked to call 3124, and the committee will call for contribution.
Medford Mail Tribune, July 18, 1929, page 5


    Whether or not KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, will be granted an increase in power that will not only hook it up with one of the two big broadcasting chains of the country, but will send its own program to the farthest corners of the United States, will be decided at the meeting of the Federal Radio Commission to be held in Washington, D.C. next Tuesday, according to W. A. Gates, publicity director.
    The application sent in by the Medford station some months ago, asking for this increase, is now in the hands of the secretary of the commission and, according to Mr. Gates, will be one of the first matters considered at the meeting. The application is based in part on the large amount of service meted out by the local station to fruit growers and agriculturalists throughout the valley, which, in the case added power is given, will be extended throughout the state of Oregon and Northern California. This service, in cooperation with Floyd Young of the U.S. weather bureau, has heretofore been handicapped even locally through the interference of larger stations along the coast.
    Pending the decision of the national body, KMED has obtained an option on a piece of land near the city and has arranged for its purchase as well as for the purchase of the latest broadcasting equipment, which will make the local station second to none in the United States in the quality of its broadcasts. The present equipment, in case the application is accepted, will be discarded entirely.   
    If Medford's hopes are realized to this extent, it will take only four or five months following the granting of the permit to erect the new station and install the equipment, Mr. Gates said this morning.
    Some months ago, Federal Radio Inspector Lovejoy from Seattle visited this territory and inspected the station as well as the methods by which it is conducted. He suggested at that time that an application for new power be sent into the commission. Later Mr. Gates went to Portland, where he interviewed Harold LaFount, federal radio commissioner from Washington, D.C., one of the five members of the federal board. After this conference, Mr. LaFount recommended sending in the application and promised to support Medford's request in every way possible.
    If Medford is granted the power asked for in the application, the local station will be able to bring Rogue River Valley listeners the very best of the daytime entertainment available throughout the country. In addition to this, the local power will be sufficient to warrant the big chains presenting their programs through the Medford station.
    It is impossible to estimate the value this proposed increase of power would have for Medford, not only through the publicity it would bring to the city, but because no city even 10 times the size of Medford will have a station of that character.
    The announcement was prematurely forced from Mr. Gates due to the number of conflicting rumors regarding the situation that have found their way around the valley, he said this morning. The whole proposition rests upon the decision of the Federal Radio Commission, and their answer to Medford will no doubt be received here early Tuesday.
Medford Mail Tribune, August 29, 1929, page 1


    In the process of adding new equipment which will make the local set equivalent to 200 watts, KMED, the Mail Tribune-Virgin station, went dark at 2:30 this afternoon, to remain so until 9:00 o'clock tomorrow morning, according to an announcement made to this paper today. This is only a temporary arrangement, which will tide the local station over until the arrival of its complete outlay of new equipment to be installed in the future.
Medford Mail Tribune, November 5, 1929, page 3

    KMED was also the only station on the coast to broadcast complete returns of the World Series baseball games and [this] was done through the cooperation of the Mail Tribune, which began the use of radio three years ago to disseminate the news of the annual series. It has proven to be a popular service and has reached all southern Oregon and often distant parts of the state, keeping thousands of radio listeners informed with up-to-the-minute accounts.
    Another big service of the station is the daily, noon and evening broadcasts of news as received by Associated Press leased wires by the Mail Tribune. Short news notes of interest are broadcast at 12:30 each noon, followed by a more complete broadcast of news at 6:15 in the evening. These features have become a part of the household routine of hundreds of families, listening for the reading of the reports of foreign, national and local news, in addition to market and weather reports. A wisecrack, written daily by Arthur Perry in the Smudge Pot columns of the Mail Tribune, is also included.