Broadcasting Telecasting (Oct-Dec 1963)

CLOSED CIRCUIT. Nothing sacred? Unless there's sudden reversal, FCC will attempt to require TV networks to make public their contracts with all affiliated stations. Spirited discussion of proposal at executive session last week disclosed divided opinion, but majority indicated support. Opposition argued action would constitute revelation of confidential private contracts, would tend to force standardization of agreements and hence be first step in rate-making in contravention of specific provision in Communications Act declaring broadcasters are not common carriers. Consideration of network affiliation contracts is entirely apart from FCC's current exploration of network programing practices and proposed limitations as to program sy ndication and ownership. Staff is redrafting original proposals prepared by Ashbrook Bryant, network study chief, for further consideration. The codes in buying Fear of antitrust reprisals is discouraging at least some other advertising agencies from adopting Kenyon & Eckhardt's recently announced policy of favoring stations that subscribe to National Association of Broadcasters codes. Private talks about possibilities of joint action among agencies to accord preference to code stations in advertising placements have all come to same dead end: Lawyers have advised of antitrust hazards. One possible solution: special dispensation from attorney general, for which some experts say there*s precedent. Shoe never fits Life is rarely easy for management groups involved in negotiating TV film commercial codes with Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Three years ago advertisers and agencies were displeased when networks spearheaded negotiations and achieved settlement that, in buyers' view, sold out TV spot area in exchange for concessions in network contracts. In current talks, film commercial producers are mighty unhappy, charging advertisers and agencies are 'Tunning" talks, ignoring producers' suggestions and keying demands to wishes of "just a few" large advertisers (see story, page 66). CBS and Canadian wire CBS will exercise option to acquire substantial control or possibly 100% ownership of community antenna system in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of largest in country, with 17,000 connections and potential of 75,000 homes (Broadcasting, Nov. 11). Option acquired by Merle S. Jones, president of CBS Television Stations, will be exercised before Jan. 1 and will mark CBS's entry in CATV field. CBS contemplates no acquisitions in U. S. but will consider purchase of other systems in Canada. Vancouver (across from Bellingham, Wash.) system is appraised at $4 million and is owned by Vancouver Cablevision Ltd. B. J. (Bud) Shepard and Syd Welch, of Vancouver, present owners, would continue to manage properties after CBS purchase at undisclosed figure. While system now has 17,000 connections, overhead lines installed would serve 40,000 homes, with saturation regarded as 75,000 homes, although overhead lines would cover 120,000 homes. It's presumed that Messrs. Shepard and Welch would manage any other CATV systems in Canada acquired by CBS. One alone Although indications are that FCC Chairman E. William Henry may find himself all alone on commercial limitation proposals, commission nevertheless plans to go ahead with its oral argument Dec. 9. CBS-TV has asked for permission to televise day-long argument and commission plans hearing in spacious Interstate Commerce Commission auditorium rather than its own small hearing room. After pummeling by Rogers committee fortnight ago (Broadcasting, Nov. 11) and adverse Senate action it seemed evident last week most if not all of Chairman Henry's colleagues will desert him. Action originally was taken on rulemaking by 4-3 vote, with then Chairman Newton N. Minow and Commissioners Lee, Cox and Henry voting for; Commissioners Hyde, Bartley and Ford against. Commissioner Lee, who in large measure was responsible for instigating proceeding, has stated repeatedly that he is not wedded to idea but simply advocated proposal to clear atmosphere. Sticky question Kentuckians are wondering whether FCC's controversial ruling on political broadcasts could have affected outcome of gubernatorial elections fortnight ago. Louie B. Nunn. Republican candidate, lost by mere 13,150 votes out of 880,000 cast, to Democrat Edward T. Breathitt. After FCC ruling (Broadcasting, Nov. 4. 11). stations that had been earning Republican spots at issue ceased doing so and others awaitina FCC edict re jected broadcasts after ruling. Question: If GOP had achieved planned radio exposure, could it have overcome 13,000 vote advantage of Democrat Breathitt? Rainbow's end On New Year's day televiewers in color-equipped homes across country may find themselves in unprecedented dilemma — a three-network color choice. Between noon and 1:30 p.m. EST, ABC. CBS and NBC will meet in head-on colorcasting competition. Scheduled for color that day: ABCTV's Mummer's Day parade from Philadelphia (12-1:30 p.m.), Tournament of Roses parade on both CBSTV (11:45 a.m.-l:45 p.m.) and NBCTV (11:30 a.m.-l:45 p.m.). It's said to be first instance of simultaneous three-network color presentation. The fervor lasts FCC has not heard last of congressional wrath aroused by Omaha TV programing hearing. Senator Roman L. Hruska (R-Neb.). one of fiercest critics of agency's Omaha foray, is stocking ammunition for further assault. He is known to have sent copies of FCC Chairman E. William Henry's 66-page "Report of the Presiding Officer" to three Omaha TV stations which were subjects in inquiry. Reason: Senator Hruska wants their reactions — in detail — for scorching floor speech he's planning. Season in the sun CBS-TV affiliates board and top network executives have quietly scheduled meeting this week in Puerto Rico, but leaders indicate they don't expect much excitement to come out of it. It's regular meeting of two groups, to be held Tuesday and Wednesday at Dorado Beach hotel, and agenda reportedly calls for general discussions of new season's progress in programing and sales, probably also including plans in these and other areas (see page 88). Dodd's dud Senator Thomas J. Dodd (D-Conn.), who upset decorum of Senate fortnight ago with speech accusing it of lethargy, may have some explaining to do if he persists in his attacks. Connecticut legislator, who heads Senate Juvenile Delinquency Subcommittee, has been sitting on report of committee based on hearings held in 1961. Fact is he has sat on it so long that updating hearings (at taxpayers' expense) may have to be held, and his colleagues know this. Published every Monday, 53d issue (Yearbook Number) published in November, by Broadcasting Publications Inc., 1735 DeSales Street, N. W., Washington, D. C, 20036. Second-class postage paid at Washington, D. C, and additional offices.