Broadcasting (July - Dec 1939)

Record Details:

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did not concur in the view that the industry should adopt minimum standards. During the three-hour executive session, opposition to certain of the code principles was voiced. The opposition was premised largely on the feeling that an expression of the nature was not essential in code form since stations were dutybound to observe good taste and maintain operations in the public interest. The concensus of broadcasters, following the session, was that a meritorious job had been done and that the industry had kept faith by voluntarily imposing restrictions upon its operations which would inure to general good, even though certain of the provisions will result in loss of revenue to some stations. The feeling was that, over the long haul, the basic code would make for more wholesome use of time, particularly in the placing of limitations on length of commercials and in barring from the air programming methods which have proved controversial, repugnant or unwieldy. A comparison of the code, as adopted, with the original proposed code [Broadcasting, June 15] reveals that, except for the discarded standards of practice, the fundamental provisions and prohibitions remain the same, though there were sweeping changes in language. The provision dealing with children's pi'ograms, proposing a continuous study of the question with parent and child study groups, was largely kept intact. The provision dealing with conti'oversial public issues, one of the most provocative, was revised from its original form but retained its teeth. Under it, time for the discussion of controversial issues may not be sold except for political broadcasts. Forum type programs, however, are not included. News and Religion There was a sharp revision of the clause dealing with news broadcasting. Most important, however, is a ban against injection of editorial opinions in news broadcasts, either by the editor or broadcaster or the advertiser. Freedom from bias in analyzing and elucidating news is specified. The provision also was made applicable to commentators. A ban on use of time for reli IT TOOK this contingent from WHEC, Rochester, exactly 1 hour and 40 minutes to fly down to Atlantic City in the Gannett Newspapers' plane which they borrowed for the purpose. Left to right: John Sherer, co-pilot; Clarence Wheeler, co-owner of WHEC with Gannett; Mrs. Russell Holderman; Russell Holderman, pilot; Gunnar 0. Wiig, WHEC general manager; LeMoine C. Wheeler, commercial manager; Maurice Clarke, chief engineer. gious broadcasts which "convey attacks upon another's race or religion", produced considerable discussion. Viewed as a provision that spells the end of crusading clergymen who have stirred up controversy in recent months, the code says that the purpose of the religious broadcast should be 'to promote the spiritual harmony and understanding of mankind and to administer broadly to the varied religious needs of the community". The Program Standards Committee, appointed last fall by President Miller, which was responsible for the production of the self -regulation creed, comprised in addition to Mr. Miller as chairman: Edgar L. Bill, WMBD, Peoria; Mr. Craney;Mr. Damm; Earl J. Glade, KSL, Salt Lake City; Herb Hollister, KANS, Wichita; Edward Klauber, CBS; Lenox R. Lohr, NBC; Paul W. Morency, WTIC, Hartford; S. R. Rosenbaum, WFIL, Philadelphia; T. C. Streibert, MBS-WOR; Karl O. Wyler, KTSM, El Paso, and Mr. Kirby, secretary. During the pre-convention discussions, however, the committee received the assistance of a number of members, including Mr. Craig, who worked diligently in seeking to perfect the commercial limitation provisions; John Shepard 3d, president of the Yankee All for Goodwill MANY and varied were the goodwill offerings at the NAB convention. WPG, Atlantic City, passed out boxes of the resort's famed salt-water taffy to all conventioneers. Radio Attractions Inc. had Fu Manchu on hand in full regalia, who excited much interest and even more gratitude when he handed out attractive Chinese back-scratchers. MBS and WFIL, Philadelphia, passed out carnations. NBC-Blue distributed cartons of Old Golds and bottles of Canada Dry Ginger ale to the rooms, besides giving the ladies attractive fishnet hats. RCA, NBC and CBS all gave cocktail parties. Network, and spokesman for the regionals, William S. Hedges, NBC vice-president acting for Mr. Lohr, and a number of other specialists in the handling of commercials, both for the networks and for individual stations. Against the day that the business of broadcasting begins to level off' by virtue of increased competi WHETHER AFFILIATES or not. Mutual allows as how every delegate must have a carnation. At left, Reggie Schuebel, The Blow Co., gets her flower as Bill Schudt Jr., WKRC, Cincinnati, gazes admiringly. At right are (1 to r) Arthur B. Church, KMBu, Kansas City; Mary Francis, flower girl; Jack Adams, Texas State Network; Fred Weber, MBS general manager. tion with other media, broadcasting as an industry must underwrite a coordinated promotional campaign, Paul F. Peter, NAB research director, stated in a report delivered to the convention July 12. The Bureau of Radio Advertising has been established for that purpose, but on a most modest basis as compared with the parallel operations for competitive media, he said. To include studies of broadcast advertising, along with other data designed to sell radio as a medium, he explained the Bureau now seeks only to be reimbursed for printing expenses. The purpose, ultimately, is identical with that of the Bureau of Advertising of the American Newspaper Publishers Assn., h e said, which expends about .$270,000 annually but which now seeks a budget of $400,000. In introducing Joseph L. Miller, NAB's young labor relations director, to the membership. President Miller complimented him on his service and observed that no better job has been done in the organization. In a brief address, preparatory to his introduction of Elmer F. Andrews, Wage & Hour Administrator, Mr. Miller recited certain of his experiences in seeking to compose labor disputes of stations, and commented on the remarkable record of the industry. The policy pursued by the industry in its dealings with labor has been most intelligent, and should be pursued, he said [See Page 23]. Administrator Andrews delivered a prepared address [See Page 19] after which he answered questions propounded by broadcasters regarding peculiar labor problems. Because the broadcasting industry has few of the problems arising in the mass production and employment fields, no particularly perplexing issues have arisen, he said. Pointing out that there had been only a dozen complaints registered against the "radio industry", not all of which were against broadcasting, Mr. Andrews said that the industry is giving his agency very little trouble. Moreover, he said it has acquired an excellent reputation as a "law abiding citizen." Hobby Problem Arthur B. Church, KMBC, Kansas City, raised questions about hours of employment both for news reporters and for engineers. He was advised by Mr. Andrews that in the case of newsman at stations, or on newspapers, the question has not been settled, since the contention has been made, but not yet adjudicated, that they are professionals and therefore outside the pale of the hour limitations. When Mr. Church asked what could be done about engineers who, after regular hours, return to the station or shop to experiment with television or other technical activity, for which they are not directly hired or paid, Mr. Andrews said it appeared that this work, when done voluntarily, might be recorded as hobby, and therefore not subject to hour limitations or to overtime pay. Beyond that he explained that a change in the law has been proposed under which all persons earning a guaranteed monthly salary of $200 or more might be excluded from the hour requirements. Mr. Andrews also observed that there is the likelihood of legislation under which rulings of the Wage (Continued on page 89) Page 14 • July 15, 1939 BROADCASTING • Broadcast Advertising