Experimenter Publishing

Experimenter Publishing
Company type	Private
Industry	Publishing, Broadcasting
Founded	1915
Founder	Hugo Gernsback
Defunct	1929
Fate	Filed for bankruptcy; ownership lost by Gernsback brothers
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Key people	Hugo Gernsback (President), Sidney Gernsback (Secretary), Milton Hymes (Officer), Robert W. De Mott (Advertising Manager and Secretary)
Products	Magazines (The Electrical Experimenter, Radio News, Amazing Stories), radio station WRNY, television broadcasts
Number of employees	Not specified
Parent	None

Experimenter Publishing was a U.S.-based media enterprise established by Hugo Gernsback in 1915. Its inaugural periodical was The Electrical Experimenter (1913–1931), followed by prominent publications such as Radio News (1919–1985) and Amazing Stories (1926–2005). The firm also managed the radio station WRNY, which initiated experimental television transmissions in 1928. In early 1929, Experimenter Publishing filed for bankruptcy, resulting in the Gernsback brothers losing ownership. Despite this, the magazines continued publication uninterrupted and were acquired by another publisher, while the Gernsbacks proceeded to launch competing titles.

Radio News eventually transformed into Popular Electronics, whose January 1975 edition famously showcased the Altair 8800 computer, igniting the personal computing era. Hugo Gernsback’s Amazing Stories is acknowledged as the pioneering dedicated science fiction magazine; in his honor, the World Science Fiction Society annually presents the prestigious Hugo Awards.

Origins

Born in Luxembourg in 1884, Hugo Gernsback studied electrical engineering in Germany before immigrating to the United States in 1904 to promote a dry-cell battery invention. Settling in New York, he joined forces with Lewis Coggeshall to create the Electro Importing Company in 1905, specializing in mail-order sales of European radio and electrical parts. Early offerings included a spark-gap telegraph transmitter and Gernsback’s own Telimco Wireless Telegraph set, which was affordably priced yet effective despite initial doubts.

The company’s catalogs expanded to 64 pages filled with technical content and reached influential figures such as Lee de Forest. In 1907, Gernsback purchased Coggeshall’s stake and sought capital for growth, attracting Milton Hymes who assisted in relocating operations to larger premises and opening retail outlets. April 1908 saw the debut of Modern Electrics magazine alongside the catalog; it featured Gernsback’s first science fiction work "Ralph 124C 41+" in 1911.

Gernsback sold Modern Electrics and its publishing assets to Orland Ridenour to enable launching Electrical Experimenter in May 1913. Following mergers and rebranding efforts, this original magazine lineage eventually became Popular Science Monthly, which continues publication today.

Frequently collaborating with investors for new projects complicated Gernsback’s financial situation during the 1929 bankruptcy. The Experimenter Publishing Company was officially incorporated in March 1915, with Hugo Gernsback, his brother Sidney, and Milton Hymes as officers. After Hymes’ death in a railroad accident in 1917, Robert W. De Mott took over as advertising manager and secretary.

Magazines

Initially published by Electro Importing Company in May 1913, Electrical Experimenter transitioned to Experimenter Publishing Company control by May 1915. By June 1918, its editorial scope broadened to include general science, chemistry, and mechanics under the sub-title "Science and Invention". The title officially changed to Science and Invention in August 1920, continuing until August 1931.

Experimenter Publishing launched Radio Amateur News in July 1919, renamed Radio News by June 1920. Aimed at amateur radio enthusiasts and hobbyists, it achieved significant success and remained in publication under various titles until 1985.

To appeal beyond the technically advanced readership of Radio News, Experimenter Publishing introduced Practical Electrics in November 1921 via its subsidiary Practical Electrics Company. However, its circulation peaked below 60,000 copies compared to Electrical Experimenter’’s 100,000 and Radio News’’s 400,000. In November 1924, Hugo Gernsback revived an earlier title as The Experimenter, which was merged into Science and Invention by February 1926.

Additional Publications

Under the leadership of President Hugo Gernsback and Secretary R. W. DeMott, the Consolidated Radio Call Book Company distributed nationwide blueprints and instructions for amateur radio equipment assembly. In June 1923, the company rebranded as Consrad Company, redirecting its business from parts retail to publishing. It managed the distribution of Electro Importing Company’s literature through radio dealers, while the Radio Specialty Company ("RASCO") assumed responsibility for parts sales. By 1926, Consrad introduced the quarterly Radio Listeners' Guide and Call Book, edited by Sidney Gernsback, which contained extensive listings of radio stations alongside detailed construction plans.

Separately, Sidney Gernsback published an authoritative hardbound Radio Encyclopedia encompassing a wide range of radio topics, complete with thousands of definitions and illustrations; this publication remained unaffected by any bankruptcy actions.

Hugo Gernsback also ventured into magazines aimed at broader audiences. Motor Camper & Tourist functioned as a travel guide for automobile travelers throughout the United States, featuring a notable 1924 series on cross-country driving experiences. Another publication, Your Body, provided comprehensive insights into human anatomy and health; although marketed as suitable for families, some regarded it as primarily appealing to dedicated radio enthusiasts or "radio bugs."

A hallmark of Gernsback’s editorial approach was the inclusion of fiction that promoted scientifically credible yet imaginative ideas. The August 1923 edition of Science and Invention presented a special astronaut-themed issue focused on scientific fiction. This initiative paved the way for the launch of Amazing Stories in April 1926, recognized as the first magazine devoted exclusively to science fiction.

By 1928, Experimenter Publishing alongside Consrad expanded their catalog beyond radio-related subjects to include diverse titles such as Houdini's Spirit Exposes, Beauty Secrets, and Popular Tricks, all heavily promoted across their magazine network.

WRNY

The Pittsburgh-based KDKA holds distinction as the first commercial radio station in the United States, beginning broadcasts in November 1920. By 1925, more than 500 stations were operational nationwide. Owned by Westinghouse Electric, KDKA actively promoted radio receivers. Publishers also entered broadcasting; Experimenter Publishing acquired a license for WRNY at 1160 kHz, later adjusting frequencies multiple times until settling at 1010 kHz. WRNY’s studios were located on the 18th floor of New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel, with a 500-watt transmitter installed on its roof. The station's inaugural broadcast on June 12, 1925, featured appearances by former Senator Chauncey Depew and radio pioneer Lee de Forest, followed by live musical performances. The New York Times noted Hugo Gernsback’s use of a Staccatone signal generator to mark program start and end times. WRNY and Experimenter Publishing engaged in mutual promotion through magazines and radio broadcasts, often displaying WRNY’s call letters prominently on magazine covers.

By 1927, the New York metropolitan area hosted over fifty radio stations with approximately 1.5 million receivers in use. Due to frequency congestion, many stations shared channels. The Radio Act of 1912 lacked provisions specific to broadcasting regulation, resulting in frequent interference conflicts. In November 1926, WRNY relocated its transmitter to Coytesville, New Jersey; this move sparked objections from WHN (830 kHz), which accused WRNY of signal obstruction and labeled it a "pirate" broadcaster. The creation of the Federal Radio Commission in 1927 established regulatory oversight over such disputes.

Hugo Gernsback introduced television concepts as early as December 1909 in Modern Electrics, closely following advancements through his publications. By 1925, mechanical television systems employing up to 60 scan lines were available to hobbyists. Meanwhile, inventors Vladimir K. Zworykin and Philo Farnsworth were developing electronic scanning technologies that would lay the foundation for modern television within the following decade.

In April 1928, Pilot Electric Manufacturing partnered with WRNY to announce plans for television broadcasts slated for that autumn; Pilot was to supply both transmitters and receivers. Experimenter Publishing offered do-it-yourself instructions for constructing television sets. WRNY’s system transmitted a 48-line image at a rate of 7.5 frames per second, approximately 1.5 inches square—delivered within AM radio’s narrow 5 kHz audio bandwidth (a stark contrast to NTSC’s later use of a 6 MHz bandwidth). The initial test transmission occurred on August 12, 1928. Although other entities had transmitted television signals earlier, WRNY was the first station to provide regularly scheduled programming. Hugo Gernsback estimated that around 2,000 television receivers were operational in New York at that time.

Background

By 1927, Experimenter Publishing Company was spending more than it earned. Although its radio station WRNY generated advertising income, annual losses of approximately $50,000 were incurred due to investments in a new transmitter located in New Jersey and television technology. Hugo Gernsback received an annual salary of $50,000, while his brother Sidney earned $39,000—both salaries exceeding the New York Governor's $25,000 compensation. In February 1927, the firm leased the entire sixteenth floor at 230 Fifth Avenue for its executive operations. To increase readership, Gernsback declared in April 1927 that blueprints for radio projects, previously sold for up to two dollars, would now be distributed free of charge.

Significant expenses included paper and printing costs for several monthly magazines. Returns of unsold copies for credit further added to financial burdens. By 1928, creditors had stationed resident accountants within the company to oversee expenditures.

Proceedings

Principal creditors consisted of Bulkley Dunton Co., owed $154,406; Art Color Printing Co., with claims totaling $152,908; and Edward Langer Printing Co., owed $14,614. On February 20, 1929, a group of smaller creditors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Experimenter Publishing, reporting liabilities near $600,000 against assets valued at $182,000. Federal Judge Mack appointed Irving Trust Company as receiver. Gernsback announced intentions to restructure and continue publishing activities.

The April 1929 editions of Radio News, Amazing Stories, and Science and Invention marked Gernsback’s final issues as editor. Irving Trust named Bergan A. MacKinnon circulation manager and Arthur Lynch managing editor. Meanwhile, WRNY maintained uninterrupted broadcasts.

During a March 28 hearing, bids were considered from MacKinnon; Macfadden Publications; Chester Cuthell (representing the radio stations); Motion Picture Publications (for Amazing Stories); Fawcett Publishing (for Science and Invention); and Robert McBride Company (for both magazines). The hearing was recessed to allow time for evaluation.

On April 3, MacKinnon agreed to pay $200,000 upfront with an additional $300,000 deferred; Cuthell submitted a $100,000 offer for the radio stations on behalf of Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Creditors received 95 cents on the dollar—a notably high recovery in a forced sale—due to Irving Trust’s approach of keeping operations active during bankruptcy proceedings. Initial offers had been considerably lower.

Competitive bidding for the radio stations continued vigorously but ultimately Cuthell’s proposal prevailed after William R. Hearst was unreachable to raise his counteroffer.

On April 19, Hugo and Sidney Gernsback were interrogated regarding company management and asset handling amid allegations of hidden assets or fund diversion. They clarified that advertising space in their magazines allocated to hotels was provided as unsold "fillers" in exchange for trade vouchers rather than cash payments. Hugo denied utilizing bankrupt subscription lists for his subsequent enterprise.

Gernsback announced forthcoming titles under Gernsback Publications: Radio Craft, Science Wonder Stories, and Air Wonder Stories, with initial issues scheduled for June release.

The bankruptcy matter escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1933 when New York State pursued back taxes despite missed filing deadlines; the Court ruled that federal bankruptcy law took precedence over state tax claim procedures.

Gernsback Publications

Following the bankruptcy, Gernsback swiftly secured funding to establish a new publishing venture. The June 1929 edition of Science Wonder Stories was released on May 3, entering the market as a competitor to Amazing Stories; six weeks later, Air Wonder Stories was introduced. After a year, these titles combined to form Wonder Stories. Shortly after losing Radio News, the July 1929 issues of Radio Craft were published. Additionally, a revamped Everyday Science and Mechanics was launched to compete against Science and Invention.

While Gernsback frequently emphasized the legacy of his magazines, he refrained from mentioning the bankruptcy. A 16-page retrospective in the April 1958 issue of Radio-Electronics stated: "In spring 1929, magazines such as Radio News, Science and Invention, and Amazing Stories were sold; April 1929 marked the final Gernsback issue."

Despite the economic hardships of the Great Depression, Gernsback remained active in publishing. Radio Craft and its successors continued publication until January 2003. His focus remained on radio-related magazines, including launching Short Wave Craft in 1930 and Television News in 1931. Ownership of Wonder Stories transferred to Thrilling Publications in 1936, with the title lasting until 1955. Meanwhile, Science and Mechanics was sold to Virgil Angerman in 1937 and continued circulation into the 1970s.

Experimenter Publications

B. A. MacKinnon renamed the business Experimenter Publications before changing it to Radio-Science Publications in November 1930, with the goal of repaying acquisition debts via earnings from their magazines. The economic downturn drastically decreased both advertisers and readership, leading Radio-Science Publications to cease operations with its August 1931 releases. In September 1931, Bernarr Macfadden’s Teck Publishing Corporation acquired the titles, continuing publication of Radio News and Amazing Stories, while merging and selling off Science and Invention into Popular Mechanics.

When Ziff-Davis purchased these magazines in January 1938, both were financially fragile. Beginning April 1938, Ziff-Davis resumed their publication; Radio News persisted under various names until 1985, whereas Amazing Stories was published until 1965 before its sale to Ultimate Publishing.

WRNY

Following the bankruptcy auction, Aviation Radio Station, Inc. was formed to assume control of WRNY. Financial support came from C. M. Keys, president of the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Chester Cuthell, who had served as auction attorney, became president with Walter Lemmon appointed general manager. The station’s mission centered on aviation promotion. After Cuthell requested additional frequencies citing an investment nearing $2 million, the Federal Radio Commission approved both license transfer and technical enhancements.

In August 1929, Aviation Radio relocated its studios from the Roosevelt Hotel to 27 West Fifty-Seventh Street and installed a new 1000-watt transmitter featuring automatic frequency control along with upgraded amplifiers at their Coytesville, New Jersey facility—improving broadcast reach and audio clarity. The shortwave station 2XLA boosted power output to 15,000 watts. Programming shifted away from jazz toward aviation-related content such as Amelia Earhart’s accounts of her cross-country flight and hourly weather updates for pilots.

After frequency reassignments in 1928, WRNY operated at 1010 kHz sharing airtime with three other stations: WRNY aired from 10:00 AM; WHN followed at 1:30 PM; WPAP broadcast at 7:00 PM; then WRNY resumed from 9:30 PM until midnight. WQAO, owned by Calvary Baptist Church, aired limited weekly programming. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer acquired the other stations in 1933; WHN began full-time use of the 1010 kHz frequency in January 1934. The call sign later changed to WMGM; this station eventually became today’s WFAN (AM), while WEPN (AM) took over its original frequency.