Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1961)

CLOSED CIRCUIT Ready to resist If NBC tries to reduce television affiliate compensation, as Bob Sarnoff last week hinted it might (story page 52), it can expect strong resistance. After Mr. Sarnoff raised subject in his speech at affiliates convention in Beverly Hills, members of NBC-TV affiliates board informally agreed to hire special legal and economic counsel if network came up with formal proposal. Meeting of NBC executives and affiliates board is scheduled for next February. Stations think compensation plan may be submitted then. Coincidence Contrary to appearances, those strong speeches against government program control that were made same day last week by Frank Stanton, CBS president, and Robert Sarnoff, NBC chairman (story page 56), were not planned as beginning of organized industry campaign. It was pure happenstance that dates and subjects coincided, according to network spokesmen. Dr. Stanton's invitation to make Benjamin Franklin Lecture at U. of Pennsylvania was sent to him last April 21 and Dec. 7 date was specified. He accepted April 24. He decided month or so ago to use forum for detailed discussion of threats of government control. Meanwhile Mr. Sarnoff elected to speak on same subject in affiliates convention speech. Neither knew what other intended to say. Will JFK debate in 1964? Will President Kennedy really debate his Republican opponent in 1964? Although IFK has said on at least two occasions that he would, highly placed observers express extreme doubt. One official thought that when time comes there would be reasons incumbent would not deem it advisable or expedient to give his opponent, whomever he might be, exposure on same platform. Satellite battle lines Bruising battle over who should own proposed U.S. communications satellite system is shaping up for next session of congress. Bill to be introduced by Sen. Robert S. Kerr (DOkla.) providing for private ownership by international common carriers will be fought by Senate liberals, who regard it as "worse" than plan submitted to FCC by international common carriers themselves. Administration proposal, which reportedly would take FCC out of space communications planning role, has al ready drawn opposition of Rep. William L. Springer (R-IIL), second-ranking Republican on House Commerce Committee. And staff of Sen. Russell B. Long is consulting with White House members on bill which, in present form, provides for "public-private" ownership and would, therefore, draw opposition of those favoring traditional free-enterprise approach. Where does all this leave FCC carrier committee's plan? Completely out of the picture, according to most Capitol Hill observers. All the details Due for early FCC decision is proposed rulemaking that would require licensees to file much more detailed final reports than now. New rule, pending for over year (Broadcasting, Nov. 7, 1960), seeks information on broadcast as well as non-broadcast revenue of licensees and their principals. Staff has been asked to expedite FCC consideration. Best guess is new rule will be adopted despite united opposition of industry (Broadcasting, Feb. 6). Reasoning of some commissioners is that FCC must have complete station finances, including salaries and expenses, because there is definite tie-in with current staff study of competition in am broadcasting (Closed Circuit, Nov. 13). Stations claim "economic injury" but dislike telling details to commission, it was pointed out. Newt censored? Is FCC Chairman Newton N. Minow under orders to pipe down? Provocative chairman hasn't sounded off against broadcast programming since his comparatively mild comments Sept. 29 before Radio & Television News Directors Assn. in Washington when he suggested newsmen consider possibilities of full-scale news broadcasts during prime evening time. Prior to that he had been in news consistently, blasting away at programming. His own colleagues at FCC, as well as broadcaster observers, wonder whether he had been admonished to slow down as part of New Frontier's effort to dispel anti-business talk ascribed to administration? Terry San Diego supervisor Look for Hugh Terry, president and general manager of Time-Life owned KLZ-AM-TV Denver, to be given additional executive responsibilities when Time-Life purchase of KOGO-AMFM-TV San Diego goes through (Closed Circuit, Dec. 4). Once San Diego properties are acquired, they'll come under Mr. Terry's supervision. Sale papers will probably be signed in week or so. Chilly on N St. NAB hasn't fanned up any enthusiasm at its Washington headquarters for new membership idea offered by Jack Williams for Georgia Assn. of Broadcasters — blanketing of all state association members into national group. Idea is to boost NAB's percentage of station membership to aid appearances at legislative hearings. Association says by-laws prohibit blanket plan. Miracle in the Hudson Engineering crewmen putting out test signals from FCC's Empire State Bldg. uhf transmitter had their tempers and technical skill challenged by radiophone message from viewer who claimed he had picked up uhf transmission inside Hudson tunnel with battery-powered Sony receiver. Sign of times Unpublicized yearend overhaul is taking place at NAB's Washington headquarters. President LeRoy Collins is juggling staff officers around building to provide space for enlarged code authority under Robert D. Swezey. Audio tape studio is being installed to keep pace with new steppedup use of on-the-air promotion by radio stations. There's no indication replacement will be found for Richard A. Allerton, research manager, who resigned in policy disagreement. Who gets Conelrad? Behind scenes struggle is going on at Dept. of Defense on who gets supervision of Conelrad. Up to now, system has come under manpower chief Carlisle P. Runge, assistant secretary of defense. With appointment of Steuart L. Pittman as civil defense chief, also as assistant secretary, feeling is that Conelrad belongs in his shop. Complicating debate is fact Joint Chiefs of Staff is studying need for Conelrad as requested by National Industry Advisory Committee last summer. No final decision on that matter has been made yet, either. Militarily, Conelrad is Air Force responsibility. Published every Monday, 53rd issue (Yearbook Number) published in September, by Broadcasting Publications Inc 1735 DeSales St., N. W.. Washington 6, D. 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