Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

2— TELEVISION DIGEST FEBRUARY 11. 1963 other actions. For example, Commission action might be taken to assure, os fully os p>ossible within its jurisdiction, the technical development of uhf broadcasting and reception. As to these important technical aspects, the Commission believes it most desirable that there be a continuing forum for face-to-face exchanges between the uhf broadcasters and the TV set manufacturers during this critical period. "The Committee could also perform the very useful function of collecting and disseminating information concerning the practical problems confronting the uhf broadcaster in differing market circumstances, the methods used by broadcasters to meet those problems, and whether a particular method was successful or effective. As to this latter function, the CommAssion representatives, in recognition of the fact that such practical marketing questions are matters for the broadcaster — and not the Commission — would not pKirticipate." PEACE CORPS COLOMBIA ETV PROJECT: Plans for pilot ETV project in Bogota, Colombia, before end of 1963 are being pushed by Peace Corps. In addition, agency has been asked by govts, of other Latin American countries and some African & Asian nations to establish similar projects for them. Initial plans are to program over existing facilities to classrooms in Bogota area, according to Corps Assoc. Dir. William Haddad. Govt, of Colombia has pledged $200,000 toward project, asked Agency for International Development for additional $320,000. Ford Foundation is also interested, will send survey team to Colombia this month to determine whether it will contribute. Corps officials hope to extend service to 1,500 Colombian classrooms, telecasting initially in afternoons, eventually mornings also. Next phase would be programs to adults in evenings. Agency is recruiting personnel, plans to send 60-man teams to each station. About 7-10 of these will be technical & administrative people to teach local personnel to operate facilities; other 50 would go into field to show teachers how to use ETV in classrooms. AID officials are enthusiastic about project, told us chances ore good for quick action on Colombia's request for fimds, which would be used to purchase monitors for classrooms. Somewhat similar plan by AID last year (Vol. 2:34 p8) ran into sharp criticism in Congress, but no problem is anticipated this time. ADVERTISING & GOVT. EXCHANGE SALES PITCHES: Advertising's principal gripe against regulatory Washington — Federal Trade Commission's rambunctiousness — remained lost week after 5th annual mid-winter govt.-industry conference sponsored by Advertising Federation of America and Advertising Assn, of the West. FTC Chmn. Dixon remained unconvincing in his efforts to persuade industry to accept legislation providing for "temporary cease-<Sklesist" orders. These would enable FTC to stop alleged unfair bxisiness practices pending full investigation. At opening session, AFA Gen. Counsel John J. Ryan reiterated opposition to pending bills : "The legislation gives to on administrative tribunal, responsible to no body of the electorate, on absolute power to enjoin the activities of any person, natural or corporate, whenever in its sole discretion it shall deem this advisable. And the only safeguard to liberty offered in this bill is the right to request the self-same Commission which issued the order to reverse its own judgment." (He also noted that House Commerce Committee Chmn. Harris (D-Ark.) may introduce legislation to give FCC direct regulatory power over networks.) In lectem-poimding speech, Dixon insisted that cease-ii-desist power is needed to protect honest businessmen against the unscrupulous few. He declared that both govt. & industry spokesmen are "creating suspicion & hostility where none should exist." Pending bills are HR-1105 by Rep. Potman (D-Tex.) & HR-594 by Rep. Steed (D-Okla.). Identical measures got nowhere last session. FCC Chmn. Minow made no speech. In q-^ki period, he send Omaha-type local-live hearings "are desirable; they're like income tax returns; everybody should be audited occasionally." After Comr. Henry reports on Omaha, he said. Commission will decide whether to conduct more of same. Westinghouse Bestg. Pres. Donald H. McGonnon told group that TV-radio must reach mass, aim for majority. A noble effort viewed by almost nobody isn't in public interest, he asserted. (McGonnon is particu