Broadcasting Telecasting (Apr-Jun 1953)

for meritorious service to the American People Skywave Signal Computation Changes Proposed by FCC PROVISIONS of FCC's AM engineering standards which allow the intensity of skywave signals to be computed on the basis of individual measurements and which set forth the method for making such measurements, would be deleted according to a proposal issued by the Commission last week. Instead, FCC would require use of the skywave curves already continued in the standards. The extent of skywave radiation is important in the assigning of standard stations because of interference to existing stations. Deadline for comments in the proposed rule-making proceeding is May 29. In its order, FCC said that "on the basis of our experience, it appears that the application of these provisions for the case by case consideration of propagation by measurement of skywave signals is wholly unsatisfactory. It appears that the use of the limited amount of data available in individual cases cannot be relied upon to refute the validity and application to particular situations of the skywave curves contained in the standards." FCC explained that these curves "are based upon relatively large amounts of data secured over a considerable period of time and indicate average skywave fields of broadcast stations much more reliably than the measurements provided for in the existing rules. Nor are there any other types of individual measurements which it is believed it would be practicable to prescribe." The order pointed out, however, "the Commission is not proposing to preclude any person from submitting such skywave recordings as may be taken from time to time and which, considered together with the existing data, may lead to the formulation of revised skywave curves or allocation rules. On the contrary, where data indicates the necessity or advisability of revising the existing rules and standards relating to the proper determination of skywave service or interference, the Commission will institute an appropriate rule making proceeding to accomplish this result." Florida Bill Would Ban Airing of Some Hearings BILL to ban broadcasts and telecasts of legislative hearings and other procedures where witnesses appear under process was passed 22-15 on May 5, by the Florida State Senate. The bill, introduced by Sen. Wallace Sturgis of Ocala, follows the measure authored by Gov. Thomas A. Dewey of New York. In debate, Sen. Sturgis said persons involved in a hearing were subject to "human fallibilities that make us anxious to please the press and radio and television." Sen. Verle A. Pope of St. Augustine contended the public has a constitutional right to freedom of information. Sen. Wayne Ripley of lacksonville said the bill was "a subterfuge" to stop inquiries such as those of the Kefauver committee. He argued Gov. Dewey had drafted the measure merely "to take a slap at a Democrat, Rudolph Halley, former chief counsel for the Kefauver committee," after Mr. Halley had been elected chairman of the New York City Council. Pennsylvania Libel Bill LEGISLATION (H-343) to protect radio and TV stations from slander and libel suits in the case of political and other broadcasts not subject to station review was passed last week by the Pennsylvania Assembly. The bill has gone to the State Senate. uibns-tv COLUMBUS, OHIO the Television Station to receive the ALFRED I. du PONT AWARD for 1952! WBNS-TV is proud of this honor, and wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the industries, churches, schools, universities, civic groups and service organizations for their fine cooperation in developing our many public service features. The same staff whose efforts contributed to the winning of the DuPont award is responsible for all of WBNS-TV's programing. We are inspired to renew our pledge to make every continued effort to 'maintain the high standards of programing and promotion which have won us such heart warming recognition. It is our constant aim to bring our viewers a better understanding of their own community and material resources, and thereby enrich their lives and way of living. To this we pledge our services . . uibns-tv COLUMBUS, OHIO CHANNEL 10 CBS-TV NETWORK • Affiliated with Columbus Dispatch and WBNS-AM • General Sales Office: 33 North High Street REPRESENTED BY BIAIR TV Broadcasting • Telecasting May 11, 1953 • Page 67