Radio: Stay Tuned to this Station

Radio, like the rest of the nation, was not quite sure how to act. The networks had been on the mark for months with plans for rip-roaring V-E day celebrations.

The Associated Press flash from Reims came over the radio-newsroom tickers at 9:35 a.m. Was it or wasn't it the starter's gun? The networks, ad libbing for dear life, decided that it was.

Hours later radio was still repeating the A.P. story—now carefully emphasizing that A.P. was the author. Meantime commentators (with studiously cautious comments) and special newscasters (with no special news) reported from Washington and San Francisco. Sidewalk interviewers buttonholed unofficial celebrants. Extra-special musical numbers flew over the air like confetti (NBC hopefully played Look for the Silver Lining). From London, CBS's Ed Murrow said flatly: Truman and Churchill were ready to make an announcement but "it is now being held up ... [by] Marshal Stalin."

CBS announced during the morning that all commercial programs except newscasts had been canceled, soon changed its mind. NBC also canceled its commercials, then canceled the cancellations.

By early afternoon the Blue Network was telling its listeners that A.P. now said that the next day would be V-E day. Then, dusting its hands, Blue added in a low, firm voice: "That bulletin came from A.P."