The Dixie network of the Columbia Broadcasting System will begin operation on a regular schedule Monday when a special inaugural program will be broadcast.
The new network is supplementary to the usual nation-wide Columbia chain. The new Dixie network programs, advertising Southern products and making a special appeal to Southern audiences, will be on the air as an independent chain only when the usual Columbia programs are confined to Northern or other groups of stations, carrying a special appeal to those sections. At other times the complete schedule of the Columbia chain will be available to Southern stations, Earle J. Gluck. director of the new network, announced.
Station WBT will be the key. Programs for the network have been planned by the local staff in conference with leading executives of the Columbia chain. In the local studios the Columbia officials have established complete facilities for the broadcasts. Donnell O'Conner, formerly associated with WHAM, Rochester, N. Y., is head of the program department. LeRoy Laudeman is assistant program director. Ronald Jenkins, formerly with station WTAM, Cleveland, Ohio, will be continuity editor. Dwight Mathis will be in charge of the dramatics department. Mike Wise will direct the orchestra and music divisions. C. D. Taylor is commercial manager. Paul Rosekrans is chief engineer.