U. S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1961)

Washington Over the Shoulder Look at 1960 In taking a backward glance at the events of I960, the National Associ Shows Broadcast Industry Cains ation of Broadcasters said "broadcasting emerged from its year of trial in 1960 to reach the threshold of greater freedom and influence." The industry's success, the NAB points out, was achieved "primarily by mature and mutual efforts by individual stations and the networks to demonstrate their unmatched contributions to the public good." Three Steps that Kept Industry The NAB singled out three steps taken by broadcasters thai helped to On Right Road Cited by NAB counteract the attacks of the industry's critics. These are: "The indus try's fair and impartial handling of the presidential radio-tv debates without any legal requirements or restrictions for equal time. Its apparent success in winning acceptance of its view that broadcasters themselves should determine community needs and plan programming to meet them. Its determined effort to improve and expand its means of selfregulation through the NAB's radio and television codes." NAB Policy Committee Ends Its When Governor LeRoy Collins officially took over as NAB presidenl this Temporary Role on Optimistic Note month, it marked the end of the special three-man Policy Committee. The Committee was established to oversee the operations of the organization after the death of the former NAB head, Harold E. Fellows. Clair R. McCollough, president and general manager of the Steinman Stations, Lancaster, Pa., and chairman of the Policy Committee, said broadcasting has emerged "from its blackest days of 1959 and early 1960 to be accorded a higher degree of faith and freedom by the legislative and regulatory agencies of government. With initiative and vigor, the industry can now continue to move forward to grow in influence, both economic and social, and to work for the public interest less hampered than ever before by archaic and unnecessary legislative and regulatory controls." Station Activities Reflect The Policy Committee's year-end report highlighted a number of events Growth of the Medium which attested to the industry's growth. As of December 1, according to the report, there were 3,538 am and 801 fm radio stations on the air. This represents an increase of 82 am and 12 fm stations since last January 1. NAB membership climbed to a new high— 2,623 radio and television stations, plus all the national networks — an increase of 260 stations since the first of 1960. There was also a generous increase in the number of stations that subscribe to NAB's Radio Code — a total of 1,093 radio stations as of December f. Around the middle of last year, the Radio Code was extended to non-members, its administration was changed from an honor system to one with enforcement provisions and a full-time code staff was added at NAB headquarters. McCollough Sketches in Four In summing up the past 12 month period, and looking to the future, Mr. 'Touchstones' of the Future McCollough said "Broadcasting has much to talk about and to promote . . . much of excellence in our programming, much of our influence tipon domestic and world affairs." He offered the following "touchstones of the future" for the industry: "A determined organized effort to bolster the economy through ethical advertising. ... A dedication, within our capacities, to the cause of better education. ... A comprehension of the public interest in order that we may meet in a climate of decision freely made. ... A concentrated, organized effort to portray our industry to the public for what it is and aspires to become." • • • 12 U. S. RADIO • January 1961