Broadcasting (Jan - Mar 1949)

Vol. 36, No. 10 NBC'S ANSWER Affiliotes Endorse Trammell, Hear Plans By BILL THOMPSON AN ALL-STAR CAST of NBC officials last week gave 200 representatives of the network's affiliates a two-day indoctrination course in "NBC Philosophy— 1949." At "an extraordinary session" in Chicago's Stevens Hotel, called at the request of the Stations Planning and Advisory Committee (SPAC) to allay fears that NBC is fighting a losing battle for programs, the network won a "unanimous and enthusiastic" vote of confidence. The vote was taken Monday, first ■day of the two-day meeting, after President Niles Trammell had delivered ' an inspiring address. Others among the 72 network personnel present had outlined steps being taken by NBC to expand its "position of leadership." By Tuesday, however, it was apparent that at least a few of the delegates were re-evaluating some of the Monday presentations. At the same time there were nearly unanimous private expressions of high i-egard for NBC's president. All agreed that he had scored a personal triumph at Chicago. To Push Battle Plans A motion was passed authorizing Martin B. Campbell, general manager of WFAA Dallas, and SPAC chairman, to head up and appoint an SPAC promotion committee to push forward NBC's battle plans. These include: 9 Making broadcasting attractive to additional advertisers by bringing total radio costs down, yet not sacrificing NBC's own economic position or that of its affiliates. 9 Development of new personalities and new ideas necessary to hold audiences and attract new listeners in competition with other forms of entertainment. # Elimination of any plans which would require NBC to confine its efforts to top ratings for one season at the expense of the future. # Discouragement of the policy of limiting NBC to shows priced on a basis which only a few advertisers can consider. Named to the SPAC promotion group were Harry Bannister, WWJ Detroit; J. B. (Steve) Conley, KDKA Pittsburgh; John J. Gillin Jr., WOW Omaha; George H. Thomas, KVOL Lafayette, La.; P. A. Sugg, WKY Oklahoma City; and Ewing C. Kelly, KCRA Sacramento. Mr. Trammell declared that NBC deliberately passed up the short term expedient of capital gain deals "because of our faith in the long range future of sound broadcasting." "In spite of all the shouting, NBC today is the strongest network in the field," he said. "We certainly are not going to be pushed into any course of action which we believe will lead to the economic ruination Coy Defines S.O.B. IN HIS ADDRESS before the NBC affiliates meeting in Chicago, FCC Chairman Coy had -occasion to use the phrase "systems of broadcasting" several times. To avoid repetition, he once substituted "S.O.B.," explaining, "If President Truman can get away with it, so can I — even on my salary." of AM broadcasting. We will determine our own course and we will be sure it is one which provides a permanent base for AM broadcasting to remain strong and vital." He reported that the Phil HarrisAlice Faye program will continue on NBC not only through the 1949 season but 1950 as well. Fibber McGee and Molly likewise are remaining with the network, he announced. Bob Hope already has issued a public statement of his decision to continue on NBC, he pointed out. Mr. Trammell also expressed confidence that Mi: District Attorney and Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern will continue as usual. In addition to the programs currently on NBC, the affiliates were ( Continued on page 68 ) FCC PUNS THE OUTLOOK for spring: • FCC's decision on clear channels will be out by May 1. 9 FCC's television freeze will be lifted before the end of July. % The Commission will give early consideration to a proposal that AM stations with FM affiliates be required to operate both outlets the same number of hours. FCC Chairman Wayne Coy made these disclosures Tuesday at a luncheon of NBC affiliates in Chicago. He admitted that the plan requiring AM stations to carry FM fulltime is his own. "It is no secret that I have planned to make such a proposal to the FCC," he said. "But it is a secret what the Commission will do about it. Stations with FM facil Coy Says TV Freeze to End ities who fail to operate them to the fullest are failing to perform a public service and are depriving thousands of American people of radio receivers." Sees Early Relief Mr. Coy said the Commission had hoped to lift the TV freeze in May or early June, but now would require those months for further study of new procedures to be followed when the UHF band is opened. He said it was his personal opinion that some TV stations would be operating on the UHF band by 1950, but hastened to add that existing VHF channels will be available "for a hell of a long time." "If we are to have nation-wide competition in television, we must open the UHF band, and it is im perative that we have nation-wide competition," he declared. The FCC chairman said he did not feel free to comment on the future of clear channels other than to promise that an FCC decision on this "major question" would be available by May 1. This stand on issuance of a clear-channel decision comes in the face of a Senate Interstate Commerce subcommittee's tersely worded recommendation that FCC not decide the case at all until after next September's North American Regional Broadcasting Conference [Broadcasting, Jan. 31]. The May 1 date Mr. Coy mentioned coincides with the deadline for filing U. S. proposals for changes in the present NARBA — proposals which (Continued on page 89) Left photo — at speakers' table (I to r): Frank Russell, NBC Middle photo — Niles Trammell (I), Right photo — (I to r): Wiley P. Harris, Ed Yocum and Washington vice president; John M. Outler Jr., WSB At NBC president, and Martin Campbell, Harry Bannister, general managers, respectively, of lanta general manager, and Clair R. McCollough, WGAL WFAA Dallas general manager, at WJDX Jackson, Miss., KGHL Billings, Mont., and Lancaster, Pa., president. •'he Chicago sessions. WWJ Detroit.