Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1962)

GOVERNMENT New wrinkle in hearings: witness hunt FCC CIRCULARIZES OMAHA GROUPS TO BEEF UP PROGRAM INQUIRY Over 100 organizations in and around Omaha have been solicited by the FCC as possible witnesses in the hearing scheduled Jan. 28 on the local program offerings of the three Omaha tv stations (Broadcasting, Nov. 26). The FCC sent a letter to the groups over the signature of Commissioner E. William Henry, who will preside at the hearing, telling the parties how to become eligible as witnesses "if you are interested in appearing and giving testimony." The letters went to all types of organizations from the Campfire Girls of America to Alcoholics Anonymous. It was in direct contrast to FCC preparations for a similar local program hearing in Chicago last spring. At that time, the commission publicly disclaimed any efforts to secure witnesses (Broadcasting, Feb. 26). Over 100 public witnesses appeared in Chicago. No reason was given by the FCC for the solicitation of witnesses in Omaha. The Henry letter also enclosed copies of the FCC hearing order and, as* "background information," the 1960 program policy statement — used by the commission as justification for its field forays into local programming. The letter to Omaha groups begins with the issues in the hearing on the locally produced programming offered by KMTV (TV), KETV (TV) and WOW-TV and asks all those wishing to testify to notifiy the agency by Dec. 19. Such notifications are to be sent to the attention of Martin E. Firestone of the FCC's renewal branch. The Omaha issues include: ■ "The efforts made by the Omaha tv stations to determine the needs and interests of the residents of Omaha in the area of local live programming. ■ "The effectiveness with which tv stations in Omaha have met the needs and interests of Omaha residents by broadcasting local live programs. ■ "The extent of public demand and need, if any, for additional or different types of local live tv programs than those now broadcast by Omaha tv stations." A definition of a local live program "for the purpose of this hearing" is included in the Henry letter. Advance Planning <■ Washington counsel for the three Omaha stations met with FCC attorneys last week to discuss a questionnaire sent to the stations seeking information in advance of the hearing. Lonnie Emerson, legal assistant to Commissioner Henry, and Tom Commissioner Henry He writes letters, too Fitzpatrick of the hearing division will be government counsel at the hearing. They will be assisted by Mr. Firestone and James Juntilla, assistant chief of the Broadcast Bureau. The stations, with the FCC agreeing to accept a joint answer on this question, were asked to submit a description of the Omaha audience including overall population; number and size of foreign language and minority groups; size of agricultural population; number and kinds of major religious organizations; educational facilities; recreational, sports and cultural facilities; number of newspapers; and the principal business trades or industries in the area. The second question of KETV, KMTV and WOW-TV seeks a "detailed statement describing the efforts and activities by, or in behalf of, the station to FCC's Christmas plans A shuffled schedule of FCC meetings has been arranged for the next three weeks because of the Christmas holidays and plans of commissioners to be out of town. The regular meeting next week will be held Monday, Dec. 17, and there will not be a meeting Christmas week. The first 1963 meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 3, with the commission returning to its regular Wednesday sessions the week of Jan. 7. ascertain the needs and interests of the public served by the station for local programs. This statement shall include . . . and efforts ( 1 ) to make a canvas of the listening public and (2) to consult with civic leaders and others who bespeak the interests of the community . . ." Names and positions of the individuals contacted in following areas were asked for: public officials, educators, religious groups, agricultural organizations, charitable organizations, professional associations, ethnic groups, business organizations, labor groups, "musical, dramatic, literary and other similar entertainment or cultural organizations" and others. The stations are asked if they maintain a complaint file and, if so, the number received on local programming during the past year and the manner in which they were resolved. Another question asks about programming and advertising standards or codes subscribed to and station policies designed to implement such codes along with a copy thereof. Who Does What? ■ This question follows: "Describe the facilities, staff and equipment available for the development, production and presentation of local program material [including] availability of mobile transmitting equipment; number of cameras and tape recorders, and name and occupational title of each person (exclusive of managerial officials) engaged in the development, production or presentation of local programs." Exact copies of station logs for the month of October are requested by the FCC; number of hours the station was on the air; total hours of commercial and sustaining network programs, syndicated programs, feature films and total of all other broadcast hours. With respect to October local programs, the stations are asked to classify and define them; day and time of broadcast, and whether "these programs were developed by the station in cooperation or consultation with, or to meet the needs of, specific community organizations." Finally, the stations are asked for the number of public service announcements broadcast during October and "any additional material which will assist the commission in understanding the policies and practices of the station in serving the needs of its community in the area of local programming." 102 BROADCASTING, December 10, 1962