Broadcasting (July - Dec 1940)

FM Stations Request Speedup By the FCC as Licenses Lag Comiuercial Operation After Jan. 1 Sought, With Right to File Performance Data Later PERTURBED over the lag in licensing of FM stations, slated for full commercial status Jan. 1, a committee representing FM Broadcasters Inc. conferred Nov. 27 with FCC Chairman James Lawrence Fly and his engineering aides, advancing specific suggestions to speed up the entire process. With only 18 FM grants made thus far, the FM committee, headed by President John Shepard 3d, offered a half-dozen proposals which were taken under advisement by Chairman Fly, Chief Engineer E. K. Jett and Gerald C. Gross, head of the FCC International Section of the FCC. Accompanying Mr. Shepard were Theodore C. Streibert, vice-president of WOR and MBS; C. M. Jansky Jr., consulting radio engineer, and Philip G. Loueks, recently named general counsel of FM Broadcasters Inc. Speedup Ideas Covered during the conference were suggestions that the FCC allow existing experimental FM stations, of which there are nearly a score, to operate on a commercial basis after Jan. 1, with regular calls, pending installation of newly authorized facilities; to permit FM stations in certain instances to begin operation without requiring them to cover maximum specified service areas ; to defer filing by applicants of exhaustive technical data so that applications can be considered on the basis of legal, financial and public service qualifications of the applicants, with the technical data to come later; to provide shortwave relay facilities for FM stations; to postpone the necessity for requirement of proof of audio performance until after a year of operation, and to adopt a system of call-letter allocations different from that recommended [Broadcasting, Nov. 15]. The group advocated use of fourletter calls similar to those employed for standard broadcasting as its first preference. If that is not expedient because of the limitation in the number of available call combinations, the group suggested that a combination of letters and figures be used, but that the figures be in the middle of the four element calls, such at W44B. The Engineering Department had recommended that two-letter prefixes be used followed by a dash and two numerals, indicating the channel to which the station is assigned. A typical call would be WA-14. Mr. Shepard's committee contended that their suggestion would make for greater euphony and that the calls thus would be more easily remembered. Moreover, it was pointed out that the first letter and numerals would be automatic, but that the second letter might be selected because of significance as to station location or ovraership. In suggesting that the FCC au thorize continued operation existing experimental FM stations beyond Jan. 1, with commercial status, the Shepard Committee said this would make possible uninterrupted service to FM listeners in those areas pending completion of new stations. Preliminary Data To speed up availability of service by FM stations, the committee urged that applications be granted for smaller stations than those earmarked for specified areas, at the outset at least. Particularly applicable to larger areas, such a plan would make possible rapid installation of service which otherwise would require substantial time. The enlarged service later could be provided, it was pointd out, to comply with the FCC allocation plan of allotment of facilities to serve basic trade areas or natural spheres of economic influence. By eliminating the necessity for supplying the extensive preliminary technical data at the time of considering new FM applications, the FCC was told it would take a long stride toward expediting the whole allocation process. The Commission then could proceed with consideration of financial, legal and other prerequisities. When the applicant measures up, the grant could be made, conditional upon subsequent approval of the detailed engineering data. It was said this would tend to encourage FM applications from smaller, independent interests which hesitate to invest substantial sums for preparation of the engineering data until they have at least some assurance of favorable action. Because of purported difficulties in obtaining telephone lines of adequate fidelity without excessive cost, the Shepard group urged that steps be taken to make available shortwave channels for relays from transmitters to studios and for ultimate networking of FM. Specific permission was requested to use bands above 150 mc, now assigned to relay stations, for FM relays and intercity hookups, pending development of an allocation for this purpose. Proof of Performance With an engineering conference called for Dec. 9 on manufacture of FM transmitters and other technical equipment, the FM committee urged the Commission to defer the requirement that FM stations submit proof of audio performance during test period, and prior to the issuance of a regular license. Invoking of such a requix"ement, it was argued, would result in delays in licensing. Since the FCC is allowing stations a year in which to submit the results of field surveys showing FM station coverage, it was suggested the rules be modified to allow the same length of 'Town Hair I M Station AMONG the local plans for its 50tli Atmiversaiy national cami)aigii, Town Hall, New York, has announced it will build and equip an FM station atop its present building on W. 43d St., in addition to extensive alterations and additions to its auditorium and offices. Over a three-year period, committees formed on behalf of the Anniversary will work on the local expansion program as well as the plan of coordinating with Town Hall the more than 3,000 discussion groups which have formed throughout America as a result of the weekly broadcasts on NBC of America's Town Meeting of the Air. THREE FM STATIO^^S GET FCC APPROVAL THREE additional commercial FM stations, bringing to 18 the total authorized since lifting of the experimental restriction, were given approval by the FCC during latter November. Supplementing its grants to Travelers Broadcasting Service Corp., Hartford (WTIC) and General Electric Co., Schenectady (WGY) on Nov. 20, the FCC at its meeting Nov. 26 granted an application of WCAU, Philadelphia, for an FM adjunct. On Oct. 31 the FCC granted permits to 15 applicants. Approximately 50 applications now are pending and steps are being taken for their expeditious handling, it was stated. The Hartford grant is for 45.3 mc, with a coverage of 6,100 square miles, embracing 1,118,000 population. The Schenectady grant does not specify frequency but the area is 600 square miles, with the population 967,700. The Philadelphia grant is for 46.7 mc, 9,300 square miles and 3,846,651 population. It specifies hours of operation as six hours at night and six hours during the day, marking the first time such provisions have been included in an authorization. 'Birth of Nation' Suit SUIT charging unfair competition was filed Nov. 19 in New York Supreme Court against CBS by Epoch Producing Corp., New York, charging that it owns the picture and title "The Birth of a Nation", also the name of a program presented Sept. 2, 1940, on CBS as one of a series of lilanned broadcasts. Maj. Armstrong Honored MAJ. EiDWIN H. ARMSTRONG, inventor of FM, will receive the Holley Medal of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for distinguished service in engineering and science. The award will be made Dec. 4 at the Sofietv's 61st annual meeting in New York. RCA studio equipment, Scully turntables, and Presto power amplifiers are being used in Library of Congress radio studios nearing completion. time on proof at audio performance. Chairman Fly indicated the FCC would give consideration to all of the suggestions at early meetings, after Chief Engineer Jett has had the opportunity to study the proposals and draft his final recommendations. Mr. Latham r.athaiti lo vSiirvey Markels lor FM Will Coiidurl Nilwork Stu«ly li<^lor«^ Joining? DiirHtinc AT A MKKTING Nov. 18, the executive committee of the FM Program Research Group, formed last August to explo)'e the possibilities ol' forming an FM nationwide n e twork [BroadcastIN(;, Sept. 1], unanimously approved the action to retain Jack Latham, recently resigned as radio director of Benton & Bowles, New York, to make a pi-eliminary survey of markets, programs, sales and other pertinent problems relative to the further extension of the plan. According to Herbert L. Pettey, manager of WHN, New York, and secretary-treasurer of the FM group, "it is anticipated that some time in the future this work to be done by Mr. Latham will be of value for further discussion and development of FM simultaneous broadcasting, although the general plan of the organization is nebulous at the present time." Knows His Market "Mr. Latham is devoting himself to this work at the express request of the committee," Mr. Petty continued, "and will work on the project for a period of at least 60 days on a temporary basis. He will complete his report prior to taking up his duties as an executive of Roy S. Durstine Inc., New York. Mr. Latham's experience in radio was deemed highly important by the committee as a result of his previous connections with Young & Rubicam, New York, American Cigarette & Cigar Co. and more recently with Benton & Bowles. His knowledge of market and conditions will make his survey report singularly important." Chairman of the executive committee of the group is John Shepard 3d, president of the Yankee Network, and other members include Walter Damm, WTMJ, Milwaukee, and Elzey Roberts, KXOK, St. Louis. Mr. Latham, who will join the advertising agency of Roy S. Durstine after completing his report, will be an executive of the company with no particular title, according to Mr. Durstine. CHARLES GRIMM, onetime manager of the Chicago Cubs and last season baseball announcer, together with Lew Fonseca, of WJJD, Chicago, on Nov. 25 was released of his announcing contract for next season by Ralph L. Atlass, president of the station, so that he could return to the National League baseball team as coach. A successor to Mr. Gi-imm will be announced in December. CALL letters CBRA have been assigned the 20-watt repeater station at Revelstoke, B. C, [Broadcasting, Nov. 15], the first of a number to be built by the Canadian Broadcasting: Corp. to service towns in isolated regions on main railway and telegraph, line's. The call letters denote that it is tied to CBR, Vancouver. BROADCASTING • Broadcast Advertising December 1, 1940 • Page 17