Broadcasting (Jan - June 1940)

FCC Delays Decision on FM As Television Holds Spotlight Proposed Allocation Plans Are Considered Action Hinges on Interlocking Video Policy but WITH TELEVISION occupying post position in its current deliberations by virtue of the explosion which followed its action last month in reopening hearings on regulation of visual radio, the FCC has hardly turned a wheel on frequency modulation since the close of its hearings on this impending new system of aural broadcasting. _ Preliminary analysis of the testimony does not augur the swift FM action at first anticipated. Because of the interlocking nature of frequency allocations relating to television and those demanded for FM, that phase of the question must be settled at one time. It was flatly stated April 11 that no allocation plan has crystallized although a score of propositions have been advanced, including a revamping of the existing assign WHEN the great ice storm of a few weeks ago struck New York State, Maj. Edwin H. Armstrong's 400-foot tower of W2XMN atop the Palisades at Alpine, took on the appearance of a refrigerating plant. Ice six inches thick coated leads and cross-bars. Fearful that his pioneer FM antenna, now destined to lead the way to a new commercial broadcast operation, might be damaged, the noted inventor himself (shown above) climbed the tower to its topmost cat-walk to chop away the ice formations. Page 28 • April 15, 1940 ments in the bands from 40-60 mc. to accommodate the new "staticfree" medium. Meanwhile, applications continued to pour into the FCC under the impetus of the disclosures at the hearings and the failure of strong opposition to develop to introduction of FM. The total now is nearly 100, mostly from existing broadcast stations, with attorneys and engineers in Washington prepared to file many others. The FCC has extended the time for filing briefs by all parties from April 15 to April 22. Public Interested Although the new approach appears to be one of deliberation, it was thought in some quarters that the FCC would find it difficult to delay adoption of an allocation and rules to permit commercial operation of FM. Reports from set dealers. It is understood, are that the public is inclined to hold off purchase of AM receivers because of the publicity given to FM, particularly during the hearings. They are now asking for the "interferencefree" sets, according to advices reaching manufacturers. Moreover, the fact that Stromberg-Carlson, pioneer set manufacturer and FM experimenter, has already begun national advertising of FM receivers in leading magazmes, is expected to give momentum to public demand. Other manufacturers are understood to have similar merchandising plans, but information thus far has been that they plan to merchandise only in those areas where FM transmitting stations are providing service. Another trend that has caused a slow-down at the FCC has been the filmg of applications for 50 kw. FM stations rather than lower-powered outlets. Such stations as WOR Newark, WDRC, Hartford, WTIc' Hartford, and WTMJ, Milwaukee' all having FM low-power outlets, either have filed or contemplate filing for 50,000 watts. It was expected other FM applicants or holders of CP's, including NBC and CBS, would follow with appHcations for high-power stations. While there has been some talk in official quarters about "limited commercial" introduction of FM, it has been made clear by FM Broadcasters Inc., trade association representing a substantial majority of licensees and applicants, that it is seeking full commercial operation on the ground that FM no longer is an experimental service subject to laboratory development. Moreover, it has been emphasized that FM operation differs radically from television, which was given a limited commercial status, since there is no question of obsolescence of receivers in aural radio as in visual radio. Rather, it was explained, if any limitation of commercial operation of FM stations is decided upon (assuming the allocations question is adjusted) it will be only because EOl'KNCY "■7,i,^£;": Stromberi-Carlson FIRST PROMOTION of FM receiving sets to the public began with this ad in the New Yorker April 6. Stromberg-Carlson, among first of the set manufacturers to become interested in FM, is also using other national weeklies, according to Warren T. Eastwood, advertising manager. Because FM set sales will largely follow the local installations of FM transmitters and because existing broadcasting stations are the leaders in the installation of FM stations, it is presumed StrombergCarlson and other FM set makers will soon buy local and perhaps network time to promote set sales. BEG yOUR PARDON ! Shepard Finds Errors in 25,000Word Story INDIRECT testimonial to Broadcasting's coverage of the recent FM hearings is voiced by John Shepard 3d, president of Yankee Network and head of FM Broadcasters Inc., in a letter sent April 3 to members of the latter organization. Stating that officers of the organization had considered sending a digest of the FM proceedings to all members, he commented, "This seems a needless expense to go to, however, in view of the very thorough coverage given the FM hearing by Broadcasting in its April 1 issue." Remarking further on the Broadcasting account, which totaled approximately 25,000 words, Mr. Shepard stated that he offered only two corrections: On page 84, column 2, line 4, change "par for par" to "power for power" and on the same page and column, line 58, delete the word "not" from "Duplication of standard broadcast programs should not be permitted. mw APPucATiom FOR FM STATIONS PENDING applications before the FCC for new FM stations since publication of the log of applicants in the March 15 Broadcasting, and the additional list in the April 1 issue, totaled 95 as of April 10. In addition, various applications for changes of facilities have been filed, including applications for 50,000 watts by WIXPW, Hartford, affiliated with WDRC, and W9XEN, Chicago, owned by Zenith Radio Corp. Both are already licensed and both now operate with 1,000 watts. TT.i'lo.^'^*^^*^^^' General Electric's W2X0Y, New Scotland, N. Y., now licensed for 150 watts, has been granted a construction permit for 1 '000. Among previous applicants lor FM stations, Yankee Network's 50,000-watt application on 43 mc. has been amended to ask for 43 3 mc.; WOKO's 250-watt application at Albany on 43.4 mc. now asks for 1,000 watts; and WWJ's application for 43.2 mc. at Detroit has been changed to 42.8 mc. New FM station applications re?fA^^^* ^^?T^^ ^P"^ 1 are those of WMCA, New York, 1,000 watts on "^.V' WAAF, Chicago, 1,000 on 42.6; Washington Institute of Technology, Washington, D. C, 1,000 on 42.8; WFIL, Philadelphia, 1,000 on 43; WIS, Columbia, S. C, 1,000 on f3-2; Yankee Network, Boston. 5.000 on 43.7; WCKY, Cincinnati 1,000 on 42.8; KSCJ, Sioux City la., 1,000 on 43.4; WLAW, Lawrence, Mass., 1,000 on 42.8; WFBR Baltimore, 1,000 on 43.4; WFMJ Youngstown, 1,000 on 42.8; WDNC' Durham, N. C, 1,000 on 43. W3XIR,' AM station of WCAU, Philadelphia applied for a change to FM emission, 100 watts on 43 mc. FM in Canada CANADA will not have any commercial FM stations for some time according to Dr. A. Frigon, assistant general manager of the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., who said "there is no sign of the CBC recommending that commercial licenses be issued for FM broadcasting stations in the near future". A number of Canadian broadcasters have applied for experimental FM licenses, but definite information as to whether or not such applications have been granted is still pending. The new fiscal license year started April 1 to run till March 31, 1941, and licenses issued by the Radio Branch, Department of Transport, have not yet been received by the stations. FM will not be in a position to provide a full commercial service comparable to standard broadcasting of today until listeners are equipped with receivers. It has been estimated that from seven to ten years would be required for such a transition on a basis warranting sale of time at rates paralleling those prevailing today. Placement of some limitation on introduction of FM, totally aside from any restriction on commercial operation, is being discussed at the FCC. A tentative allocation might be worked out at this time, it is thought with readjustment to come when the service establishes itself. It is considered possible that nothing can be done during 1940 because of the many factors which must be taken into account. In addition to working out basic allocation structure, the Commission is confronted with determination of minimum standards, provision for network operations, setting up of network operating companies and a myi-iad of other basic matters, it was pointed out on the Commission's behalf. While the allocation controversy is whether the Commission will assign television channel No. 1, ranging from 44-50 mc. to FM, which, together with the present 42-44 mc. range, would give FM a total of 40 channels of 200 kc. Commission engineers have studied a number of suggested substitute plans. Not only has nothing been decided on this point but it is possible that an allocations hearing ultimately may {Continued on page 5^) BROADCASTING • Broadcast Advertising