NAEB Newsletter (July 1952)

~ 9 - WALKER URGES IMMEDIATE ACTION ON TV APPLICATIONS In a speech made at the Fifth Annual Radio and Television Institute, Penn State Col¬ lege, FCC Chairman Paul A. Walker pointed out the need for immediate action in apply¬ ing for reserved educational TV channels. The penalty, he said, might very well be the loss of these reservations to educational television. After a resume of the educational stations* battle for reserved channels Chairman Walker went on to say: , "No request for a change in these reservations — or for any change in assignments in the Commission^ entire assignment plan — is to be considered for one year from the effective date of the order. This date was June 2. So beginning June 3> 1953* anyone may request that a non-commercial educational assignment be changed to a commercial assignment. Just what considerations will be persuasive with the Commission should there be any efforts to delete specific reserations after June 2, 19$3> I cannot foretell. But this I can state: The best protection that educators can arrange is a definite pro¬ gram of action designed to obtain financial support and the support of the education¬ al community. Happily, there are increasing indications that Anerican education does not intend to lose these assignments by default. "The American Council on Education sponsored an institute here at Pennsylvania State College in April to study this problem. Those in attendance were unanimous in their concern that educational groups take forthwith the steps necessary to establish and develop stations. A two-day institute was held in June by the Consolidated University of North Carolina under the leadership of President Gordon Gray to consider the po¬ tentialities of educational television stations. The Association of Land-Grant Col¬ leges and Universities at its annual meeting in Washington on November 13 will devote a special session to the use of these assignments. JCET Aid "Assisting university and school administrators is the Joint Committee on Educational Television which performed such stellar service in presenting education*s case before the Commission. Now the JCET has set up a field consultation service to educators. "The JCET*s program now has these objectives: (1) establishment of organizational patterns appropriate for varied educational interests planning to participate in the use of a television channel; (2) explanation of legal procedures required by the FCC for the application of a construction permit; (3) discussion of technical facilities needed; (h) encouragement of program exchange on a regional and national basis. "Last year the JCET received $90,000 from the Fund for Adult Education established by the Ford Foundation. This year the Fund provided $lii£,000. This is a public service of the highest order. I cannot think of a more urgent cause for which funds could be provided at this time. This money is an investment in the future of our nation. It will pay dividends in the intellectual and spiritual development of our children. It will pay dividends in the increased ability of adults to acquit themselves mere ably as responsible citizens of a free democracy. The Fund for Adult Education; established by the Ford Foundation deserves the congratulations and the gratitude of every Ameri¬ can who is interested in more and better education for all. MINNEAPOLIS IS ONLY FIVE HOURS FROM NEW YORK OR WASHINGTON