Broadcasting (Oct - Dec 1949)

TOWER CASE FCC Closes Record of WOR VOLUMINOUS record in precedent case involving bid of WOR New York to increase height of its towers was closed last week by Hearing Examiner James D. Cunningham following summary argument by the station and its opposition, CAA, Air Transport Assn. and Port of New York Authority. The latter consider the higher towers as hazards to air navigation. WOR is assigned 50 kw on 710 kc. Duke M. Patrick, WOR counsel, explained that WOR has been trying for some 15 years to improve its service but has repeatedly run into CAA objections. He said the station has sought through all practical means to meet problems posed by CAA. In this case WOR seeks to increase the height of its towers to 638 ft., an increase of about 200 ft. The WOR counsel indicated that CAA's objections are not consistent since the agency's rules are not being uniformly applied to other air navigation situations in that area. NAB counsel, Richard \¥. Jencks, emphasized the influence this case would have on the entire broadcasting industry since FCC standards, especially TV, require higher towers to meet greater performance specifications. He urged that the WOR request be granted since CAA failed to show the towers would affect airport usability. Increased Hazard Charged Dent D. Dalby, CAA counsel, charged that the towers would create increased hazard to itinerent flyers in the area as well as to the landing operations at Linden Airport and Newark Airport. Instrument patterns would have to be altered, he indicated, and this would increase burden to already overloaded instrument facilities as well as increase pilot strain. Air Transport Assn. of America counsel, Paul Reiber, contended that if FCC approved the higher towers and resulting changes in air navigation rules, the Commission would have to be responsible for the consequences. He indicated, however, that it wasn't in FCC's jurisdiction to approve or even consider such changes. Port of New York Authority, which has supervision of long range development of New York area port facilities, including airports, vigorously opposed the WOR request because it would affect plans for development of the Newark field. Hazard factor also was stressed greatly. Meanwhile, fortnight ago, the Commission granted petition of CAA to intervene in the hearing scheduled upon request of KOA Denver to install a new antenna with FM antenna mounted on top. No date for this hearing has been set. CATCHING some Florido sun, Joseph H. McConnell, NBC president, and family, take a brief rest at the Ponte Vedra Inn, Ponte Vedra, Fla. L to r: Mr. McConnell, Mary Meade, Mrs. McConnell and Betsy. A third daughter, Cathy, did not accompany the family to Florida. in an interview there, Mr. McConnell predicted television would never replace radio and that by the end of 1949, three million TV sets will have been installed in American homes. WCAM SALUTE Dedicates New Studios THE CURTAIN was parted Nov. 22 revealing the new, modern studios of WCAM Camden, N. J., municipally owned, commercially operated station. Dedication ceremonies during a 20-minute broadcast were held at the studios on the 18th floor of New City Hall. Willard C. Schriver, WCAM director, pledged himself to "make it (WCAM) serve Camden and the surrounding communities as a local station, toward the end that we may develop a strong community spirit." Means toward that end, he said, would be "better programming, better script, better copy and better technique — all-around better radio." In addition to Mr. Schriver, WCAM executives include Robert Swanson, program director; Morton Lowenstein, commercial manager; Mary Haines, woman's editor; John J. Kennedy, specipl events director, and Clarence E. Onens, chief engineer. FCC approved a permanent and fulltima operations schedule for the station last July following the grant of a temporary license Jan. 22, 1949, and is still to give its approval for the construction of a new transmitter on a more favorable site that will increase the coverage with the same 250 w power. WCAM launched fulltime operations May 1, 1949, and increased its staff from 5 to 23. Speakers at the ceremonies were local notables including Mayor George E. Brunner of Camden; Howard C. Wickes, president of ths Camden County Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Leon N. Neulan, Board of Education superintendent; Rev. T. Edwards, of the State St. Methodist Church and Rabbi Albert Lewis, of Audubon, N. J. Mr. Swanson was m. c. Transit Firm Names DETROIT STREET RAILWAYS, municipally owned transit system, has appointed Luckoff, Wayburn & Frankel, Detroit, as its advertising counsel. Using radio, in addition to other media, the system intends to put planned improvements before the public through the techniques of advertising. SALES DINNER KATE Accents Market Area TO DRAW local merchants' attention to the sales appeal of the "market area," KATE Albert Lea, Minn., held a dinner recently for 80% of the city's businessmen. At the "Turkey For Two Hundred" dinner on Nov. 1, radio's selling power was graphically illustrated. Feature of the dinner was a realistic review by guest speaker John Crowley, of Wilson & Co., of the long association enjoyed by his company with KATE in the form of the Wilson Hour broadcasts. Placing emphasis on Wilson surveys of high rural listenership, Mr. Crowley suggested the merchants think in terms of market area more than just the city area. This theme was enlarged upon by Anson Vann, KATE general manager, in describing the ability of h's station to reach and sell the all important wide market area that circles Albert Lea. To illustrate this, a large map, depicting the newly-acquired power coverage of KATE, was displayed. NAB film, "How To Turn People Into Customers," and a brief talk by Bennett O. Knudson, KATE president, rounded out the evening. Station's sales department reports direct results with two merchants asking about radio time, several current sponsors asking about increased time, and others predicting an expansion of their radio budgets. FIdVRE THE 0DD5 bylCX?!S it's only BUT THE ODDS ARE IN YOUR FAVOR when you pick Charley Stookey's "Town ond Country" program on KXOK to sell farm products. Persuasive salesman, Chorley Stookey, is widely known in KXOK-land, with legions of listeners from 6:00 to 7:30 a. m., Monday through Soturdoy. To build soles in the vital-to-advertisers 112-county, 5-state coverage of KXOK . . . phone, wire, write for availabilities today . or coll your John Blair man. 630 KC 5,000 WATTS FULL TIME BASIC ABC IN BIG ST. LOUIS BROADCASTING • Telecasting November 28, 1949 • Page 57