KABC-AM

Operation G.I. Radio

During the height of the Vietnam War, KABC delivered over 7,000
radios to GI's so that they could listen to Armed Forces Radio.
Below are promotional materials sent to advertisers at the time. 

Text Reads:

Armed Forces Radio has installed six high powered radio stations scattered throughout South Vietnam.  These stations program popular music, entertainment and news that has created a demand among our G.I.'s for small battery operated radios.

In response, KABC RADIO spearheaded a drive which collected and distributed more than 7,000 transistor radios for our troops in Vietnam.  That's to People to People Radio at work.

Text Reads:

Special announcements recorded in Vietnam by ABC correspondents in Saigon and messages by KABC RADIO peronalities were broadcast 578 times to Southern California homes.

Within sixty days KABC listerners delivered more than 7,000 radios to KABC RADIO OPERATION G.I. RADIO depots located at local Police Departments and Sheriff Stations.  KABC arranged to have each radio tested and equipped with new batteries.  Major companies and service organizations responded to KABC RADIO by donating time and equipment to make this Commuinity Involvement project an outstanding success.

As the radios were distributed to Vietnam bound troops each received the following letter:

Dear Serviceman:

The radio you are receiving was donated by the citizens of the metropolitan Los Angeles area through "Operation G.I. Radio."

KABC Radio, Los Angeles, the Mallory Battery Corporation, Lyon Van and Storage and some eighty public agencies including local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, explorer scout troops and many, many more aided in this project to provide radios for our troops in Vietnam.

We realize the importance of the mission upon wich you are about to embark and we sincerely appreciate the personal sacrifices you are making.

All our best wishes go with you.

Ben Hoberman
Vice President of the American Broadcasting Company
and General Manager of KABC Radio

The GI's were appreciative to say the least!

Below are enlargements from the above.

LA Chief of Police with KABC General Manager, Ben Hoberman.

Ben Hoberman with LA County Board of Supervisors' Kenneth Hahn.

Kelly Lange at a collection point for radios.

Scouts packing the radio for shipment overseas.

Mayor Sam Yorty presenting Ben Hoberman with a plaque of appreciation from the City.

Military personnel in line for their radios.

Over 7,000 radios collected on display at the LA Sports Arena.

Advertisement