Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

2-TELEVISION DIGEST MAY 20, 1963 a lawyer, bright, aggressive, diligent. He, too, will mellow somewhat in the job, as did Minow — when as chairman he feels full pressure from all sides. Position is at least 10 times as active as that of other commissioners. Minow's resignation, announced by President Kennedy, is effective June 1 — but he'll stay on longer if Loevinger isn't confirmed by then. As long expected, Minow will return to Chicago as exec, vp-gen. counsel of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Kennedy gave him big sendoff, said FCC's actions during his tenure "are indeed impressive." Kennedy released Minow's letter of resignation, in which Minow listed progress of last 2 years: (1) U.S. leads in space communications. (2) ETV "has made extraordinary progress." (3) All-channel-set bill will make more program choice available. (4) Phone rates have been cut. (5) FCC is reorganized, now "effective, viable." (6) License fees were adopted. (7) "There is a greater awareness on the part of the public and the broadcasting industry of the massive responsibilities of broadcasters to serve the public interest. Under the able & dedicated leadership of Gov. LeRoy Collins, the NAB has taken constructive steps. And the FCC's emphasis that broadcasters have a unique public trust has, I believe, contributed to improved service to the public." Designation of Lee Loevinger to fill Minow vacancy is a surprise, as have been all Kennedy's appointments except Cox's. Loevinger (pronounced LEV-in-jer) is top anti-trust man. Asst. Attorney General under Robert Kennedy. He's to be succeeded at Justice Dept, by William H. Orrick from State Dept. All the shifts bespeak power of Bobby Kennedy — all clearly tied to him. (Incidentally, Henry's daughter attends White House school with Caroline. You can't get much "in-er" that that.) Those who know Loevinger expect him to give AT&T rough time on communications satellites, because he's done that at Justice Dept. Beyond those, it's popularly assumed he'll generally bug industry about "monopoly." Everyone wonders why he was shifted to FCC; move is considered a step down. Obviously, he didn't satisfy Bobby — though both publicly deny there's a rift. Loevinger is 50, native of Minn., was in private Minneapolis practice 1947-60, served on state Supreme CoLirt a year before taking anti-trust job. He's Democrat, of course, has 3 children — and confesses he's been so busy in Washington he hasn't watched TV. Henry held news conference last week (attended by his beautiful wife), gave these responses: (1) Major FCC job — satellite communications. (2) Major job in broadcasting — making all-channel law work. He said he wants to see "uhf get a fast start — but there's a danger of overselling it." He'd hate to see a lot of operators "lose their shirts." (3) Overcommercialization — "I have no preconceptions on what that is, but we need a written policy. We have a policy, but even the commissioners don't know what it is." (4) How to improve programming — "Be alert about segments of the public not served adequately. Make the public aware of its role and our role. Most of the public doesn't know that broadcasters operate under legal obligations. We should keep broadcasters alert to the public's needs. I question whether all major segments are served in prime time. I believe there has been no improvement in program diversity in prime time . . . It's not appropriate to get into what I like or don't like ... I agree that it's bad to infringe on the freedom of broadcasters. But broadcasters are not free to conform to majority tastes alone — because that doesn't include the public interest . . . I'm not satisfied there are enough public service programs . . . There are green shoots in the wasteland . . . More news . . . More radio news . . . More coverage in controversial areas." (5) Advertiser domination — "Perhaps there's too much of this. I'd like to see programs more independent. But I'm not for the the magazine concept." (6) Newspaper ownership — "I agree with our statement to the Celler Committee. You can't generalize"— meaning, sometimes it's all right, sometimes not. (7) Multiple ownership — "We have many, many more important matters. I think it's worth noting, though, that 15 owners could own the top 75 stations in the nation. But I have no plans for getting into that now." (8) Ratings — "Industry should come up with its own suggestions. I don't believe the answer now is regulation by FCC. We're concerned about broadcasters following inaccurate ratings like lambs to the slaughter."