OUT OF THIN AIR

in direct proportion to their particular needs when they came to the sta- tion. It seems to have been that way with most people over the years who made a substantial contribution to CFCY. They came to the station when it was right for both of them at that particular time in their devel— opments. Perhaps one of the most opportune of all hirings at CFCY was that of Louis Arthur McDonald, or as he liked to be known professionally, L.A. “Art” McDonald.

By 1935 the station was launched. The experimental stage was fairly well over; the worst of the depression had been weathered, and CFCY had originated programs to the Canadian Broadcasting Commission Network. The station at this time was at a critical stage. It needed someone to run it and to take care of the mountain of details that was becoming a part of its day to day operation.

“WK’s” losses in the fox industry and his subsequent struggles with banks and creditors had taught Dad that sound accounting systems were essential. He was now dealing with national sponsors through ad agen- cies. Their demands for timing and spots were very exact. Local accounts also had to be sold, planned and programmed. The day was fast arriving when the drop—in atmosphere of the studio would have to change. Its growth would mean more staff which meant there would have to be standards and training, and, of course, a boss. Dad wanted to be free from all this. He wanted to be in a position to plan future directions and policies.

My father had hired Art McDonald in 1935. He had been at the station five years before and had returned to the type of work he loved most—broadcasting. He returned at a very busy period when the trans— mitter was being moved out to West Royalty. And even with all that activity, my father knew that he would have to move from Great George Street to an even bigger place. It was becoming apparent, also, that my father’s attention would have to be focused more and more on working with other private broadcasters in the Maritimes and the rest of Canada to insure that the private station owners would receive fair treatment for their pioneering efforts. There were never-ending Parliamentary hear— ings into the future of broadcasting—on whether or not there should be full nationalization of the industry like the British BBC. At home here, in Canada, there was a full blown struggle looming between the private enterprisers and those in favour of outright nationalization.

Art in many ways was Dad’s opposite number as far as temperament and personality were concerned. Both men were of quick intelligence,

82