Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

2-TELEVISION DIGEST APRIL 29, 1963 ing process is "immune from lows of libel & slander," that group turned down Nielsen's offer of witness to refute charges by 3 former field men. At least 2 Subcommittee members — one Democrat, one GOP — say they'd like to see Nielsen Jr. on stand. Subcommittee meets today (29), will decide next moves — when to call next witnesses, consultation with FTC, FCC & Justice Dept., etc. Harris is in no rush. As we indicated (Vol. 3:16 pi), he's giving industry chance to come up with corrective moves before making his recommendations. Staff investigator Robert Richardson is back from vacation and, with chief counsel Charles Howze, will start on report due for release this summer. Nielsen's meetings with clients in N.Y. April 24-26 were similar to Chicago session (Vol. 3: 16 p2). About 350 agency, advertiser & network brass attended closed Summit (Hotel) meetings. Nielsen Jr. & Exec, vp Henry Rahmel answered questions after Nielsen's delivery of "The Researcher Replies." Questions covered sample size, editing, field supervision, Audimeter installation, inclusion of Mountain Time Zone, etc. Some advertisers were interested in paying for larger samples to get more reliable demographic data — though some agency spokesmen reportedly were opposed. Nielsen is planning to call news conference May 1, is expected to announce speedup in installation of new sample, based on 1960 census. Harris Subcommittee charges that sample has changed little since 1947. NAB Pres. Collins, speaking before Advertising Federation of America meeting in Orlando last week, asserted: "It is not too late for us to put this part of our house in order before the govt, insists upon doing the job for us." NAB Research Committee meets today (29) in Washington to prepare outline of final plan for permanent audit & standards group, for report Pres. Collins will submit to NAB boards & Harris. Working with NAB committee are network researchers, academicians, allied trade groups. NAB audit plan will coll for "joint effort." NO FCC-NCTA AGREEMENT ON CATV LAW: The major point of dispute between FCC & NCTA over prospective federal legislation (Vol. 3:16 p3) remained unresolved last week — but it may not be a hopeless deadlock. FCC voted unanimously April 22, accepting staff's recommendation that proposed law leave Commission free to impose regulations on CATVs in communities with more than one station. This word was passed to NCTA board, which met in Washington next 2 days. But board didn't throw up its hands and go home. It decided to study exactly what would happen — economically, technically, practically — if FCC's proposal were law — give Commission its findings. Committee headed by Archer Taylor, Missoula, Mont, has the job. Then, another committee, headed by A. J. Malin, Rochester <S Laconia, N.H., has duty of continued liaison with Commission. According to one member attending board meeting, "there's the glimmer of hope." Another said: "There's more maturity of thinking in the group than I've ever seen before." Canadian TV-radio regulators are getting worried about CATV, too. Board of Broadcast Governors has called June 4 hearing in Ottawa, stating: "The Board's concern centers oroLmd the fact that broadcasting stations, as a condition of license, are directed by law to achieve certain notional purposes. Distribution of programs by cable system is not so directed." Because of "vital nature" of hearings, BBG said, it's arranging to broadcast sessions on TV & radio. Much aroused by BBG leanings. National Community Antenna TV Assn, of Canada (3010 Bloor St. W., Toronto) is gearing for battle, giving subject top billing at annual May 7-10 convention in Ottawa. Like it or not, industry is adjusting itself to fact that more & more broadcasters ore deciding to control & profit from CATV instead of fighting it. Though FCC, Congress & CATV interests can't yet agree on federal legislation — most observers believe CATV will be put under Commission's wing sooner or later. Fact is, CATV won't go away — because it brings more services to more people, and public is willing to pay for it. No one has attempted a complete compilation of TV-radio operators who have CATV interests. Herewith, on p. 3, is our starter — and we invite additions, deletions & corrections to increase its authoritativeness. In some cases, cross-ownership may be minor. We're also including former broadcasters — believing they're no less illustrative of trend.