NAB reports (Jan-Dec 1934)

The National Association of Broadcasters NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING ..... WASHINGTON, D. C. PHILIP G. LOUCKS, Managing Director NAB REPORTS ★ NRA ■ X ' * Vol. 2 No. 2 JAN. 13, 1934 Copyright. 1934. The National Association of Broadcasters NAB MEMBERSHIP MUST GROW The Code of Fair Competition for the Radio Broadcasting In¬ dustry provides that the Code Authority must at some future date recommend a permanent form of Code Authority for administra¬ tion of the Code. If the purpose of self-enforcement is to be subserved, the National Association of Broadcasters must become the administrative agency. The National Recovery Administration, although finding that the Association imposes no inequitable restrictions on membership, re¬ fused to repose administration in the NAB for the sole reason that less than half of all licensed stations were in membership. The NRA gave weight to the fact that the members of the NAB handled more than 80 per cent of all broadcast advertising, but this was not enough. The advantages of self-enforcement are: (1) the industry en¬ forcement machinery can be made an agency for education as well as punishment; (2) it prevents outside interference; (3) it will be well disposed and friendly; (4) it will not be arbitrary or bureau¬ cratic. The Government recognizes that it is going to enforce codes unless industry seizes its opportunity and shoulders itself the responsibility for enforcement. For broadcasters to assume self-enforcement of the broadcasters’ code the NAB must have a total membership of at least 400 stations by next spring. The membership today is nearing the 300 mark. This means that 100 new members must be signed up within the next few months. It is up to every NAB member to point out to non-members the desirability of self-enforcement of the code. The NAB must not fail in its task of completely organizing the broadcasters. It is no longer a question of desirability of organization ; it is a question of necessity. COMMUNICATIONS BILLS LOOM As the result of a conference held this week it is expected that radio legislation soon will be introduced in Congress along the lines of a Communication Commission. While no official statement has been made, there is strong indication that this is in accordance with the ideas of President Roosevelt. Secretary of Commerce Roper, chairman of the Interdepart¬ mental Communications Committee, called the conference, and those attending included Senator Dill of Washington, Representa¬ tive Rayburn of Texas, Dr. Splawn, and General Charles McK. Saltzman. Following the conference Secretary Roper stated that it had been called to acquaint the members of Congress who are chairmen of the Senate and House Committees having jurisdiction over radio with the report of the Roper committee which was submitted to the President some weeks ago. Secretary Roper said that generally the two members of Con¬ gress were in accord with the report submitted. Both Senator Dill and Mr. Rayburn, it is understood, said that they preferred to initiate their own radio bills and it is expected that this will be done soon, to be followed by extended hearings on the subject. The bills, it has been indicated, will be along the lines of the report. Secretary Roper’s Communications Committee, at the request of the President, will continue its investigation work with special reference to broadcasting, and this, it is reported, at the special request of the President. The information will be submitted to the President and be available to the Congressional committees at the proper time. LET’S ALL PULL TOGETHER The theory underlying the National Industrial Recovery Act is that industry will organize itself for the purpose of self-regulation. In radio broadcasting, limited to 585 stations, that means in one strong central organization is required. During the past several weeks there have been ill-advised at¬ tempts to undermine the national structure and divide the industry against itself. Should any of these attempts succeed the conse¬ quences would be disastrous. No one not familiar with the many problems which confront the industry today can accurately ap¬ praise the necessity for maintaining a united front. Never before were there greater advantages in organization. The NAB pleads with every member for his loyal cooperation in building up mem¬ bership on one hand and averting defection from the ranks on the other. SYKES PROMISES ONE-YEAR LICENSES Appearing before the House Appropriations Committee, Judge Eugene O. Sykes, chairman of the Federal Radio Commission, said the Commission has been considering the extension of broadcast licensing terms. The NAB has consistently fought for longer license terms and has urged the Commission to grant the full statutory period of three years to stations. Congressman Woodrum of Virginia, chairman of the subcommit¬ tee holding the hearings, asked Judge Sykes if the Commission is “still licensing stations for 60 days and 6 months.” “Six months for broadcasting stations; yes, sir,” Judge Sykes replied. “You are still doing that?” Woodrum asked. “Yes, sir. We are considering now whether to extend that for a longer period of time. Commercial licenses are for 1 year, and broadcasting is for 6 months,” Judge Sykes replied. “That requires a great deal of work on the part of the Com¬ mission, going over those things every time, does it not?” he was asked. “Yes, sir; that is true,” Judge Sykes said. “Just as soon as we think the time is propitious we will probably extend for 1 year the licenses of broadcasting stations. We have been trying to work up to that point for some time.” THE SUBJECT OF DUES ONCE MORE It is always a distasteful task to mention dues in these bulletins. But the new system of dues has produced less revenue than had been anticipated. Whether the system will prove adequate or not — despite expense curtailment — remains to be seen. One thing is certain, the NAB cannot further curtail its operations without seriously sacrificing its effectiveness. At any rate, the new dues schedule will be given an adequate test in practice and you are urged again to give prompt consideration to the payment of January dues. FRIDAY MEETING POSTPONED The members of the Federal Radio Commission have been hear¬ ing testimony in the application of Station WIS, Columbia, S. C., for full time on the clear channel of 1050 kilocycles, now assigned to Station KNX, Los Angeles, Calif., and for that reason postponed the usual Friday meeting. • Page 271 •