Broadcasting (Jan - June 1940)

One Thousand New FM Stations Foreseen Active Operation In Band Likely Within Year A NEW commercial broadcast structure, having the physical capacity of accommodating many more stations than exist today in the standard broadcast band, was created May 20 by the FCC in an unanimous action staking off allocations in the ultra-high frequencies for FM broadcasting. The basic suggestions of Maj. Edwin H. Armstrong, developer of FM wide-swing transmission, as opposed to the narrow-band recommendations of RCA, were adopted practically in toto by the Commission, along with most of the allocation recommendations made by FM Broadcasters Inc. The course adopted by the Commission hobbles the immediate development of commercial television, as espoused principally by RCA, since television channel No. 1 was diverted for FM. A swap of frequencies with Government services, which becomes fully operative Jan. 1, made possible allocation of the same number of bands (seven channels of 6,000 kc. each) for television below 108 mc, but necessitated the further realignment to accomodate FM in the range below 50 mc. Action Next Year The FCC action, which followed protracted and often bitterly argumentative hearings during March and April on both FM and television, gives to FM a status that, by early next year, should see most of the major markets in the country, and many of the minor ones, equipped to transmit so-called "static-free" programs. The Commission Itself hailed FM as "one of the most significant" contributions to radio in recent years. Within the industry there were mixed reactions. Proponents of FM, principally FM Broadcasters Inc., headed by John Shepard 3d, Yankee Network president, saw in it birth of a new and improved broadcasting structure which in from seven to 10 years will displace present-day broadcasting, except for clear channel service, by reason of popular acceptance. While there were no public expressions, many broadcasters privately were fearful of the effects of unbridled competition of FM and of the allocations policies which remain to be set by the FCC. It was clear, however, that a substantial majority of standard broadcast station owners, particularly those in the primary and secondary markets, would promptly seek FM licenses. Development of FM on an evolutionary basis, alongside AM standard broadcasting, is the prediction of the FCC, which again follows closely the weight of the testimony of FM proponents [Broadcasting, April 1]. The Commission frankly states that FM probably will never displace the high-power clear-channel station designed to give rural and remote service, since FM stations on the ultra-highs have no secondary coverage. Assigned to commercial FM is the band 43,000-50,000 kc, providing 35 channels of 200 kc. Becatise of the characteristics of FM and the ultra-highs, it is possible to assign stations on the same channel with far less geographical separation than in the standard 550-1600 kc. range. Consequently, it is concluded that whatever the engineering standards to be established by the FCC within the next few weeks, it will be possible to license at least 1,000 stations of all coverage classes in the new FM range with 200 kc. channel widths and, probably, as the technique advances, substantially to surpass that number. Existing enginering standards go by the boards entirely where FM is concerned, since power and frequency are not the primary considerations. Power plus antenna height plus antenna efficiency provide the combined factors in determining FM coverage. New Filings Required In adopting the new FM allocations, the FCC simultaneously stopped dead in its tracks the onrush of applications for licenses in the new ethereal domain. It announced that all pending applications, totaling nearly 150, are being dismissed "without prejudice," which means that they can be refiled pursuant to the new requirements, as soon as rules and regulations and accompanying engineering standards are promulgated. This latter action is not expected for at least a fortnight. While the engineering standards are expected to be relatively simple, a vast amount of preliminary work must be done. All applicants for FM stations also will be required to file the new FCC station application form (301), which taps intimate phases of the public and private lives of applicants [Broadcasting, May 1]. Similarly, the FCC announced that existing high-frequency experimental stations, including both FM and AM, will be terminated by Jan. 1, also without prejudice, for the filing of new applications for either experimental or regular FM stations. The Commission said it adopted the 200 kc. wide-swing band, as opposed to the narrowband advocated by RCA, because it appears better adapted for the service and because it will be possible to multiplex facsimile and binaural service on the same channel. It said that if later developments demonstrate the feasibility of reducing the band width, this can be done without affecting adversely FM receivers already in the hands of the public. Emphasis was placed on facsimile development, despite the fact that the service has made little public progress during the last five or six years, after it had been exploited widely by manufacturers. It is known that the White House has evinced deep interest in facsimile Devised Allocations E. K. JETT PROGRAMS FOR FM Networks Asked for Right to Gratis Pickups UNLEASHING of commercial FM by the FCC has precipitated a programming problem, with the major networks being deluged by prospective FM operators for permission to transmit network programs over the new stations. It appears likely that networks shortly will be called upon to decide what they propose, as a matter of policy, to do about allowing unrestricted use of regular presentations over FM stations. While it is not anticipated the FCC will attempt to impose program restrictions on FM transmitters, it is nevertheless known that some broadcasters hold the view that the only way they will be able to attract a new audience over FM stations will be through introduction of programs not otherwise available. That course is being followed by at least one FM station — the adjunct of WTMJ, Milwaukee. On the other hand, several other FM experimentals are duplicating network programs under special authorization. development, as a means of providing a "radio newspaper". The Administration, and more particularly Press Secretary Stephen Early, is said to see in facsimile a potential means of offsetting the preponderant newspaper opposition to the New Deal and as a consequence has been interested in encouraging maximum development of the "radio newspaper", since the broadcasting industry as a whole has refrained from using its microphones for the projection of personal viewpoints. Working out of the new allocations was attributed largely to FCC Chief Engineer Ewell K. Jett, with the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), composed of representatives of 13 Federal agencies, which advises the President on allocation of frequencies for Government operation. Lieut. Jett is chairman of the committee. The FCC paid high tribute to him for the accomplishment whereby IRAC by Jan. 1 agrees to relinquish the bands 60-66 mc. and 118-119 mc. for private services while the bands 41 42 mc. and 132-140 mc. are turned over by the FCC to IRAC for Government services. The exchange means that the 60-66 mc. range can be assigned as television channel No. 2, which the Commission holds to be a desirable band for visual radio. Actually, non-Federal services get out of the swap a total of 7,000 kc. whereas the Government acquires a total of 9,000 kc. While at first glance this may appear to be favorable to the government, it should be kept in mind that in the seven megacycles acquired for commercial service there are 160 usable channels, whereas in the nine megacycles relinquished to the government only 87 channels are involved. Allocation Problem FCC Chairman James Lawrence Fly said that Lieut. Jett did a "beautiful job" in arranging allocations conferences to get substantial concession for FM, particularly in respect to Government assignments. The FCC in its formal opinion expressed its appreciation to IRAC and to Lieut. Jett "for the splendid cooperation and assistance rendered in helping to solve this difficult problem." Nominally, the FM allocations will become operative as soon as the rules and regulations and engineering standards are issued — possibly by mid-June. Actually, however, aside from those stations already licensed, it is thought a complete allocations structure cannot be set up much before the first of the year, at which time the Government vacates its channels and television channel No. 1, ranging from 44-50 mc, is entirely cleared for FM. In instances where interference will not be caused with existing Government or television operations, it is presumed the FCC will be disposed to license stations in advance of the Jan. 1 final deadline. FM acquires the clean sweep from 42-50 mc, which provides 40 channels of 200 kc. each. The band 42 43 mc. however, is set aside for non-commercial educational broadcast stations, and is contiguous to the new commercial band. It is expected the forthcoming rules will provide for allocation of alternate channels in the same area, rather than actual adjacent channels. Thus, it would be theoretically possible to place in a single tradingarea as many as 18 stations (every other channel to be occupied) . In an area like New York, however, the requirements of immediately contiguous cities, like Newark, Jersey City and even Philadelphia, might have to be taken into account, thereby necessarily reducing the quota of stations. The allocations policy definitely will be that of assigning "horizon Page 18 • June 1, 1940 BROADCASTING • Broadcast Advertising