Sponsor (Oct-Dec 1964)

GOP Protests Election Day Spot Washington, D. C. — A five-minute Democratic political talk aired on NBC-TV's Today last week stirred up a hornet's nest, with the possibility of legal repercussions in one state. The talk, taped by vice presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey for airing election morning, drew the fire of GOP chairman Dean Burch who labeled it an "irresponsible, last-minute blow beneath the belt after the bell had sounded." In Minnesota, the talk was aired on KSTP Minneapolis-St. Paul, and drew the comment from the , Republican state chairman that it clearly "violates the Minnesota Corrupt Practices Act." KSTP general manager Stanley I Hubbard, Jr., pointed out that the station had no prior knowledge of the show, indicating that it "caught everyone flat-footed." In Waseca, Minn., where the announcement was also noted, Einar Iverson, Waseca county attorney, said he was requesting District Judge John F. Cahill to assemble a grand jury. "The evidence should be submitted to the grand jury for possible prosecution under the Minnesota Corrupt Practices Act," Iverson said. (Violation of the Minnesota Corrupt Practices Act constitutes a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $1000 or both.) Hubbard said he felt the incident would probably be classified as a misdemeanor for which the fine would be $100. Minnesota attorney general's office said enforcement of the law is up to county attorneys. CBS and Yankees Make It Official New York — The wedding ceremony was conducted with only members of the immediate family present. William Paley, CBS board chairman, and Frank Stanton, president, last week met behind closed doors with Dan Topping and Del Webb, co-owners of the New York Yankees, to sign the papers that put CBS into the baseball business. The signing was without fanfare, in striking contrast to the furor provoked when word of the sale was first leaked. Throughout the storm that followed and the threat of anti-trust action, CBS has stoutly denied any ulterior motive in its $11.2 million purchase, insisting that ownership of the Yankees would not give CBS-TV any bargaining edge in bidding on future baseball telecasts. Also denied was any suggestion that CBS bought the baseball club to protect itself from any future pay-tv incursions into sports. The statement at the formal signing simply said: "CBS confirmed this morning that its acquisition of 80 percent interest in the New York Yankees became effective today. Under a five-year contract, Dan Topping will be president and chief executive of the New York Yankees, Inc.. continuing his former function. Ralph Houk will be vice president and general manager." The last obstacle to the sale was removed a few days earlier when the Justice Department decided against an anti-trust suit. The possibility of future action by the department would depend on how CBS handles the Yankee operation. Point at issue was whether CBS, already a potent force in the entertainment world, should be allowed to extend its influence. Mitch Miller Applies For D.C. UHF Station Washington, D.C. — "Singalong" Mitch Miller, trading as All American Television Features, has applied for UHF channel 50 in this city. Miller told the FCC he is aware of stiff competition facing him, with four VHFs in the area, one educational and one commercial UHF (WOOKTV, which is Negro-oriented). Miller optimistically hopes to break even on first-year estimated costs of $350,000. Programing plans are largely for half-hour syndicated, film and one feature film nightly, plus two Mitch Miller half-hour shows: Evening with Milch on Saturdays and Young America Plays and Sings, a live music-education feature weekday afternoons. The Miller application contains a blast at rating services made in his talk to the Pennsylvania Broadcaster Assn. only six days after the three-and-a-half year Singalong show was cancelled at NBC. Mitch disclaimed any "sour grapes" attitude, but he said ratings didn't tell advertisers what they needed to know about product identification and quality of shows to promote a particular product. The Singalong star, once in the top10 rated shows, said advertisers use "scatterplan" because network programs are so alike as to be practically interchangeable to an advertiser. Smiles apparently still prevail in the CBS-Yankee ment of the transaction in August are William Topping, St., (left) president and chief executive Webb, a co-owner of the baseball club. The first word of the sale two and a half months affiliation. Shown here at the official announceS. Paley, CBS board chairman, with Daniel R. officer of the New York Yankees, Inc. and Del E. signing last week was quiet in contrast to the ago. November 9, 1964 21