Oral Histories

Interview of Hale Sparks

Head of broadcasting for the University of California.
Subtitle:
The University Explorer
Series:
Z: Orphan Interviews pre 1999
Topic:
Education
Biographical Note:
Head of broadcasting for the University of California.
Interviewer:
Mink, James V.
Interviewee:
Sparks, Hale
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Abstract:
Childhood in Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri; move to Los Angeles, 1925; student life at University of California, Southern Branch, and at new Westwood campus, 1925-30; work with Buildings and Grounds during UCLA move to Westwood, 1929; inauguration of UC Radio Service; first UCLA broadcast from Royce Hall tower, 1931; first series broadcast, "Master Storyteller"; head of programming, Berkeley, 1932; beginning of "University Explorer" programs, 1933; broadcasts of "Explorer" programs on network radio; World War II service in Office of War Information; supervising production of Japanese-language broadcasts; "Explorer" move to Los Angeles, 1947; initiation of "Science Editor" program, 1948; relations between Berkeley and Los Angeles campuses during 1930s; reminiscences of Office of War Information; Japanese aides and internment; "One Man's View of the News"; navy enlistment.