NAEB Newsletter (Aug 1947)

C ALIFORNIA RADIO PLANS STYMIED The University of California and the California Department of Education lost in their attempt to persuade the 194-7 State Legislature to provide funds for the establishment of a state-wide non-commercial educational FlU network. Identical bills introduced in both houses met defeat without ever coming up for a vote. The Senate bill died in the Education Committee* where it was tabled after cries of ’’Communism" were heard. The Assembly bill died in the Ways and Means Committee after being sent out from the Education Committee. The apparent reasons for the failure of the measure are assumed to be* (a) Political feuding between the Governor and the Legislature—coupled with the urge to adjourn. (b) Opposition of the telephone interests because radio link rather than land¬ lines was proposed. (c) Opposition of commercial broadcasters who, through their Northern and Southern sections of NAB, used varied devices to befuddle the issue. IF/hile they did not openly admit being in opposition, the presence of influential San Francisco and Los Angeles station operators—with their attorneys—is hardly mere coincidence. Certain questions should be asked of the legislators and of the broadcasting interests and the FCC. What action’in the broadcasters* meetings preceded the press reports that the Northern and Southei*n broadcasters* associations were guiding to kill off the bill in the Legislature^ What activities were carried oh among the lawmakers after the FCC reprefeeritative^ investigation caused the campaign to go "underground"? l?i/hat did the FCC representative discover in his investigation? ?/hy were proponents of the bill in the Legislature not given a chance to speak in behalf of the measure at hearings held for that measure? Who stimulated the Senator to inject the "Communism" bogey into the hearing and thereby embroil the Committee in irrelevant conflict? Why was the representative of the Federal Communications Commission who was present at the meeting not permitted to answer questions raised by the Committee members? In the interests of their inalienable rights, the intelligent people of California should rise up in wrath at this betrayal of the concepts of democratic government! Again we say——this is a matter which needs to be thoroughly investigated by the FCC if encouragement is to be given to other would-be-broadcasters in the public service field. How can any state be expected to have the courage to operate a station following the precepts of the "Blue Book",if all it has to expect is organized lynching at the hands of selfish, short-sighted entrenched interests? If FM is to give education its second-chance, this cannot be permitted to pass without investigation! In the meantime, the University of California is moving its radio headquarters from Berkeley to Los Angeles in order to be nearer to the commercial stations over which it will carry on its broadcasting. Hale Sparks will have his office there, hereafter. NAEB MEMBERSHIPS In recent months, many new members have been accepted by NAEB. More are needed if we are to present the united front which is so essential,if we are to be hoard in high places. Look over your area. Pro there any prospective members there? Invite them to membership. Remember: institutions operating their own facilities become Active Members. Those broadcasting, but not having their own stations, are eligible to become Associate Members. For the good of the cause——-rally the new memberships!