Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1961)

The cast for NAB's fall conferences A nine-man NAB headquarters team is making the annual fall conference circuit, appearing last week in Dallas and St. Louis. L to r, around table: William L. Walker, assistant treasurer and convention manager; John M. Couric, public relations manager; Charles M. Stone, radio code director; Vincent T. Wasilewski, executive vice president; President LeRoy Collins; James H. Hulbert, personnel relations-economics manager; William Carlisle, station services vice president; Edward H. Bronson, tv code director; John L. Perry (foreground), assistant to president, Collins. with many problems largely due to over-licensing. Not Minow Advocate ■ Gov. Collins made many uncomplimentary remarks about the trade press in the afternoon floor discussion. To the suggestion that his own speeches were damaging to the industry, he said, "I am not an advocate for Chairman Minow. He said very fine things about broadcasting in all his speeches, but the press only reported the conflicts. The trade press only reported that part calling on networks to program more children's programs. He made suggestions but made it clear they were not dictation. "We must consider ourselves big and strong, with basic responsibilities. We shouldn't allow ourselves to get excited over these speeches. "Under the impetus of the trade press we put too much emphasis on remarks made in speeches. The whole concept of the FCC needs more study. "You should understand Chairman Minow also wears a legislative hat. The FCC exercises more legislative power than judicial and also wears an executive hat. Under the law the political party in power is required to have control. I am more concerned about what they do than what they say. . . . "There is nothing vicious in Mr. Minow's mind. He simply wants to help broadcasting. I disagree the way to get better programming is more station licenses. I disagree on the subject of pay tv. But he wants better programs for the people." Then he made an impassioned plea for better programs. "We have the intelligence and ability — let's do it." Raised Eyebrow Technique ■ When Vann M. Kennedy KZTV (TV) Corpus Christi, Tex., said censorship by guidelines and raised eyebrow could be more dangerous than prior restraint, Mr. Wasilewski said NAB had taken this very position in formal filings with the commission. He added there is no constitutional objection to commission inquiry into a station's program plans and no court test was possible unless a station would put its license on the line. Gov. Collins cited the case in which the FCC found an applicant did nothing to find the public's needs, using a borrowed program form. "You call that censorship; I don't think so," he replied to Mr. Kennedy. "If granted, it would be an insult to the profession of broadcasting." He continued with this query, "what has the FCC done that you regard as censorship?" Mr. Kennedy replied, "The FCC can suck out the substance of a station and leave the shell. There's danger Mr. Minow will enter the field of taste control. That's worse than censorship." Gov. Collins mentioned the case of a Dallas station's rejection of a network racial program because of a local situation. "This is a sound exercise of judgment," he said. "I have a tough skin," Gov. Collins said. "And I do not feel freedom is in BROADCASTING, October 16, 1961 WEED HAS WEST COAST OFFICES ! This territory is IMPORTANT This territory is ACTIVE This territory is DEMANDING That's why 4 of Weed's 14 offices are located here. Only direct face-to-face salesmanship and constant servicing can produce maximum results on the West Coast. Wherever a buying decision is made... WEED man IS THERE! 64 (THE MEDIA)