Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1957)

TRADE ASSNS. ILLINOIS GROUP DEPLORES BMI BILL • Concerted action planned • WJPF's Cook named president A resolution, in effect deploring the Smathers Senate bill against Broadcast Music Inc., was adopted by the Illinois Broadcasters Assn. at its fall meeting in Springfield Sept. 30-Oct. 1. It urged members to apprise their congressmen that no pressure has been brought to bear on them, at any time, to play BMI records on their stations. The resolution was in reference to a measure by U. S. Sen. George A. Smathers (D-Fla.) to divorce broadcasters from BMI and the entire recording business — specifically to require that networks and stations divest themselves of interests in BMI and recording companies owned by the networks and/or their parent corporations [B»T, Sept. 3, Aug. 26]. Broadcasters turned out in large numbers for the IBA's fall meeting in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, with George Biggar, president and general manager of WLBK De Kalb and retiring IBA president, presiding as program chairman. Charles R. Cook, general manager of WJPF Herrin and IBA secretary-treasurer, was elected president of the association. Some 45 IBA member stations were represented at the meeting, highlighted by a banquet. A shirtsleeve session on sales and programming was moderated by Joe Bonansinga, general manager, WGEM-AM-TV Quincy. Reports on NARTB services were given by Merrill Lindsay, executive vice president, WSOY-AM-FM Decatur, NARTB Radio Board chairman; William Holm, general manager, WLPO LaSalle, and NARTB District 9 director on the radio board, and Ray Livesay, president-general manager of WLBH Mattoon, small stations representative on the NARTB board. They reviewed the number of services offered by the trade association. Local radio-tv news problems were discussed by Bill Ellison, WHBF-AM-TV Rock Island, while a discussion panel headed by Ted Arnold, sales manager of WHBF-AMTV, reviewed sales aspects. Other speakers were Vernon Nolte, general manager of WJBC-AM-FM Bloomington, on programming; Oliver Keller, president and general manager of WTAX-AM-FM Springfield, on freedom of information; Raymond J. Cheney, general manager of WMIX-AMFM Mount Vernon, on farm programming. Mr. Keller told of Illinois legislative action, this past spring, which prohibited his station from continuing taped coverage of house proceedings. Vernon R. Nunn, general manager of WIZZ Streator, reviewed how his outlet started its own weathercasting station and an annual project whereby high school students are permitted to staff the station one day every year. Luncheon speakers were Dr. Theodore Peterson, U. of Illinois dean of communications-journalism, and High Cordier, of the same department, who described how it places college graduates in broad Yes .... Six Appeal is what motivates viewers and buyers alike in the WCSH-TV Market! It's the right blend of production — network, film and live programming — alert news telecasting, public service with a purpose and customer relations, all administered by veterans — and it works. Surveys repeatedly place WCSH-TV first in viewer preference and in homes penetration in this 13county southern Maine-eastern New Hampshire area. National and local spot advertising volume confirm these findings. Let your Weed-Television man fill you in on the best TV buy in this billion dollar market. WCSH-TV PORTLAND, MAINE NBC-TV Affiliate Broadcasting • Telecasting October 7, 1957 • Page 61