WKBS TV Channel 48 Philadelphia Part 2

One of my most successful posts on the blog is my article about the late and lamented Philadelphia TV station, WKBS Channel 48.  No matter what I'm currently blogging about, this article is always in the top two or three most read articles at any given time.  As demand for information on the station continues, and as it's been over two years since I wrote the last article, it's high time I featured Channel 48 again.  So without further ado, here goes!

Here are a couple of quick voiceovers between programs.  The second clip is credited to Don Rose, a legendary radio DJ who voiced all of the Field TV stations, but I'm not sure it's him in this case.  The voice sounds a bit high, but his inflections are there.





Going back even before I was born, here are some audio airchecks of promos from 1970. This is before Kaiser Broadcasting and Field Communications merged.




Don't miss Sanford & Son tomorrow night at 7:30!



Next is a news brief (featuring future KYW Newsradio anchor Pat Farnack) and even an editorial, something TV stations rarely do anymore.




Finally, here are a few clips edited from viewings of Channel 48's 8:00 movie that aired on weeknights, including station promos and various commercials.






Here is another blog dedicated exclusively to Kaiser/Fleids stations.  Unfortunately, it hasn't been updated in a few years, but the material that is there is good stuff.

Thanks!

Philadelphia Radio Station TV Commercials

Putting my abilities to beat a dead horse to the test, here are yet more Philadephia local TV commercials, this time for Philly radio stations.  There's something ironic about radio stations advertising on TV, but I believe it's integral for a successful radion station.  Here are some great ones, some for statioins still around, others for stations long put to rest.

The beautiful music format tried to make a comeback in teh market in the early 90s on 560 Am, WISH, sister station to B101-FM, a station which formerly held the format.



Speaking of B101, it was known as Easy 101 in its old format. Here it is now, (among some other TV station promos and commercials).



Here a young woman speaks the praises of Hot AC station Star 104.5. It is now alt-rock station Radio 104.5.



For you rockers out there, here are two spots for 94 WYSP, still a rock station today.




Here's a clip for WIOQ, which was then an AOR station, now a CHR.



After this format, it was an oldies station for a year or so, and a very good one, too.



Speaking of oldies (my favorite format), here are spots for WOGL Oldies 98, still on the air today...



...and WFIL, 560 AM. Today it's a Christian talk format.



"Rock on, Philly!"

Krass Brothers TV Commercials

Continuing to plow through as many nostalgic Philadelphia TV commercials as possible, today I present  many short but entertaining commercials for Krass Bros. clothing stores.  Run by charismatic owner Ben Krass, the store was an institution, made famous in no small part by his funny, and somewhat bizarre, TV commercials.  If you grew up in Philly, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Regardless, take a look!

Tastykake TV Commercials

In a similar vein to yesterday's post featuring Philly local TV commercials, today I present more commercials all from one Philly institution: The Tasty Baking Company, makers of Tastykakes--the best snack cakes EVER!! I grew up--and grew wide--on their delicious cakes, and these commericals helped contribute to their popularity.

To start off, here is a commercial featuring the classic jingle. I'm not the boy featured, but I might as well have been!



Next is an animated commerical I don't remember, but it's cute and has a late 70s/early 80s charm to it.



Here, kids enjoy some great Tastykakes, and learn the penalties in hockey as well. During Flyers broadcasts back in the day, when a Flyer scored, he "scored for a case of Tastykake!"



Here is a set of several various commercials that includes one Tastykake spot. What interests me about this clip: it aired on a Washington D.C. station! I didn't know they were sold that far south of Philly.



Finally, what may be the most interesting commercial of the set. Not only is it in great shape for being over 30 years old, it features a celebrity endorsement from none other than--Betty White! How the hell did that happen?



I think I'll go home and enjoy a good Tatykake right now!

Philadelphia Local TV Commercials

Today is one dedicated to my fellow Philadelphians. The city is very rich in history, and that includes broadcasting history, one of my favorite subjects. Besides the great stations and personalities that made their way here, even local TV commercials have become popular and well remembered. Here is a sample of some fun commercials Philly folk should remember fondly.

Having car trouble? Try visiting Jimmie's Used Auto Parts, "Home of the happy auto parts!"

 

"Hey, where did everybody go?" They've gone to Betson's!" Betson's Furniture, that is!



Before moving that Betson's furniture into the house, make sure you first lay down carpet from Big Marty's. Big Marty sells carpets...cheaper!



A great blast from the past for Philadelphia residents is the memory of Frank's sodas. Here is a famous commercial from the 80s that supposedly features Patty Smyth performing. I don't know if that's really her or not; I'll let you be the judge.

Closing out today's post the way we began, with a car maintenance commercial, here is "The Boss's Wife" for Atlantic Transmission. "Don't get frantic; call Atlantic!"

Do you have any suggestions? Let me know in the comments section or at phillyradiogeek@gmail.com and I'll try my best to find them!

Spider-Man Rockomic: From Beyond The Grave

After a week+ long absense, I return to the blog with a cool treat: the 1972 record album Spider-Man The Rockomic: From Beyond The Grave.  This was an LP-size record with an original Spider-Man story and song.  An extremely scratchy copy still exists in my collection I inherited from my older siblings (the accompanying comic was lost to the ages before I can remember), but thanks to a generous YouTube user, I'm able to present images along with the story.  Most comic book fans reading this are already familiar with this and may even have it, but for those for who this is brand new, enjoy!

OK, this is my last Jaws post for awhile, I promise!

As my one final Jaws-related post for hopefully a long time to come, I have two remaining clips for you.  Here is yet another parody of the film's opening scene, and as with my Jaws as Pitchman post before, it's for a radio station.  This clip makes its point very well! Once again, I'm thwarted from embedding a YouTube clip, so please watch it here.

Here is a very abridged animated version of the film.  Unlike most Internet film abridgements, this does not star bunnies.



I'm going to the seashore for an extra long holiday weekend starting tonight.  Everyone have a safe and fun July 4th weekend.  And remember--don't go in the water!