Broadcasting Telecasting (Jan-Mar 1962)

WEEK'S HEADLINERS Mr. Robinson Mr. Hylan Hubbell Robinson, CBS programming executive from 1947 until his resignation as executive vp in charge of network programs in 1959, returns to CBSTV as senior Mr. Reynolds vp-programs. Also elected senior vps in new posts announced by James T. Aubrey Jr., CBS-TV president, were William H. Hylan, sales, and John T. Reynolds, Hollywood. Mr. Hylan has been with CBS since 1937; he has served as vp for sales administration, CBS-TV, since February 1957. Mr. Reynolds joined CBS-TV in December 1959; he has served most recently as vp and general manager, network programs, Hollywood. Mr. Robinson headed his own production company, Hubbell Robinson Productions Inc. during his three-year absence. Initially he left network to become executive producer of Ford Motor Co.'s series of specials on NBCTV. Oscar Katz remains vp in charge of network programs; Thomas H. Dawson, vp, network sales; Guy della Cioppa, vp and program director, Hollywood; and Michael Dann, vp, network programs, New York. For other personnel changes of the week see FATES & FORTUNES vent practice, which, he said, also is prevalent in print media. FCC has received specific complaints naming stations and advertisers involved. One advertiser claimed he was defrauded of $7,000 in one year in one city. Double billing is part of scheme to defraud national advertisers which could not be done without cooperation from station, FCC charged in warning to licensees. Practice usually involves using mail to defraud and may constitute unfair competition, FCC said. "Independent of penalties that may be imposed elsewhere, the commission regards the practice as contrary to the public interest," agency said in blanket warning to all stations. Other government agencies, including Post Office Dept. and Federal Trade Commission, also are investigating double billing in advertising. Post Office has been in contact with FCC on subject. Radio program firm plans business series Production and distribution arrangements for Business World, new weekly radio program service, are announced today (March 12) by Selective Communications Corp., New York, new radio producing and packaging firm headed by Hendrik Booraem. Address: 75 E. 55th St. Telephone: Plaza 2-61 15. Devoted exclusively to business, program service will include weekly quarter-hour show, plus six 90-second features for scheduling throughout week. Mr. Booraem, who was unsuccessful in getting planned business program on ABC-TV (Broadcasting, June 26, 1961), was formerly radio-tv director of Ogilvy, Benson & Mather. He will produce Business World. Editor will be Joseph Purtell, former business news editor of Time magazine. FCC, BAH to discuss that management study Four surveyors from Booz, Allen, Hamilton meet with FCC Thursday (March 8) to explain recommendations made by BAH in management survey of FCC (Closed Circuit, Feb. 5). Verbal explanations sounded more logical than written recommendations, according to report of "amicable" session. Commissioners asked questions but FCC objections to many of BAH recommendations (Closed Circuit, Feb. 6) were not discussed. First draft of report's 22 chapters was submitted Jan. 21 and final report is due later this month. FCC has submitted list of factual errors, inconsistencies and oversimplifications to BAH but survey firm was not given copy of staff and commissioner objections to material parts of report. GE predicts 260 fms to go stereo in '62 Rapid growth of fm stereo from zero last May to 72 as of Feb. 2 led General Electric Co. to predict March 9 that 260 stations will be using stereo by close of 1962. William B. Clemmens, radio marketing manager, said stereo is gathering momentum toward peak in autumn. He said current market for radios with am, fm and fm stereo "is very strong." Much of stereo enthusiasm, he said, is due to revitalized interest in music and arts plus new dimension in sound quality available with stereo. Ratings services get quizzing from FTC Federal Trade Commission investigators quizzed number of tv rating service principals Friday as part of full scale inquiry into bona fides of program survey services. Approach, according to some of those interviewed, was in nature of "fishing expedition" with FTC attorney in charge seemingly most interested in evidence of collusion among companies pointing to possible antitrust conspiracy (Closed Circuit, March 5). Attention also seemed to be directed at possible mislabeling of information contained in surveys. Outcome of all this is uncertain but it seems likely no major illegalities will be found, leading to view that some sort of trade practice guide for rating services may result. Two dozen more ask to testify in Chicago Some two dozen requests to testify at FCC's Chicago tv programming inquiry were received by agency Friday (March 9). These are in addition to about 30 received earlier (see page 46). Among organizations who want to be heard are National Live Stock & Meat Board; Chicago Board of Rabbis; YMCA, United Cerebral Palsy Campaign; department of athletics, Northwestern U. Several individuals asked to testify, including John H. Sengstacke, editor and publisher of Chicago Daily Defender. Japanese to take part in Formosa tv outlet Signing of SinoJapanese joint project to establish first tv station in Formosa has been reported in Japanese advertising trade paper, Dentsu-ho. Four Japanese firms, Nippon Electric, Toshiba Electric, Hitachi Ltd. and Fuji Tv will share evenly in 40% of $750,000 capital for station. Fuji Tv, which will represent Chinese station in Japan, will also assist in sales, engineering and programming. To be located in Taiwan, station also will manufacture and sell tv receivers. It will operate on ch. 1. 10 BROADCASTING, March 12, 1962