Sponsor (Oct-Dec 1964)

FIIIDA.Y AT 5 Pay Television Forces To Take Their Case to Court after Voter Defeat Los Angeles — Despite a two-toone slap in the face by California's voters, Subscription Television, Inc., intends to take its case not only to court, "but also to seek redress through the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission and the Congress, so as to protect not only the stockholders, but also the public, both of whom are victims of this vicious conspiracy." In his strongly worded statement, Sylvester L. (Pat) Weaver, president of the pay tv firm, declared: "The voters of California have, unfortunately, been duped into defeating their own best interests by a powerful and wealthy lobby of theater owners, aided by some broadcasters." In a campaign memorable for its virulence, both STV and anti-STV forces battled it out until the last day via newspaper ads and a steady stream of publicity releases. Also, the issue was debated throughout the state, as Tops for 'Today/ 'Tonight' New York — In what was called "the greatest single billing year in the history of the two programs," NBCTV reports a record $28 million in sales racked up for Today and the Tonight Show during 1964. It was also pointed out that a total of 85 different advertisers on both programs contributed to the total. Today made its debut on Jan. 14, 1952, and Tonight bowed on Sept. 27, 1954. Major sponsors using both shows include Sunbeam Corp., Hotpoint Div. of General Electric Co., Nestle Co., Allen Products Co., for Alpo dog food, and General Electric Co. KTLA-TV Shifts Reps Los Angeles — KTLA-TV has switched station reps. With billings estimated at $4-5 million, the West Coast outlet is moving from Peters, Griffin, Woodward, Inc., to H-R Television, Inc. KTLA was purchased some time ago by Golden West Broadcasters. well as other parts of the country, with Weaver as the principal spokesman for STV. The ballot itself caused some confusion among voters, since a "yes" vote for the initiative meant a "no" vote for pay tv. As a result of STV's defeat at the polls, indications are that the company, capitalized at more than $20 million, may at least temporarily cease operations in California until the question is battled through the courts. Despite the California set-back. Weaver announced plans to pick up franchises in other states "where we will complement their present television programing with the marvelous world of additional programing that subscription television offers." Salinger Rumored For NAB Presidency Washington, D.C. — Latest name to crop up in the NAB presidential sweepstakes is Pierre Salinger, former White House press secretary who was defeated in his bid for the U.S. Senate in California last week. When contacted, NAB's Washington office disclaimed any knowledge of Salinger's possible candidacy, referring all questions to Willard Schroeder, WOOD Grand Rapids, Mich., chairman of the committee set up to select a successor to LeRoy Collins. Schroeder was unavailable for comment. Other names bandied about in the past have been Rep. Walter Rogers, Secretary of the Air Force Eugene Zuckert and Fred A. Seaton, former Secretary of the Interior. Gray Apologizes^ Reinstated by WMCA New York — An apology, an invitation and a contract renewal were the end-products of commentator Barry Gray's suspension by New York radio station WMCA early last week (see story, p. 17). After closed-door discussions, both the station and Gray issued statements. Declared Gray, referring to his on-air fracas with Milton Eisenberg, an aid of GOP Sen. Kenneth Keating: "I made the error of mistaking heat for light. I plead guilty to being a very human human." The $2000 per week personality continued: "I apologize to Mr. Eisenberg and want to issue him here and now a most cordial invitation to appear on the program at any time he wishes, to discuss any matter he chooses." As for the station, it pointed out that the reinstatement — like the original decision to suspend — was a decision made solely on broadcast grounds. "The matter has been satisfactorily resolved, it might be added, without any intervention from any outside sources." WMCA also noted that Gray's contract had been renewed for 1965. It is estimated that he lost about $1700 as a result of the suspension following the election eve dispute. Gray pointed out that his nightly program was designed to introduce new ideas "and in the process we generate controversy. It's inevitable, I suppose, that we frequently manage to stir people's emotional juices. That's understandable. But everybody's entitled to get emotional except the moderator. That's the theory. Sometimes the theory breaks down." Gray will resume his broadcast duties with WMCA tonight (Nov. 9). Vick Chemical Names Merchandising Winners New York — With 86 television stations participating, Vick Chemical Co. has just announced the winners in its media merchandising contest. The top three stations were WSB-TV Atlanta, Ga., WDSU-TV New Orleans, WCAU Philadelphia. Each was awarded a trophy. Plaques were awarded the 10 runner-up stations. These included WFBM-TV Indianapolis, WNBQ-TV Chicago, KNXT Los Angeles, WTAETV Pittsburgh, WISH-TV Indianapolis, KVOO-TV Tulsa, WFBG-TV Altoona. Pa., KCMO-TV Kansas City, Mo., KHJ-TV Los Angeles, WXYZTV Detroit. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE T I Noveinb«r 9, 1964