Broadcasting Telecasting (Jul-Sep 1960)

Here today . . . The case of the shrunken tv tower has been solved. WOODTV Grand Rapids. Mich., had erected a sign calling attention to the station's 1,000-ft. tower, but the observer saw only a 20-ft. antenna. It was not a matter of a shrinking tower, nor was it misleading advertising. WOOD-TV had leased the land for its thousand-footer, erected the sign and then decided on a more suitable location. The miniature model belonged to a gravel company with radio-equipped trucks. The station had leased the site to the gravel company but had forgotten about the sign. After a series of "'double takes" by tourists and residents, however, the station was reminded of the billboard and removed it. Bar Assn. to discuss lawyers' roles on tv Is it "professionally and ethically improper" for a lawyer to play the role of an attorney on television? Ever since a Los Angeles County Bar Assn. advisory ruling earlier this year, the matter has been studied by the American Bar Assn.'s professional ethics committee but no formal action has been taken. The rule is certain to be discussed, however, at the National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting which is scheduled before ABA's annual convention in Washington, D.C. Aug. 29-Sept. 2. A panel session has been set including Grant B. Cooper, president of the Los Angeles County Bar Assn.. and Herman F. Selvin, former president. Specifically, they will discuss the bar's ruling that appearances of lawyers, whether identified by name or not. violate the canon against advertising and that such lawyers generally did no public credit to the profession. Thus. Canon 27 plus Canon 35, which bars radio-tv access to courtroom proceedings, are expected to highlight the calendar of bar events. The Los Angeles bar asked the State Bar of California to concur in its advisory ruling and to petition the state supreme court to adopt it as a rule of court, thus making it official and statewide. The state bar board heard pro and con arguments July 25 but has written no final decision. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles rule is merely advisory for lawyers in that city. ABA acknowledges that the L.A. ruling has "stirred up a hornet's nest." with some lawyers and southern Cali fornia bar groups applauding it and others opposing it as "'unjustified or too broad." What bothers ABA is that the ethics question could effect mock trial or other simulated court scenes in programs, produced under bar association sponsorship. The L. A. bar ruling, though limited to "simulated trials," did not specifically exempt bar-sponsored shows. The current controversy concerns five or six network programs (about 30 hours of legal drama each week), including Day in Court and Divorce Court, which employ practicing lawyers in lawyer and judge roles and which are ""unscripted." In all about 250 have appeared at different times and although billed as practicing lawyers, aren't identified by name. Heightening the controversy is the fact there is "no recognized rule." ABA points out, predicting that ""before too long." its ethics committee will evolve one that " probably will become a model for the country." It's hardly surprising that, without precedent in the field, ■"opinions on it differ widely." ABA observes. President Eisenhower is expected to address ABA's opening session on Aug. 29. 'NEW DEAL' Independents want new convention voice Radio Tv News Directors Assn. wants a better shake for accommodating local, independent stations at future political conventions and has asked the national committee chairman of both parties to take constructive action. The request was contained in a letter from William J. Small, WHAS-AM-TV Louisville, on behalf of the 700-member association which he heads. In short, it asks that a news director from a local independent operation should have a voice in 1964 convention planning. Independent radio-tv stations want to fare better on working facilities, radio-tv credentials and other matters in future conventions because of the improved quality and greater depth of their coverage at the recent conclaves. The issue of credentials for radio-tv newsmen erupted again at the Democratic and GOP conventions (Broadcasting, Aug. 1), but is considered secondary to the larger one of better working facilities. Some independents privately complained, in particular, about "sweat box" conditions at Chicago's International Amphitheatre. Mr. Small told Sen. Thruston Morton (R-Ky.) and Paul Butler, GOP and Democratic National Committee chairmen, respectively, the RTNDA is surveying its membership on how local STATIONS FOR SALE tASTERN South-atlantic single station market asking $160,000 with 29% down. 1960 fiscal cash flow $35,000 approximately. Excellent buy in middle-atlantic area. Single station market priced to sell. Owner-operator could do $75,000 easily. Asking $80,000 on terms. WASHINGTON, D.C. 1737 DE SALES ST., N.V/. EXECUTIVE 3-3456 RAY V. HAMILTON JOHN D. STEBBINS MIDWEST Fulltime facility — top billings in market. Considerable real estate. Presently operating on unnecessarily high budget. Price is $275,000 with $100, 000 down payment. CHICAGO 1714 TRIBUNE TOWER DELAWARE 7-2754 RICHARD A. SHAHEEN SOUTH Small market daytimer in rich West Texas market, $90,000, $30,000 down and a seven-year payout. A good owner-manager can make twenty-five percent per year on his investment in this property. Further, it will pay itself out after the down payment as it is already well in the black. Station's economy based on agriculture, petroleum and recreation. Very modern town, located near one of Texas' big lakes. DALLAS 1511 BRYAN ST. RIVERSIDE 8-1175 DEWITT 'JUDGE' LANDIS WEST Fulltime radio station in one of fastest growing areas in U.S. Good ownership income an annual gross in excess of $300,000. Sale of stock includes good real estate plus cash and receivables. SAN FRANCISCO 111 SUTTER ST. EXBROOK 2-5671 JOHN F. HARDESTY HAMILTON-LANDIS & Assoc., INC. NATIONWIDE BROKERS RADIO & TELEVISION STATIONS • NEWSPAPERS NEGOTIATIONS • APPRAISALS • FINANCING BROADCASTING, August 15, 1960 71