Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1963)

Late news breaks on this page and on page 10 AT HC AHI IMC Complete coverage of week begins on page 35 §\ | ULMULII^L CBS-TV extends its lead in 30-city Nielsen CBS-TV took first place over ABC-TV by more than 2 average rating points and over NBC-TV by more than 2.5 in Nielsen 30-market report for week ended Nov. 3, issued Friday (Nov. 8). Estimates are based on analyses by two networks. CBS also was shown in first place six nights of week, with ABC first on Tuesday. These reports show marked change from preceding week's 30-market figures, which showed CBS nosing out NBC by about two-tenths of point. FCC lashing goes on at Hill sessions Broadcasters resumed pummeling FCC for commercial standards proposals Friday (Nov. 8) as 15 witnesses testified in favor of legislation to prohibit commission from taking restrictive action on commercials. National Association of Broadcasters President LeRoy Collins said question is whether present free enterprise system of broadcasting will be continued or government-operated arrangement will be installed. He told House Communications Subcommittee windup session (story page 42) that FCC no longer is taking "retaliatory attitude" in dealings with industry. Representative Oren Harris (D-Ark.) said Commerce Committee which he heads has leaned over backward to let industry regulate itself: "I am not altogether satisfied that the industry has accepted its responsibility," he said in reference to problems in ratings. "Our patience can run out." Former FCC Chairman John C. Doerfer said there has been "pattern of encroachments" into broadcasting by FCC dating back to my time (he was chairman last 2Vi years of his 1953-60 term on FCC). Mr. Doerfer spoke for MarylandD. C. -Delaware Broadcasters Association and said FCC proposal is utility type of regulation never contemplated by Congress. Surprise witness at end of hearing was Rev. Dr. Carl Mclntire, who complained that stations' fear of time limit rule is keeping some from accepting his radio program, Twentieth Century Reformation Hour, time which he usually buys himself with listener help. Witnesses who appeared for their re Network analyses Friday showed following top 10 programs for week ended Nov. 3: 1. Miss Teen-Age America (CBS) 2. Beverly Hillbillies (CBS) 3. Candid Camera (CBS) 4. Bonanza (NBC) 5. Dick Van Dyke (CBS) 6. Jackie Gleason (CBS) 7. McHale's Navy (ABC) 8. My Favorite Martian (CBS) 9. Ed Sullivan (CBS) 10. Tie: Twilight Zone (CBS) Lawrence Welk (ABC) spective state broadcaster associations: James R. Terrell, ktvt(tv) Fort Worth; A. James Ebel, koln-tv Lincoln, Neb.; Ronald Hickman, wnnj Newton, N. J.; W. Jack Brown, wlon Lincolnton, N. C; Gene Wilkin, Guy Gannett Broadcasting, Portland, Me.; John P. Carr; wdne Elkins, W. Va.; Cecil Woodland, wejl Scranton, Pa.; Howard B. Hayes, wpik Alexandria, Va.; Don C. Dailey, kgbx Springfield, Mo.; Thad M. Sandstrom, wibw-tv Topeka, Kan., and James Caldwell, wave Louisville, Ky. Also appearing: Mark Evans, vice president, Metromedia Inc., and John J. Ryan, general counsel, Advertising Federation of America. RED HUNT AT PACIFICA FCC asks about Communists; wants answers under oath FCC has asked directors and other officials of Pacifica Foundation to answer under oath questions about possible Communist affiliations. Pacifica spokesman said Friday (Nov. 8) that commission questionnaires were received by Foundation's directors, executive vice president and by managers of three Pacifica stations. Each was asked to reply under oath whether he is or has been Communist Party member. Pacifica attorneys believe questionnaire is first of its kind ever sent to operator of broadcast station. Pacifica directors were to meet in San Francisco Saturday (Nov. 9) to consider their response. Pacifica operates kpfa(fm) Berkeley, kpfk(fm) Los Angeles and wbai (fm) New York. All are supported by listener contributions. Commission queries are result of Senate Internal Security Subcommittee hearing last winter on whether Communists had infiltrated Pacifica's stations (Broadcasting, Jan. 14, et seq.). Pacifica officials said their response to commission will depend on their view of constitutionality of request. Commission has been upheld by courts in submitting similar questions to applicants for operator licenses. However, Pacifica spokesman said, commission's right to ask question of station licensee has never been determined. Pacifica officials received commission questionnaires Oct. 7 but delayed disclosure on advice of counsel until request has been studied. Original deadline for returning sworn statement to commission was Thursday (Nov. 7), but deadline was extended to Dec. 16. AFTRA set to strike, but negotiations go on Armed with strike authorization, American Federation of Television & Radio Artists continued negotiations with networks over weekend on contract that is scheduled to expire Friday (Nov. 15). AFTRA's negotiators received power to strike, if necessary, against networks by members voting last week in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Union considers proposals made by networks for new radio-TV program codes "unsatisfactory." AFTRA also is continuing its joint negotiations with Screen Actors Guild on TV and radio commercial contracts, which also expire Friday. Expectation is that strike deadline for both network and commercial contracts will be extended, though course of negotiations this week will be factor in decision. 4A panelists urge greater Negro use NAACP's Roy Wilkins issued plea Friday (Nov. 8) for increased use of Negroes in natural situations in advertising campaigns. Executive secretary of National Association for the Advancement of Maxon, P-K-G merger off Proposed merger of Maxon Inc. and Post-Keyes-Gardner has been cancelled, both agencies announced Friday (Nov. 8). Talks begun in August have halted because of unexpected product and client conflicts. BROADCASTING, November 11, 1963 more AT DEADLINE page 10 9