Magazine content is available exclusively for TIME subscribers.The Press: Wirephotos
In 24 newspaper offices throughout the land excited groups of newsmen stood around an imposing array of switchboards, generators, motors, and lathe-like machines. Lights flashed on the switchboards —green, red, white. Needles swung on dials. Whistles shrilled from loudspeakers, then a voice:
"New York speaking. This will be the first official roll call for Wirephoto."
"Baltimore ready."
"Ready," piped Syracuse.
"Ready," drawled Atlanta.
"Ready," barked Detroit, Chicago, Oklahoma City—24 cities from Coast to Coast.
Roll-call ended, New York announced:
"First picture will be an aerial view of the wrecked airplane just found in the mountains...
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