Station WNYC, New York, began operation in 1924 as a means of improving police and fire department services and raising the educational and cultural level of the citizenry. However, Mayor Hylan tried to use WNYC for personal political purposes; and until 1933, under Mayors Walker, McKee, and O'Brien, the station was handicapped by the Hylan fiasco, lack of funds for professional talent, inexperience in using a communications medium for city services, and restrictions imposed by the Federal Radio Commission. Then, after receiving full daytime use of a new frequency, WNYC increased its air time and its educational outreach. Later, under LaGuardia, WPA musical combinations provided WNYC with classical music, the Federal Theater Project made dramatic works available, Federal funds subsidized reconstruction and expansion of facilities, and ventures were made into the broadcasting of committee hearings, court proceedings, frank health messages, and civic lectures on proposed municipal reforms, and, until discontinued, broadcasts of meetings of the newly established (1938) City Council. Despite intense political controversy culminating in an effort in 1940 to abolish WNYC, influential civic groups and prominent citizens so strongly affirmed its value that WNYC came through with increased prestige. (author/ly)