Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1963)

Record Details:

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Complete coverage of week begins on page 33 AT Late news breaks on this page and on page 10 f\ \ GAME CALLED ON ACCOUNT OF EUROPE 'Not enough time' for FCC decision on drop-in arguments FCC decision on controversial dropin case has been postponed until Chairman E. William Henry returns from Europe. Chairman, who was to leave Saturday (Oct. 5). for trip to Geneva and London, is due back Oct. 23. Commission attempted to reach decision on case involving seven shortspaced \"HF drop-ins following all-day oral argument Friday (Oct. 4). But after commissioners had discussed matter privately for 45 minutes, chairman emerged from meeting room to tell reporters there was "not enough time" to reach decision. He said further consideration of case would be delayed until his return from Europe. At issue are petitions that commission reconsider its order rejecting shortspaced drop-ins proposed for seven markets that now have two VHF stations. Commissioner Lee Loevinger now remains swing vote in issue. He replaced former Chairman Newton N. Minow. who had voted with majority. There was no indication Friday nigh: that any of other six commissioners had changed their minds on issue. Failure of commission to reach decision came as surprise, in view of expressed desire of commissioners, including Commissioner Loevinger. to settle question before Chairman Henry's departure. One question settled was that Commissioner Kenneth A. Cox will continue to participate in proceeding. Association of Maximum Service Telecasters had filed motion requesting that Commissioner Cox withdraw in view of his previous connection with case as chief of Broadcast Bureau. AMST opposes drop-ins. Commissioner Cox favors them. At stan of oral argument. Chairman Henry announced that commission concluded that Commissioner Cox was not disqualified and "may participate." Hearing came as climax to drawnout proceeding which had origin in 1961 proposed rulemaking to put dropins in Johnstown. Pa. (ch. 8): Baton Rouge (ch. 11): Dayton. Ohio (ch. 11): Jacksonville. Ra.' (ch. 10): Birmingham. Ala. (ch. 3): Knoxville. Tenn. fch. 8), and Charlotte. N. C. (ch. 6). At oral argument, both sides — involving 19 counsel representing 23 parties — used arguments advanced many times previously in proceeding. Opponents of drop-ins said they would block UHF development and cause extensive interference with existing VHF stations. They also said FCC reversal of its position would lead to demands for additional exceptions to rules to permit unending series of dropins. Proponents maintained that drop-ins are needed to meet immediate need of service and wouldn't hurt UHF nationwide. They also said UHF could not meet needs in seven markets since they couldn't compete with existing \*HF stations. Major voices in proceeding were those of ABC. favoring drop-ins. and AMST. Network said it needs affiliations with stations on proposed drop-ins if it is to become trulv competitive with CBS and NBC. AMST said ABC is already competitive. Jack Parr to buy Mt. Washington TV Acquisition by Jack Paar. NBC personality, of ch. 8 wmtw-ty Poland Spring Me., and its affiliate WMTW-FM, for nearly S4 million was under negotiation last week with prospect that contract would be signed in New York this week. John W. Guider. president and general manager and former Washington communications attorney, was in New York for negotiations with Mr. Paar and his attorneys. It is understood no changes in personnel or management would be made, with Mr. Guider continuing as president and general manager and presumably acquiring stock interest in new corporation to be headed by Mr. Paar. Mr. Paar's proposal was one of three received for Mt. Washington facility, others having been from Eastern multiple owner and West Coast independent. It will be Mr. Paar's first venture in business. Transaction would be subject to customary FCC approval. Wmtw-TV began operation under present ownership in 1954 and is ABCTV primary affiliate. In addition to Mr. Guider. who owns approximately 22i 2 cc Qf stock. other principals, each with equivalent ownership, are former Maine Governor Horace A. Hildreth and Peter Anderson. Mr. Paar several months ago had considered acquisition of West Palm Beach TV station. In acquiring Mt. Washington facilities, he will follow Loevinger top banana Boys will be boys (FCC division) : When FCC commissioners were at Colorado Springs during recent cross country7 tour of military7 installations, they saw Air Force Academy's gymnasium with climbing ropes hanging from rafters. Commissioner Lee Loevinger. alumnus of Robert F. Kennedy's physical fitness program ( he was assistant attorney general in charge of antitrust division), shed his jacket and went up. hand over hand, in jiffy. Other commissioners, more settled physically among agile New Frontiersmen, expressed admiration— but it took Republican Commissioner Robert E. Lee to deliver accolade: a tray of bananas to Mr. Loevinger when commission returned to Washington. pattern established by Bob Hope, also NBC star, who owns 4212r"r of koaam-fm-tv Denver. Wmtw-tv board authorized Mr. Guider to negotiate for station sale after unsolicited offers had been received. Sales rumor scotched by Goodwill's Patt John F. Patt. president of Goodwill Stations, denied Friday ( Oct. 4) reports that Goodwill radio-TV properties were being sold to Capital Cities Broadcasting Co. Capital Cities' offer — S30 per share for 692,000 shares (more than S20 million)— was turned down last July by Goodwill board, Mr. Patt said, for several reasons: (1) There's no disposition to sell (on contrary. Goodwill is seeking to expand both in broadcasting and community antenna systems). (2) Capital Cities already has four YHF's and addition of Goodwill's two Ys would put buyer over multiple ownership limit (no more than five \*HF"s to single company). (3) Three-year rule would have applied since Goodwill bought wsaz-am-tv Charleston. W, Ya.. only two years ago. In addition to Charleston stations. Goodwill owns WJR-AM-FM Detroit and w jrt ( TV "I Flint-Lansin s-Sa ainaw-Bav City. Mich. Capital Cities stations are WROW-AM ■■■■ more AT DEADLINE page 10 BROADCASTING. October 7. 1963 9