Broadcasting Telecasting (Jan-Mar 1956)

GOVERNMENT Broadcast Bureau Reiterates Stand Against Lamb Renewal THE FCC's Broadcast Bureau still doesn't think broadcaster-publisher Edward Lamb should have his WICU (TV) Erie, Pa., license renewed. In exceptions to an examiner's initial decision, filed Thursday, the Broadcast Bureau charged that Mr. Lamb's testimony on membership in many leftist organizations was "deliberately evasive and lacking in candor." It also charged that Mr. Lamb's "attempt to explain away the plain meaning of his book is sheer sophistry." The book referred to is a 1934 volume written by Mr. Lamb, entitled The Planned Economy in Soviet Russia. Mr. Lamb's license for his Erie station was set for hearing after charges that he had made false representations in previous applications regarding his affiliation or association with Communist organizations and persons. The nine-month long, bitter and at times heated controversy resulted in an initial decision by FCC Hearing Examiner Herbert Sharfman favoring Mr. Lamb [B«T, Dec. 12]. The Broadcast Bureau did not ask for oral argument on the case before the full Commission, but did say it desired oral argument if the other party requested it. California Community Tv Put Under State Regulation A CALIFORNIA community television system has been termed a telephone service and thus under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission. In an order issued Ian. 16, the California PUC directed Television Transmission Inc., Walnut Creek, Calif., to submit standards of service, plus other material indicating its facilities, service, etc. The antenna company was given 90 days to comply with the order, which grew out of complaints by some subscribers regarding alleged deficiencies in service. It is understood the order will be appealed. Last year the Wyoming Public Service Commission asserted jurisdiction over community tv systems in that state. These are the only two states which have claimed antenna systems to be utilities coming under state regulation. Hartselle, Ala., Gets Am, WDMG 5 kw; WERD Denied THREE conflicting applications involving one proposed and two existing 860 kc operations were resolved by the FCC last week. The Commission granted the application of Dorsey Eugene Newman for a first am station at Hartselle, Ala. (250 w day), granted WDMG Douglas, Ga., a power increase from 1 to 5 kw day and denied the application of WERD Atlanta, Ga., for an increase in power from 1 to 10 kw day. FCC found that WDMG's proposal, which would provide a first primary service and additional service to 20,000 and 115,000 people, respectively, provided advantages which outweighed the disadvantages, namely interference to WERD and WAMI Opp, Ala. (860 kc, 1 kw day). Because the Newman and WERD proposals excluded each other, only one could be granted, the FCC said. The Commission felt it would be more equitable to give Hartselle its first local service than to improve WERD's service, which would not provide additional service to Atlanta, but would extend the station's service area to points located "substantial distances" from that city. FCC Construction Permits Granted Three Am Stations CONSTRUCTION permits for three new am stations were approved last week by the FCC. The grants: Algona, Iowa — Kossuth County Broadcasting Co., 1600 kc, 5 kw day. Principals include President-General Manager Fred Epstein and Treasurer Burt H. Cohen, both of whom control KSTT Davenport, Iowa. Inkster, Mich. — Bell Broadcasting Co., 1440 kc, 500 w day. Sole owner Dr. Haley Bell is a dentist. Olympia, Wash. — Donald F. Whitman, 1440 kc, 500 w day. Mr. Whitman is a radio-tv consultant and former vice president-20% owner of KGAL Lebanon, Ore. Circumvention of Laws Charged to GOP by Rayburn HOUSE SPEAKER Sam Rayburn (D-Tex.) has charged the GOP Administration with trying to practice a policy of "repeal by appointment" in naming members of government boards and commissions, including the FCC. He said the Eisenhower Administration tried to circumvent the operation of popular laws enacted by past administrations in appointing board and commission members unsympathetic to the cause of these laws. Speaker Rayburn made his charges at a closed door caucus of Democratic House members, according to the United Press. The Texas lawmaker said the present administration never has consulted with him or with Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson (D-Tex.) in appointment of Democratic members to minority posts on such boards and commissions. He predicted that such a policy would help contribute to GOP defeat at the polls next November. Sarnoff Post Before Senate NOMINATION of RCA Board Chairman David Sarnoff to the National Security Training Commission has gone to the Senate for confirmation. President Eisenhower made a recess appointment of Gen. Sarnoff last November and named him chairman of NSTC [B»T, Nov. 21]. GOVERNMENT PEOPLE John P. Meagher, chief, public services division, Department of State, and formerly radio-tv branch chief, appointed career Foreign Service officer by President Eisenhower. Appointment also makes Mr. Meagher, who was public relations director of KYW Philadelphia until December 1951, consul and secretary in Diplomatic Service. William V. Humphrey, public relations director for Hotel Sherman, Chicago, and previously publicity director for Pabst Brewing Co., appointed director of public information for Chicago Housing Authority. GOVERNMENT SHORT Voice of America broadcasts to France have been increased from 15 to 30 minutes a day at request of Chaine Nationale, the French national radio network, U. S. Information Agency announces. Daily program now includes 10 minutes of news and 20 minutes of reports on special events of cultural and other interests. VOA also reports it began broadcasting in its 40th language Jan. 7 with new weekly program in Gujarati to India. ipiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim^ if i^yv~e$MAvJL is your TARGET AIM FOR WITH IMC DC John E. Pearson Co., National Representatives GREATER CLEVELAND'S NUMBER 1 STATION Page 58 • January 30, 1956 Broadcasting • Telecasting