Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1961)

WASHINGTON RELIES ON WRC Fortnightly Corp., catv system duplicating its programs. It charged Fortnightly has violated FCC rules and asked for a cease-and-desist order until the catv company makes charge schedules and practices a matter of record with the FCC and gets FCC authority for operation of its wire lines. WBOY said Fortnightly comes within FCC bailiwick because it engages in interstate communications by wire and radio. The catv firm transmits programs of WSTV-TV Steubenville, Ohio, WTAE (TV), WIIC (TV) and KDKA-TV Pittsburgh and WTRF-TV Wheeling, W. Va. Tubby urges news media to speed up information Roger Tubby, assistant secretary of state for public affairs, has called on broadcasters, newspapers and all other informational media to step up their efforts to inform the public on the vital issues confronting the U.S. and its allies. This effort, he told the Foreign Policy Assn. of Pittsburgh, is necessary to combat the "oversimplifications" of world problems voiced by extremists of the Right and Left, and to provide sharper insight into the nature of world problems. While his talk ranged over the obligations of all communications media, he said "television has a tremendous opportunity to bring into our homes far broader understanding of the world around us." He said indications are that "more is being planned along this line." But he also suggested that television industry leaders have not been bold enough in their approach to public affairs programming. "Tv leaders," he said, "talk in an inhibited way of low ratings for public service programs (even 10 million viewers is considered low), yet at the same time express concern over the loss of 'opinion makers' among their audience." But it wasn't only television that could do better, he indicated. Many newspaper publishers, he said, "have resisted suggestions that news and background coverage be expanded." FTC's second 'alert' out The second issue of Advertising Alert, the publication of the Federal Trade Commission sent to radio-tv stations and other media, has been mailed. Dated Dec. 8, the booklet contains Mr. Tubby articles on Christmas toy and fallout shelter advertising, and on the FTC's current inquiry regarding claims of preference — all were announced and reported during the last month. The periodical also lists orders, consent orders, and complaints issued by the FTC during November. Schoeppel 'satisfactory' after abdominal surgery Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel (R-Kan.), ranking minority member of the Senate Commerce Committee, was reported last week to be making satisfactory progress since re-entering Bethesda Naval Hospital. The senator had undergone surgery for diverticulitis, an abdominal ailment. But he was discharged and had been recuperating at his Washington home before re-entering the hospital on Dec. 5. In a statement on his condition, his office gave no reason for his return to the hospital. Earlier, however, an aide to the senator said he was to receive treatment for intra-abdominal neoplasm. The statement issued by his office said if Sen. Schoeppel continues to gain, it is hoped he will be able to return to his Washington apartment in time for the holidays. FCC checking WTID ownership The FCC moved into a widening Maryland savings and loan investigation when it was disclosed that the principals of a bankrupt firm claimed they owned WTID Newport News, Va. The commission acknowledged last week that an investigation of the case is continuing. WTID is owned by Max Resnick, 52.6%, and Morton Lifshutz, 47.4%, according to FCC records. They bought the 1 kw daytimer (on 1270 kc) in December 1960 for $130,000. It previously was owned by Richard Eaton. The relationship between the radio station and Mutual Security Savings & Loan Assn., the bankrupt firm being investigated by state officials, was through Equity Investment Corp. Equity is the parent company of the savings and loan company. However, Equity has tried to abrogate its contract with Mutual, according to an FCC official. Equity president, Robert Harold Symonds, claimed Equity owns WTID in a company statement issued last August. Mr. Lifshutz was an officer of both Equity and Mutual. Mr. Resnick has no connection with either firm. Mr. Resnick is the former 50% owner of WABW Annapolis, Md., where he was also president and general manager. At one time he and Mr. Symonds en Congressmen, homemakers, commuters — busy adults in Washington rely on WRC to keep them informed. These important people tune to WRC for fast, complete, accurate news coverage. 6 to 7 PM is an especially popular listening time. In this one hour, Bryson Rash, Frank Forrester, Jim Simpson and Mac McGarry, experts in their fields of weather, news, sports and business affairs, bring their listeners up to the minute on the day's happenings. Washington has learned to rely on WRC's quality reporting. Washington also relies on WRC for lively music, information and entertainment all day long. Advertisers, too, can rely on WRC to reach this important adult audience. WRC* 980 WASHINGTON REPRESENTED BY NBC SPOT SALES BROADCASTING, December 18, 1961 83