Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1959)

CLOSED CIRCUIT Trading down ratings • Advertisers are getting more sophisticated about ratings. That's claim of NBC-TV, separately concurred in by CBS-TV. Both networks, heavy on specials and "balanced" or "totality" programming, are aware that some informational specials, for example, not only may get clobbered by entertainment-type opposition but also can reduce ratings for programs that precede and follow. Don't sponsors object, especially those in before and after programs? NBCTV and CBS-TV indicate not— at least not seriously. Rather, they say, sponsors recognize value of this type of programming, even when it seems to hurt ratings of their shows, and are becoming more and more aware that "ratings aren't the end-all of the business." ABC-TV differs on two counts: (1) It's going lightly on specials, and (2) feels ratings are essential information, will give them out for publication where others won't (Broadcasting, Sept. 21). Fox's second? • 20th Century Fox is negotiating with Gannett newspapers for purchase of ch. 13 KOVR (TV) Stockton, Calif. Probability is good that talks will eventuate in sale. Gannett bought ABC-TV affiliate from Hoffman Electronics in 1958 for almost $1.5 million. If Stockton deal goes through, this will mark second 20th Century purchase in tv station ownership; it has application for FCC approval pending for $4.1 million buy of ch. 9 KMSP-TV Minneapolis from NTA (Broadcasting, Aug. 24). Who's on first? • Although public hearings start tomorrow (Oct. 6) in House Legislative Oversight tv quiz investigation, list of witnesses had not been finalized last Friday (Oct. 2). Several subpoenas have been served, and several witnesses have agreed to appear voluntarily, but who will actually be called and in what order still was up in air just four days before first sessions. Some who at first indicated they would testify voluntarily, now have backed down. It was reported that among those due to appear are producers Jack Barry and Don Enright, several contestants, network executives and FCC Chairman John C. Doerfer. "We are getting into this a little earlier than we would have liked to," one subcommittee spokesman said last week. He indicated congressional investigators still are not prepared to present their case. Chairman Oren Harris (D-Ark.) has insisted, however, on going ahead. Rep. Harris has been in Arkansas past two weeks but sent signed blank subpoenas for use of subcommittee staff. Subcommittee still has not received testimony before grand jury of all witnesses it sought. Hearings are scheduled to run through Friday with both morning and afternoon sessions. Collectors item • First major assignment for Lou Hausman, newly named director of Television Information Office, will be nationwide jaunt with NAB's Fall Conference "flea circus." Mr. Hausman was last-minute addition to official conference agenda and he will make initial industry appearance when series opens Oct. 15 in Washington, three days after he takes office. It's planned for Mr. Hausman to appear with Clair R. McCollough, Steinman Stations, chairman of Television Information Committee, TIO's ruling body. It wasn't certain at week's end whether Chairman McCollough will make all eight meetings. Mr. Hausman's conference role will be to meet telecasters and support chairman's fund-raising drive. Figure war • Comprehensive tv audience study that Television Bureau of Advertising now is distributing (see page 35) is prelude to broadside to be fired at competitive media. Bureau in next few weeks will come out with second report — "How Big Is Big?" that uses figures of first study to compare television's reach to that of other national media. Oak leaf cluster • Dr. Frank Stanton, CBS president, who has accepted invitation to address Radio-Tv News Directors Assn's. convention Oct. 16, will receive special citation from organization in New Orleans during luncheon session. He will be honored for his special efforts which helped bring about amendment of political broadcasting laws (Sec. 315). Dr. Stanton was 1957 winner of RTNDA's Paul White Memorial Award for electronic journalism, is ineligible to win that again. Education aid • Academy of Television Arts & Sciences plans to embark shortly on new project designed to help students in all phases of radio-tv at colleges. ATAS has obtained cooperation of many of its members (producers, engineers, writers, directors, agencymen et al), who have agreed to serve (without fee) as guest lecturers in their spe cialties. Project already has started informally with ATAS' help in setting up closed-circuit tv program at one southern college, but more than 100 institutions have indicated they would like to take advantage of academy's offer. New rating company • Is Western Union Telegraph Co. to become a force in radio audience measurement survey field? Apparently answer is yes, on basis of reports reaching Broadcasting. Among stations for which studies were completed past three months are WILZ St. Petersburg Beach Fla., and WKFM (FM) Chicago. Latter station currently is involved in litigation with The Pulse Inc. over survey squabble. Yes but • Year-old footnote in FCC document may rise to become headline in pending transfer of control of Hawaiian Broadcasting Co. stations to Honolulu Star-Bulletin, (Broadcasting. Sept. 28). When FCC approved $8.7 million sale of Consolidated Amusement Corp. properties (including 75% ownership of Hawaiian Broadcasting Co.) to Hialand Corp. in 1958 it reported existence of agreement between 25% owner Star-Bulletin and Hialand Corp. whereby newspaper agreed not to protest that transaction in exchange for option to buy out Hialand's interest in Hawaiian Broadcasting Co. This situation, Commission said in footnote to final order then, would be considered when and if such an option was taken up. Applications filed last week in which Star-Bulletin is buying remaining 75% of Hawaiian Broadcasting for $2.3 million are based on this option. Hawaiian is licensee of KGMB-AM-TV Honolulu, KHBC-AMTV Hilo and KMAU-TV Wailuku, all Hawaii. Mutual funds • Unless it hits expected setbacks in pending bankruptcy proceedings and in other court actions arising from deal between its former owners and Dominican Republic, Mutual figures it can get into black early next year. Albert Gregory McCarthy Jr., who started salvage job last July 1, has so far put in $500,000 to keep network alive, is expected to advance another $250,000 toward operating expenses before profit position is reached. It may cost him as much as additional $500,000 to straighten out bankruptcy and Dominican matters (story page 29).