Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1959)

CLOSED CIRCUIT Television czar • Recent suggestion of FCC Chairman John C. Doerfer that what tv programming needs is "czar" isn't falling upon deaf ears. Last winter, when quiz program issue was hit-andmiss story, both CBS and ABC indicated support of appointment of network authority, probably to be headquartered in Washington, to represent network philosophy but NBC expressed opposition. At that time, former Sen. Charles E. Potter (R-Mich.) had been approached, and, if NBC had gone along, arrangements probably would have been completed. In heat of current quiz controversy, there's been renewed speculation. Woods are full of candidates but there's no indication that anything will be done immediately. Wiser heads feel that whole matter should be considered calmly, after hysteria has passed. But it's generally acknowledged there will be appointment of strong national figure in leadership role either by networks or in behalf of television as an entity. Inevitable aftermath • Quiz program rigging scandal will provoke offering of dozens of bills to regulate tv programming and/ or networks when Congress convenes next January, including revised legislation for direct licensing of networks. This won't be surprising, based on experience at last session, when bills were dumped into hoppers wholesale proposing codes of ethics to thwart influence peddling among independent agencies growing out of House Oversight Subcommittee's disclosures. Another likely result of quiz drumbeating will be to prod FCC into expediting new license renewal form (303) covering . program . breakdowns . and licensee .responsibility. Pending for many months, renewal form, when it is finally cleared, probably will be infinitely tougher version than that laboriously drafted and previously given tentative approval. There even may be revival of proposal, voted down earlier this year, to evaluate services of all stations in given areas to ascertain whether there is equitable balance in various programming categories, insuring that all community requirements in religion, agriculture, education and public service are adequately served. Music meeting • Up-and-down, on-andoff negotiations between all-industry committee and ASCAP over new radio music licenses are on again — and seem to be looking up. Sessions between negotiators— committees headed by Robert T. Mason of WMRN Marion, Ohio, and counsel Emanuel Dannett for broadcasters; President Stanley Adams and counsel Herman Finkelstein for ASCAP — are set for today (Nov. 2) and tomorrow. ASCAP reportedly has withdrawn insistence that stations be charged on income base that includes talent charges; but there remains problem of saying so in contract language acceptable to both sides. They're also apart on other issues including ASCAP wish to have contracts put under court jurisdiction, meaning stations would have to travel to New York to defend if ASCAP charged violations. But mere fact that negotiators are in amicable sessions again, after long layoff, gives some encouragement for outcome. Welfare pitch • Look for Screen Actors Guild to seek provisions for pension and welfare fund at contract negotiation time with tv film and motion picture producers after first of year. American Federation of Television & Radio Artists already has such benefits for members and rival SAG apparently does not want to be outshone. SAG is understood to have engaged outside consultancy firm to probe economic status of film actors and submit pension and welfare plan. Contract covering tv film commercial producers expires June 1. 1960. Rigged commercials • Tv Code Review Board may have more to contend with than just syndicated columnist's charges of visual deception in tv commercials when it meets Nov. 16 in Los Angeles. Look for Federal Trade Commission to step up its action in tv field shortly, based on investigations carried on for some time by its radio-tv monitoring unit. Tv Code Board Chairman Donald McGannon, who voiced concern over allegations of visual misrepresentation in tv commercials made by Drew Pearson, has asked columnist for specific details for study at Nov. 16 meeting (story page 52). Ring monopoly • Coming up — possibly even before next Congress convenes in January — will be Senate Judiciary Committee investigation of alleged restraint of trade in championship boxing, with emphasis on tv rights, closed circuit or otherwise. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, headed by Sen. Kefauver (D-Tenn.), has had staff members interviewing officials of networks as well as closed circuit operators in New York. Open hearings, however, won't begin until after current New York trial growing out of PatersonJohansson championship fight is completed in next few weeks. TelePrompTer acquired closed circuit rights which evidently are regarded as more important, financially, to fight principals than promotion of bouts. Breaking point? • Last hasn't been heard of latest Stanton-Murrow feud. It reached showdown when noted commentator criticized CBS Inc. president for his action in stripping Person-toPerson program of "deceit" (see page 54). Mr. Murrow's contract runs for at least another year. If it's renewed it will be only because associates will have succeeded in effecting a reconciliation, in which direction strenuous efforts are being made. Months ago, when controversy erupted over termination of Mr. Murrow's See it Now on CBS, there were negotiations which might have seen Murrow and his entourage shift to NBC. This, however was patched up and all seemed serene until Mr. Murrow, in London, characterized Dr. Stanton as being ignorant of what constitutes proper programming because of Person-to-Person incident. Network reps • Final FCC order putting television networks out of spot representation business, except for their owned stations, may be out this week — almost full month after its adoption was voted by unanimous Commission (Broadcasting, Oct. 12). Document was turned over to FCC general counsel to review. Some changes have been made, it's understood, but not in what lawyers call substantive provisions. Affected are 13 stations billing estimated $15 million yearly. Order prohibits networks from representing in spot field other than owned stations. It gives CBS and NBC until end of 1961 to relinquish representation for affiliates that are not owned by these networks. ABC gave up spot representation in 1952. It is first action by FCC in adopting one of suggestions of Barrow Report. Barrow Report resulted from two-year study of television network practices. Published every Monday, 53rd issue (Yearbook Number) published in September by Broadcasting Publications Inc 1735 DeSales St., N. W., Washington 6, D. C. Second-class postage paid at Washington, D. C.