This article incorrectly refers to the "De Forrest Radio Telephone and Telegram Company", which was actually the "De Forest Radio Telephone and Telegraph Company".
Brownwood (Texas) Bulletin, August 23, 1921, page 1:
WIRELESS PAPER IS NEXT PLAN TO PLEASE PEOPLE
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TELEPHONE WITH NO CONNECTION EXCEPT SURROUNDING ATMOSPHERE TO GET NEWS.
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(By International News Service)
OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 23.--The wireless telephone newspaper is here. This project is backed by the United States Government through the Post Office Department and the "trial" station will soon be opened in Omaha. If the premier tryout proves a success similar stations will be established over the entire continent at a distance of 400 miles apart.
R. B. Howell, Republican National Committeeman from Nebraska, is the man in whose mind this novel idea "budded." He is an engineer, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and was a lieutenant during the World War. Howell is the head of the Omaha municipal water works, gas works and ice plant. Recently Howell broached his plans to Postmaster General Hays.
Hays was well pleased with the idea and asked Howell to establish an experimental wireless newspaper in Omaha. Also he appointed Howell to go to Europe and make investigation of certain phases of wireless reports which are being made over there. Howell will sail September 1.
Will Be Started at Once.
The wireless newspaper will not wait for Howell's return, however, but will be started immediately.
If present plans are carried out the wireless newspaper will furnish all sorts of news to farmers, ranchmen, small towns, city business men and to homes. It will be run from early morning until late at night. Certain classes of news will be carried over the "wires" at stipulated hours.
"We may find it necessary to change our plans and undoubtedly will make many changes." said Howell. "We will add some features and eliminate others as we progress."
The cost, as outlined by Howell in his report to Postmaster General Hays is a minor item. The sending stations, equipped and ready for use, will cost approximately $25,000 each. The receiving stations, to be paid for by the persons receiving the service, will cost not to exceed $65. The news itself will be free.
"The objects of the service is to extend the Government functions, to increase the joy of living and to put the day's news into the hands of all who wish it while it is still happening." said Howell. "It is not intended, however, to usurp the position of the newspapers."
Proposal Is Feasible.
Rear Admiral Bullard, chief of communications of the United States Navy together with the officials of the Radio Corporation of America and the chief engineer of the De Forrest Radio Telephone and Telegram Company of New York, have declared that the proposal is wholly feasible from a technical point of view.
The wireless connection will be opened in conjunction with the Post Office Department. Howell does not intend to devote his time to the new service but only is assisting Mr. Hays in getting the venture started.
The exact date of the wireless telephone newspaper opening has not been set yet and will depend largely upon the length of time required to get the instruments in place, line up the organization, etc. But before the snow flies it is hoped that the news of the world will be flashed by wireless direct into homes and offices within 200 miles of Omaha.