Broadcasting Telecasting (Jul-Sep 1953)

KENNETH BOUCHER, adv. mgr., Hawaiian Pineapple Co., S. F., signs for firm's twiceweekly participation in Today on 45 NBC-TV stations for 13 weeks. Onlookers are Carl Zachrisson (I), v. p., N. W. Ayer & Son, S. F., account agency, and Walter G. Tolleson, NBC Western Div. acct. supervisor. PLANS for first TV network programming of Sunkist Growers, L. A., are set by (I to r): Harold Ackley, asst. adv. dir., Sunkist; Donn B. Tatum, ABC Western Div. dir. of TV; Russell Z. Eller, Sunkist adv. mgr.; Mike Corcoran, acct. exec, Foote, Cone & Belding, L. A. Sunkist is using second half-hour of ABC-TV Super Circus (Sun. 5-6 p.m., EDT). CHECKING script during filming of CBS-TV Schlitz Playhouse of the Stars in Hollywood are (I to r): Robert Trainer, asst. to pres., Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co.; William Self, assoc. producer of series, and Frank Barton, gen. mgr., radio-TV dept., Lennen & Newell. FIRST locally-sold show on KVOS-TV Bellingham. Wash., is arranged by (I to r): Rogan Jones, KVOS-AM-TV pres.; Glen Beebe, local sales mgr., and Ernie Gallup, mgr., Clair's Super Market and Husky Auto Stores. Contract is for filmed Ramar of the Jungle. PEKSONNBL RELATIONS COMPROMISE AVERTS KTLA(TV) STRIKE AFTRA v/aives claim on jurisdiction over Ina Ray Hutton for duration of her contract with station, thus saving KTLA from being caught in the middle of an AFTRA-AFM fight. KTLA (TV) Los Angeles was saved from a threatened strike when the American Federation of Radio-TV Artists last week worked out an interim agreement covering the services of Ina Ray Hutton. Prior to the truce, the Los Angeles station faced the unhappy prospect of having a strike called against it because AFTRA and the American Federation of Musicians were feuding jurisdiction of musicians who double as m.c. [B«T, July 6]. Detailing the agreement, which he prefers to call "an understanding arrived at with Klaus Landsberg, KTLA manager," Claude McCue, AFTRA Los Angeles chapter executive secretary, said Miss Hutton must join the talent union after her present contract with the station expires if she is to continue as singer-m.c. of her show. AFTRA is waiving her membership for the time being. He further stated that Miss Hutton could continue to perform her usual functions as m.c. on the KTLA program, providing she doesn't sing and with the understanding that an m.c. who is an AFTRA member be hired to perform some of the duties. Mr. McCue emphasized that the arrangements with KTLA is not to be construed as setting a precedent, nor is it a formula to be .used in other situations which might arise where an AFM member who performs in AFTRA's jurisdiction refuses to join the talent union. AFTRA has been campaigning to force all such musicians to take out memberships despite the fact they hold AFM cards. Several weeks ago, nine AFTRA members were yanked from the Ina Ray Hutton Show following her refusal to join that union. Her orders came from AFM President James C. Petrillo [B*T, June 15]. Other TV musical directors who double as singer-m.c. -entertainer, were likewise given such orders, and some who held AFTRA cards were told by the AFM to turn them in. Battle was climaxed a fortnight ago when AFTRA charged KTLA with violating a contract agreement and asked the union's National Board in New York to sanction a strike against the station. TV Brings Employment Up for Art Directors TELEVISION production, both live and film, has reduced unemployment among art directors to about 10% of the 150 members of the Society of Motion Picture Art Directors, and unemployment is expected to sink even lower when live TV shows return in the fall. This report was made by SMPAD Executive Director Norman Lowenstein, who said about 30 members of his group are presently employed in TV work under terms of an agreement with most producers effective July 15. The agreement calls for a $225 weekly "retainer" for servicing sets on shows running 39 weeks or more. For independents and other producers whose schedules are less extensive, Mr. Lowenstein said the SMPAD weekly minimum is $400. AFTRA's Suspended Trio Appeals to Membership THREE suspended members of Los Angeles Chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists served notice Monday that they will appeal their suspension to the local's entire membership at a meeting July 20. The trio, Libby Burke, Murry Wagner and Shimen Ruskin, last month were suspended for one year from AFTRA for refusing to tell the House Un-American Activities Committee whether they were or are Communists. They also refused to answer similar questions at two AFTRA board of directors meetings. The board, in suspending the trio, charged they violated a union ruling by refusing to cooperate with a legislative committee investigating leftwing activities [B»T, June 22]. Unless the trio voluntarily testifies before the House committee and AFTRA directors within a year, the suspension will be increased to expulsion from the union. Charging the board's action as unconstitutional, the suspended group said every avenue of appeal within the union will be explored to retain membership rights. The trio will be represented by attorney Robert Shutan at the membership meeting and will seek a secret ballot to overrule the board's action. If unsuccessful they may still appeal to the national AFTRA convention which opens in Hollywood July 22. TBSE Local Elects NEW officers of Television Broadcasting Studio Employes, Local 815, lATSE, Los Angeles, for coming year are Ray Gosnell, KTTV (TV), president; Rudy Sabbot, KHJ-TV, vice president; George Wood, KTLA (TV), treasurer; and Bill Brown, business agent of Local 815, secretary. Board members are Fay Konkel and Galen Westfall, KTLA; Bemie Weisen and John Richardson, KTTV, and Richard Hoist and John Disarro, KHJ-TV. MILESTONES ► HENRY J. KAUFMAN & ASSOCS., Washington advertising agency, marked its 24th birthday July 7 with a cocktail-dinner-dance for staff members at the Bethesda Naval Officers Club. Established in 1929, the agency now has a staff of 41. ► TALENT Inc., Chicago, which places local actors-actresses in radio, television and other fields, has celebrated its fifth anniversary. Organization claims to make about 500 job placements each month, according to Director Mary Dooling. Firm interviews applicants and casts them in suitable parts. Talent Inc. is located at 35 E. Wacker Dr. ► WILLIAM FLIGEL has completed 20 years : of service as an engineer with WBBM Chicago. Now engineer in charge of all WBBM operation, Mr. Fligel also acts as a network troubleshooter. He was supervisor of WBBM-CBS master control until recently. Broadcasting Telecasting