Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1962)

Late news breaks on this page and on page 10 flTf" HITAfM IIVIC Complete coverage of week begins on page 21 §\ | O tr\L/LI IM t ONE SIGNATURE AGAIN FCC drops new rule requiring multiple signatures on forms Only one signature will be required on future applications with FCC, agency announced Friday in canceling new rule which had required co-signers where licensee or applicant is owned by another company. Latest change puts rule back like it was prior to amendments earlier this fall (Broadcasting, Oct. 1, Sept. 24). FCC first announced that signatures would be required from chief officers of licensee, parent corporation and all commonly owned firms in chain of command between these two. Following outcries from multiple owners and subsidiary licensees, this was changed to require signatures of licensee and ultimate corporate parent owning at least 50% of stock. Under Friday's action, taken after industry-government meeting called by Budget Bureau, only one officer's signature will be necessary on all applications. FCC, however, said it will continue to study problem of requiring ultimate corporate awareness of broadcasting subsidiary matters in rulemaking on revision of program reporting forms. NAB had filed petition asking reconsideration last Sept. 26, pointing out broadcasting was only FCC-regulated medium covered by rule. NAB said Communications Act, rules and decisions of FCC show responsibility rests in licensee and may not be abrogated, no matter who signs application. Adams named president of Oregon broadcasters Irwin Adams, general manager of KGON Oregon City, was elected president of Oregon Assn. of Broadcasters for 1963 at meeting Tuesday (Nov. 20) in Portland. Other officers for 1963: vice president, Robert Chopping, KAST Astoria; secretary-treasurer, Bob LaBonte, KERG Eugene. Board members: Ted Smith, KUMA Pendleton, who was 1962 president; Les Smith, KXL Portland; Bob Matheny, KRCO Prineville; Ray Kozak, KROD Dallas; Walter Wagstaff, KGW-TV Portland. Pentagon withdraws its 'security guidance' Restrictions on military news were relaxed still further Friday when Dept. of Defense withdrew its 12-point "security guidance" issued Oct. 24 at height Radio can 'sell anything' Almost any product or service can be advertised on radio, as evidenced by Radio Advertising Bureau's collection of "odd-ball" commercials. Those included on tape released today (Nov. 26) offer proof of what RAB says is radio's ability to sell for any advertiser. Tape contains 30 examples of off-beat local commercials gathered from stations across country. One from bail bondsman: "when in trouble, on the double, call for County Bonds"; another, reminder from junk yard — "take me out to Al's Junk Yard, take me out for a deal." RAB said tape is sample of "fresh and original selling sounds which radio can bring to virtually any product or service." Term "odd-ball," the bureau explained, is used in best, complimentary sense of the word — the way a successful inventor years ahead of his time might be called "odd-ball." of Cuban crisis. Left standing, however, is order by Assistant Secretary of Defense Arthur Sylvester which requires all military and civilian personnel to report daily on conversations with newsmen. Guidance order forbade defense personnel to disclose information on variety of subjects, including troop movements, enemy capabilities, weaponry and intelligence data. Same guidance document had been issued by White House to news editors with request for voluntary compliance. This was withdrawn by President Kennedy earlier last week (see page 54). Satellite chief rumor alarms Senator Morse "Disturbing rumors" that military man is to be named head of executive committee of U. S. communications satellite corporation were reported Friday by Sen. Wayne Morse (D-Ore.). Appointment of military man, he said, would be "major administrative blunder." He said it would have "adverse effect" on U. S. allies and American public opinion. Sen. Morse, one of leaders in Senate fight to block passage of bill providing for privately owned space communications system, did not say who was rumored in line for top executive position. But he said his information is that it is "high U. S. retired, or about to be retired, military official." "The American satellite communications system should be civilian oriented," he said. "It should be administered in a manner that will put at rest world fears that it will be military oriented." Spokesmen for incorporators named by President Kennedy to organize corporation said no decisions have been made on any management post. Sen. Morse said he was issuing his "warning" to notify directors of "the satellite communications cartel" that some senators will "insist upon a full public disclosure" of corporation's administrative policies. Pay-tv interested in 'home' NFL games National Football League championship game (Dec. 30, NBC-TV) could be sold in home city to pay-tv while free tv viewers there are blacked out. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle said Friday he has been approached by a "couple" of New York firms, individuals interested in obtaining rights if game is played there. Title match is set for park of Eastern Division winner; N. Y. Giants led league last week and stood mathematical chance of clinching crown with two more wins, depending on fortunes of other contenders (Washington, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Cleveland). Interest by pay-tv was reported in Washington as well. NBC would be consulted if commissioner approves plan (he has full control of title game), but since network owns rights in all cities but site of game (blackout rule), it would not share in rights sale, Mr. Rozelle explained. He would consult with NBC, however, "from a standpoint of ethics," commissioner explained. Responding to question, he thought network might be interested in selling its feed to pay-tv interests to "help amortize their pickup costs." Were pay-tv approved, it might be interesting experiment, commissioner indicated, although interest might not be valid for comparison with regular season schedule. Pay-tv firms have been asked to come back with more information: seating, theatre or arena location, economic aspects. National Football League clubs have been interested in pay-tv for some time, Mr. Rozelle indicated. Commissioner inspected use of pay-tv at hockey games ■■■■ more AT DEADLINE page 10 BROADCASTING, November 26, 1962 9