Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1955)

GOVERNMENT TV MAY REPLACE POLITICAL WHISTLESTOPS IN 1956 CAMPAIGNS, GOP LEADER SAYS Republican Chairman Hall raises possibility that President Eisenhower might be able to campaign for re-election if he went to the people via tv rather than in person. He says tv has revolutionized politics. HAVE THE AUDIENCE! HERE'S WKBN-TV'S SHARE OF AUDIENCE! Time WKBN Stations Period TV B C D E F Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. -Noon 44 31 14 3 3 5 Noon-6 p.m. 44 29 11 3 8 6 6 p.m. -Midnight 45 33 7 3 9 3 Saturday Noon-6 p.m. 50 31 6 3 3 7 6 p.m. -Midnight 47 35 6 2 4 6 Sunday Noon-6 p.m. 52 17 12 6 8 6 6 p.m.-Mrdnight 49 34 6 2 5 3 Station B is Youngstown. Stations C, D & E are Cleveland, Station F is Pit sburgh. CLEVELAND OR PITTSBURGH STATIONS DO NOT COVER THE YOUNGSTOWN MARKET! WKBNTV SHARES OF AUDIENCE FAR SURPASS LOCAL AND OUTSIDE OPPOSITION. WHAT'S MORE, CHANNEL 27 HAS THE 16 TOP RATED PROGRAMS* IN YOUNGSTOWN AND 366 OF 442 QUARTER HOUR FIRSTS.* 'Source: Telepulse, September 18-24, 1955. WKBN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO (tV'Mn^CBS-ABC) CHANNEL Represented Nationally by the Paul H. Raymar Co. THE FEASIBILITY and practicality of curtailing "whistlestop" excursions, with Presidential candidates meeting the electorate "face to face" via television instead of at train platforms, may well be put to the first significant political-tv test during the 1956 national campaign. And it may have a major impact on the political fortunes of President Dwight D. Eisenhower— because of health considerations — should he decide to run for a second term. These implications may be read into the views enunciated by Leonard W. Hall, Republican National Committee chairman, during the GOP's two-day political rally in Chicago last week. A host of subcommittees of the national committee met at the Conrad Hilton Hotel, along with the major parent group. Mr. Hall told newsmen that "never again" will there be another national convention like that held in midsummer in Chicago in 1952. Television has "revolutionized" not only conventions, but campaigning, and obviated the need for extensive and debilitating campaign travel. "The major part of campaigning will be done by radio and television." Chairman Hall told a news conference Wednesday. Thus, in effect, he substantiated conjectures of key Republicans and Democrats alike in 1952 that political whistlestops of the future would be geared to broadcast media, particularly television. Tv in Every Nook "Television penetrates every nook and cranny and when a candidate comes into the living rooms of people, he meets the people face to face and they can judge his sincerity for themselves," Mr. Hall asserted. Asked by a syndicated columnist whether he felt this would prove out as a replacement or substitute for meeting the voters person to person, Mr. Hall revealed the implications of a discussion he had with President Eisenhower at Gettysburg, Pa., a fortnight ago. The GOP National Committee chairman, recalling the 52,000 miles he traveled four years ago, said he had informed Mr. Eisenhower at Gettysburg that he was currently negotiating for some $2 million worth of tv time for the 1956 drive [B»T, Oct. 31]. He indicated he had advised the President that with television, the forthcoming campaign would not be nearly as strenuous as in 1952. Recounting his discussion with Mr. Eisenhower, Mr. Hall told reporters: "You had to come away with this thought — that you had talked to a man who was informed about the campaign, concerned about it and had a real continuing interest in it." Mr. Hall said he figures that while the cost of television time has mounted, the $2 million that will be spent should "buy more time than in 1952." Of that sum, he added, "some will be absorbed by other committees." The figure represents a sharp increase for tv alone, not to mention any radio expenditures the Republicans may incur. Mr. Hall had indicated at a previous Chicago GOP parley that, in any event, the Democrats will be enabled to call on more sources through various additional organi7ations. A relatively short convention — three or four days with shorter floor hours — is anticipated by the GOP chairman. A radio-tv-motion pictures subcommittee of the GOP National Committee arrangements units — one of many meeting in Chicago — received a "progress report" on convention planning for the San Francisco conclave next August. It approved recommendations for a suggested code for network sponsorship, camera placements, streamlined roll call procedures and other topics. Cameras will be set up at four extreme corners of the Cow Palace (forming a square) and on a three-level scaffold down front of stage about a third back on the floor, according to Alvin Cast (Indiana), subcommittee chairman. A sponsorship code substantially the same as that used in 1952 has been approved and dispatched to network executives for their approval, it was reported by L. Richard Guvlay. GOP National Committee public relations chief. The political standards of practice are designed to maintain the "high level" of the proceedings and raise the standards of the convention as a "tv show." It would, in effect, permit commercial sponsorship by advertisers subject to approval bv both parties: limit use of commercials to lulls or recesses during proceedings: require good taste, brevity and standards of dignity in the presentation of those commercials; and provide for certain disclaimers with respect to the endorsement of the "product" by either party. WGTH-AM-TV Purchase May See FCC Hearing THE FCC told CBS and General Times Tv Corp. last week that the application for FCC approval of the $650,000 purchase by the network of General Times' WGTH-TV Hartford indicated the necessity of a hearing. In its McFarland letter to the applicants, the Commission referred to the purchase agreement's terms forbidding WGTH-TV to make changes in its contracts with networks or others without 28-day cancellation clauses pending the outcome of the sale approval application. This, the Commission said, was in conflict with rules forbidding contracts preventing stations from making arrangements to broadcast programs of other networks. The Commission also raised the question of "undue concentration" — CBS owns tv stations in five cities serving "30 million people," the FCC said — and of overlap between CBS-owned WCBS-TV New York and the Hartford ch. 18 outlet. It also raised the issue of restraint of competition since Hartford has only one operating station at present. General Times is owned by General Teleradio Inc. Ironwood Ch. 12 Granted ITS FIRST tv grant was acquired by Upper Michigan-Wisconsin Broadcasting Co. last week as the FCC approved the company's aoplication for ch. 12 in Ironwood, Mich. Upper MichiganWisconsin is 51% owner of WIKB Iron River. Mich., and licensee of WATW Ashland, Wis., and WIMS Ironwood. The new station is to have an effective radiated power of 794 w visual and 397 w aural with an antenna 540 ft. above average terrain. William L lohnson and associates own Upper Michigan-Wisconsin. Page 76 • December 5, 1955 Broadcasting • Telecasting