Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

Network Affiliates Hear NBC Officials Outline Plans for Radio and TV M< -ORE than 500 broadcasters joined executives of NBC in the network's fifth annual convention in Boca Raton, Florida, from November 28 through November 30. The guests, who included a record number of officials of radio and television stations affiliated with the Na- tional Broadcasting Company, listened to NBC speakers as long range plans for the orderly advancement of both radio and television were outlined. In welcoming the conventioners, Niles Trammell, NBC chairman of the board, urged them to devote themselves to more solid planning, more intelligent study and more self-analysis to insure an expanded future for both media. "Broadcasting, since its inception," Mr. Trammell said, "has been subject to constant change and requires constant planning for the future. Your network, with the counsel of its partners, the affiliated stations, has always taken a position of leadership in anticipating change and meeting the challenge of the future." Mr. Trammell said he was convinced that the meas- ures recommended in NBC's Basic Economic Study were absolutely essential to a sound future in broadcasting and predicted that they will set a pattern that will strengthen and stabilize radio. VHF Stations Advocated Joseph H. McConnell, President of NBC, delivered the convention's keynote address. He emphasized that NBC radio sales, programming and merchandising will be greater than ever in the coming year. He also urged radio station operators to consider the opportunities for the establishment of hundreds of new television stations with the opening of the ultra-high-frequency band. "I have more optimism and confidence in the future of network radio than I have ever had before," Mr. McConnell told the meeting. "I think we, at NBC, are coming to grips with our main problems and are devel- oping patterns that will keep radio strong for the future. "We're finally selling radio on its solid advertising values in moving merchandise, instead of on a show- business basis alone," he continued. Mr. McConnell added that, program-wise, "NBC is enlarging its news service, strengthening its musical lineup and planning to bring to the network an array of talent that would do radio proud in its greatest days, and to do this at reason- able prices." Mr. McConnell also read to the convention a message of greeting from President Truman, felicitating NBC on its 25th anniversary this year. Future of Network Radio The future of network radio was discussed by Charles R. Denny, NBC executive vice president. After outlining a plan for further strengthening the NBC radio net- work, he said: "At NBC, we have great confidence in network radio both for the present and for the long-range future. It is because we have this confidence that we have under- taken a specific program of action with our eyes fixed to the future. We are proud that our network has taken the leadership in rolling up its sleeves and tackling these basic problems." Among the other speakers at the session devoted to radio were Charles C. Barr}', vice president in charge of network programs; Henry Cassidy, director of news, special events and public affairs; John K. Herbert, vice president and general sales manager of the radio net- work, and Fred N. Dodge, merchandising director. Power of Television Emphasized In his keynote address opening a full day session devoted to television, Sylvester L. Weaver, Jr., NBC vice president in charge of television, told the broadcasters that no other group in the world today has the power they hold; that by design. NBC Television can create an aroused, alert, knowledgeable, balanced, mature public opinion, and that public opinion will force a drastic upgrading of all activities for social good. "This," he predicted, "will form a vigilant, calm, resourceful people who will go into a tremendously brilliant future with resolution and integrity. Coopera- tion between the network and the affiliates can bring this about. "If we go forward with your help in making NBC- T'V what we plan," he continued, "then the future will mean that your children in five years can tell you every statesman's name on sicln, what countr\' he comes from. 28 RADIO AGE