Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1956)

GOVERNMENT The Issue Defined JUST what the 11 -year-old Clear Channel proceeding is all about was spelled out by the FCC in its 1949 annual report. Here is what it said: "The Clear Channel hearing involves issues of importance both to the American listening public and to the broadcasters. The controversy resolves itself into whether it would be better to share existing nighttime facilities on clear channels with applicants throughout the United States proposing to serve areas where little or no satisfactory service presently exists, or to allow only the present licensees on each clear channel to have super power in order to better their coverage. The solution of the problem depends upon which plan would tend toward betterment of service or duplication of service, particularly as it concerns rural listeners. Also present are questions such as the economic and competitive effects upon other broadcasters if a few should be allowed super power, and whether this would be conducive to the proper distribution of broadcasting service and the larger and more effective use of radio as contemplated by the Communications Act." lem was consolidated with the clear channel proceeding. It had been determined that skywave propagation began not at the instance of sunset but in varying degrees of intensity as early as two hours before and after sunset. The same phenomenon was observed for sunrise. Since the rules call for clear channel stations to be protected from interference during skywave hours, the Commission instituted proceedings on whether protection to clears should begin before sunset and remain after sunrise. This proceeding was separated from the clear channel case in 1953 and at the present time there is a proposed final decision outstanding which would extend protection to clear channel outlets up to two hours before sunset and after sunrise. The KOB situation goes back to 1940 when that station was granted clear channel 1 180 kc. This was changed to 1030 kc in 1941 when Mexico was granted protection for 1180 kc in the NARBA convention. After a few months operation on 1030 kc, KOB moved to 770 kc temporarily. It has been operating on 770 kc since then under special service authorizations. The U. S. Court of Appeals last month ordered the FCC to get KOB off 770 kc or to permit it to remain on that frequency with appropriate restrictions to protect WABC. The FCC was directed to report what it planned to do by Nov. 6, and to take the required steps by Nov. 22. It is believed that the requirement for action in the KOB case furnished the im petus to take some positive action in the clear channel proceeding. The FCC's position has been that the KOB situation was tied up with the clear channel hearing and could not be resolved by itself. Through a decision in the clear channel case, the Commission will be enabled to resolve the KOB matter on a single case basis, it was understood. Among other legalities, the resolution of the clear channel proceeding will permit the Commission to accept a long-pending application by KOB for permanent assignment on 770 kc. There is believed to be a relationship also between the contemplated move in the clear channel case and the resumption of talks between the U. S. and Mexico for a bilateral radio agreement. The NARBA ran out in 1949. A gentlemen's agreement kept it in force, during international meetings which led in November 1950 to a new NARBA. This was signed by all North American countries except Mexico and Haiti. It was submitted to the U. S. Senate in 1951 but has never been approved. FCC Comr. Rosel H. Hyde, chairman of the American delegation which conferred with Mexican officials on a two-nation radio treaty in 1954 and 1955, was invited to resume talks two weeks ago. He has been in Mexico City the last two weeks. Hardy to India for UNESCO RALPH W. HARDY, CBS Washington vice president, will go to New Delhi, India, as a member of the U. S. delegation to the ninth general conference of UNESCO, which convenes Nov. 3. Mr. Hardy is attending as an "expert" on mass communication, which is one of five general program areas in which UNESCO is active on a worldwide basis. Mr. Hardy also attended the eighth conference, held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1954. -■ ■ -■'<■' .•■ v "'■ ^^Uimmamkij) with that LOUISVILLE'S WAVE-TV CHANNEL 3 FIRST IN KENTUCKY Affiliated with NBC |nik:| -si>«)T sales Exclusive National Representatives KENTUCKY FLAIR! Never mind the girls — the important view is this "bottom" of Kentucky Lake — the world's largest man-made lake, and Kentucky's newest, most glamorous playground! In a State that's known for showmanship, Kentuckians look to WAVE-TV for the best in television showmanship. Here's the proof: PROGRAMMING: Two 1956 Surveys* show that WAVE-TV gets audience preference! COVERAGE: WAVE-TV has 66% greater coverage than the second Louisville station because of its low Channel 3, full power and greater tower height (914' above sea level) ! 2,437,000 people are served by WAVE-TV in 70 mid-Kentucky and Southern Indiana counties! EXPERIENCE: WAVE-TV was first on the air in Kentucky, in 1948. 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