U. S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1960)

report from Canada X^^ p BBG to Hear Changes in Rules On Radio Programming, Advertising Radio re.mil. (lions governing Canadian stations will come up £or revision this tail, according to Dr. Andrew Stewart, chairman of the Board ol Broadcast Governors. He savs that BBG committees will confer on proposed changes in September. Public hearings are scheduled alter these proposals have been examined by the committees ot the board. In considering proposals for amendments to the radio code, Dr. Stewart emphasizes that the board ^ especially interested in helping Canadian stations raise their standards of programming. In support of this interest, he predicts that rules relating to programming, and specificallv Section 11, will be discussed at length. Section 1 1 refers to the use of live talent on radio programs. Changes in this section are expected to encourage participation of local personalities on the air. Another factor pressing the board for a revie^v, Dr. Ste^vart tells u. s. RADIO, is that until July 1 both radio and television stations subscribed to the same set of regulations. On that date, the Radio (Tv) Broadcasting Regulations became effective for television stations only. Thus, he explains, Canadian radio stations, although they have their own code, need to examine it to accommodate changes in the industry. In a recent speech before the Western Association of Broadcasters meeting in Banff, Dr. Stewart told his audience: "^Vith the passing of the Broadcasting Act soon after the organization of the BBG in November, 1958, the Radio Broadcasting Station Regulations of the Board of Go\ernors of the CBC continued to apply. Following public hearings, ihe^e regidalions were adopted, with some minor amendments, bv the Broadcast Board of Governors." These same regulations have undergone no further revision since that time. The television regulations now in effect represent the only major change to date, it is pointed out. Commercial practices of radio stations will also be discussed, according to Dr. Stewart, but the exact nature of proposed revisions in this area has not been disclosed. However, he feels that this is one area in which the board has experienced difficulties because of the stations' interpretations of various regulations. Existing rules will be clarified and administrative responsibilities more clearly defined at the hearings next month. Dr. Stewart, in his talk to broadcasters, refers to action sought by the Canadian Broadcasting Company to clarify rules governing its relations with affiliates. "We understand that the Corporation (CBC) may wish to present to the board proposals for revision of their affiliation agreements with radio stations. This would lend some urgency to revision of the radio regulations," says Dr. Stewart. He emphasizes the growth of broadcasting in Canada, citing the need to re-evaluate regulations in light of this growth. "The applications for neAv investments in radio facilities reflect confidence in the future of this medium," he says. "The board has lent its support to developments in broadcasting and to proposals calculated to improve the general quality of programming." The BBG chairman called on broadcasters to participate in the public hearings, reminding them that "the board must operate under the conditions and directives imposed on it by legislation. The board lacks tiie necessary authority to take action in situations not covered by regulations." • • • A SILVE3R SPOON IS NOT ENOUGH She may be born with "advantages" and raised with love — but there still can be plenty lacking. That is. if the school she goes to isn't good enough. Crowded classrooms, unqualified teachers, outdated equipment, inadequate curriculum — any one of these can shortchange your child's education and her future. Look into the quality of the schools she'll attend — work through your local committees or your School Board for their improvement. Doesn't she deserve the best? FREE BOOKLET! Measure the quality o( education offered in your child's school. Find out hosv it romparcs with the best in the (ountry...how you can make it better. For your (0|)\— and free Kuidance on many school problems — \srile: Better Schools, 9 East 40ih Street, New York 16, New York. Yardsticks for Public Schools U. S. RADIO August 1960 67