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

Mr. Sarnoff emphasized that the networks were the only organizations offering the public a comprehensive and carefully planned program service. Through their program innovations, he said, they have kept public- interest in the medium "refreshed and renewed." It was this network service, he added, that provided the base for the growth of the entire industry, including the operation of hundreds of stations. Sa\s Networks Must Produce Shows The NBC President stressed that in order to main- tain and furnish a comprehensive program service to the public in addition to utilizing programs from a variety of outside sources, it was essential for networks to pro- duce their own shows. He added: "The claim has been made that we give special preference to programs in which we have a financial interest in order to get a profit from the sale of the programs as well as from the sale of time. I want to deny that charge categorically. Our primary concern is whether or not a program best meets the needs of our planned program structure. This is the decisive element —not who owns the program, or whether or not we have a financial interest in it." Mr. Sarnoff pointed out that the NBC Television Network is part of an intensely competitive television industry, which itself is part of an intensely competitive advertising industry. "We welcome competition as a stimulus to enterprise in our business and in others," he said. "Although there is no restraint on competition in television, additional competition and additional service could be developed if there were more stations. "This is the root of the problem in television, and its solution will also solve the problems which are under study by this Committee. We therefore urge that the Congress and the FCC focus on this central problem and take affirmative steps to bring about its solution." Mr. Sarnoff concluded that a television system con- sisting of three actively competing networks, over 400 stations, and scores of program suppliers "makes mean- ingless any claim of monopoly." Folsom Honored by Notre Dame An honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on Frank M. Folsom, President of RCA, by the University of Notre Dame at commencement exercises on June 3, with a citation for "his great contributions to the astound- ing advance of public communications in modern society." The degree was conferred by the Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President of the University. Among those also honored with degrees were Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, Chief of Naval Operations, and Secretary of the Treasury George M. Humphrey. The citation accompanying Mr. Folsom's award said: "One of the first business executives to give his services to the American government prior to World War II, he has demonstrated at all times the very best kind of citizenship and social responsibility. Unselfishly helpful in the work of Catholic colleges and charities, he has received the high honor of the Church as well as those of the State. Adding to them, we now applaud him for his great contributions to the astounding advance of public communications in modern society, and, of natural importance to us, for his interest in the fullest development of science and engineering education at Notre Dame." The Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, congratulates RCA President Frank M. Folsom after awarding him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at the university's commencement exercises on June 3. RADIO AGE Jl