Broadcasting Telecasting (Jan-Mar 1956)

N. Y. Insurance Dept. May Ban Tv Licensees A STUDY which might affect the outcome of the race for ch. 3 in Hartford, Conn., has been launched by the New York State Insurance Dept., it was reported last week. Insurance department officials said a study is being made to determine whether, under New York law, an insurance company outside the state may acquire a television station and still do business in New York. Travelers Insurance Co.'s WTIC Hartford i* associated with WDRC Hartford in applying for ch. 3 and the WTIC-WDRC group has won an FCC examiner's decision over the other ch. 3 applicant there, Hartford Telecasting Co. The decision is currently awaiting oral argument before the FCC. Spokesmen for Traveler's Broadcasting interests pointed out that the insurance company's ownership of WTIC pre-dated the New York law by many years, and that the "grandfather clause" concept not only permits Traveler's to own and operate the radio station but also encompasses television, which they describe as merely an extension of radio. Insurance department authorities said the current study would take several weeks to complete. It is part of an overall study announced in general terms on Jan. 20 in connection with a ruling which blocked the proposed merger of two other insurance companies. The general study will encompass the various investments of out-of-state insurers currently licensed to do business in New York State. The New York State law provides that no insurance company may purchase more than 2% of the stock of any one company, according to State Attorney General Jacob K. Javits, whose ruling blocked Connecticut General Life Insurance Co.'s proposed acquisition of some 80% of the stock of the National Fire Insurance Co. of Hartford. It is understood there are about 20 broadcast stations owned in whole or in part by insurance companies which might be affected by a New York ruling forbidding ownership of radio or tv stations. Among them are Jefferson Standard Life Insurance Co., owning WBT and WBTV (TV) Charlotte, N. C, WBIG Greensboro, N. C, WBTW (TV) Florence, S. C. and 16-2/3% of WFMY-TV Greensboro, N. C, and Peoples Broadcasting Co. (Nationwide Insurance Co., formerly Farm Bureau Insurance Co.), owning WG AR-AM-FM Cleveland, Ohio, WTTM Trenton, N. J., WRFD Worthington, Ohio, and WMMN Fairmont, W. Va. Another Breather for WWBZ HOPES FOR LONGEVITY of WWBZ Vineland, N. J., received reinforcement last week when the FCC granted the station's request for a 60-day grace period under a Commission order that the station get off the air. Last November the FCC revoked WWBZ's license on grounds that the station's horse racing broadcasts were being used by illegal gambling interests [B«T, Dec. 5]. Under that order, WWBZ had 60 days to cease operation. [The 60-day period expired last Friday.] Meanwhile, WWBZ petitioned the FCC for reconsideration of the revocation order and asked that its license-life be extended 60 days beyond FCC disposition of the reconsideration request. Last week's FCC order granted the extension. Broadcasting • Telecasting Meet WFDF's Country Gentleman . . . "Smilin ' Max" Henderson. He delivers the only live country music on Flint radio on the Monday through Friday "Smilin' Max Show" from 5 to 6 PM. Max knows how to sell the Flint area. Eight years of local radio, an impressive list of Serenade records, plus numerous personal appearances and over two years of TV make Max the best known country star in and around our town. His warm, personal approach with a song and a commercial deliver sure-fire results in a way that keeps his sponsors coming back for more. "Smilin' Max" has a number of published songs to his credit . . . and many more that he has tailored for his individual sponsors. He does a well-rounded selling job in all departments, for all kinds of products. Why not include yours? our country music is live Call the KA7Z AGENCY today for the fuli resulls story on WFDF and the "Smilin' Max Show." wfdf flint, michigan • nbc affiliate Associated with WFBM AM & TV IndianapolisWOOD AM & TV Grand Rapids— WTCN AM & TV Minneapolis St. Paul January 30, 1956 • Page 53