Radio annual and television yearbook (1952)

NARTB PROGRESS REPORT By HAROLD E. FELLOWS, President, National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters Fellows example of this JUST as they have throughout the history of radio and television, legislative and regulatory matters continue to be among the major problems facing the broadcasting industry. It is heartening to note, however, that some of our legislators are well aware of the vital role played by broadcasting on the national scene in times of peace and war. As more of the public's elected representatives learn something of our business, the task of preserving the system of free enterprise broadcasting will be eased. A most encouragim legislative understanding is contained in recent statements and discussions by Senator Edwin C. Johnson, Chairman of the Senate Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, and some of his colleagues on that committee, and in some of the regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission. It is gratifying to observe the development of this type of thinking. Our integrity, objectives and sense of personal and professional responsibility constitute a "priceless ingredient." It must be cherished, nurtured and protected. We can and will, through daily performance, maintain this high regard for our efforts. Broadcasting stands at the threshold of its greatest era. As the new year opened broadcasters were serving approximately forty-three million radio homes. Most of the nearly fourteen million home receivers manufactured, according to RTMA figures, since the 1950 national census are in use. More than seventy-five per cent of all new automobiles are radio equipped. Indications are that set manufacturers will be unable to meet 1952 demands if defense needs continue to restrict materials. As 1951 closed there were 2,327 AM stations— 95 more than when the year opened — 648 FM stations and 108 TV stations on the air. I am confident that when the "freeze" is lifted television will keep apace of this expansion and join other mass communications media in all the national markets. I do not agree, however, with those who doom radio to oblivion with the advent of the "thaw." In the light of mass media history it seems more logical to regard radio and television as complementary rather than competing, media. Each will command specific areas of service in our ever-enlarging nation. Advertising, the nerve system of America's economy, is getting bigger and better. So long as consumers need goods and services and manufacturers and suppliers need customers both radio and television will perform importantly in the successful fusion of these elements. There may of necessity be a period of adjustment as television undergoes its growing pains, ailments very similar to those suffered and survived by radio back in the 1920s; and as radio is shaken from a complacency developed through longtime dominance in the communications field. But each will survive to find a rightful position in the plane of national prosperity and the family circle of mass communications media. Radio and television have compiled impressive records of public service to the nation. This year will be no exception. Since the outbreak of hostilities in Korea each has volunteered heavily of facilities for broadcasting in the emergency. To cite cases . . . Civil Defense instruction; Defense Bond sales; blood bank appeals; recruitment campaigns; state-of-the-nation addresses by the President and other governmental leaders. I doubt that a single broadcaster has let these patriotic calls go unheeded. I also doubt that any of the other media have made more substantial contributions. This policy of cooperation will continue as long as there is a job to be done. In this year of national elections both media welcome the opportunity to further serve the public interest by performing the important task of bringing the candidates and their platforms into the living rooms of the voters. Arrangements have already been made to broadcast and telecast the national conventions of both major political parties, to stage get-outthe-vote campaigns and to give election (Continued on Page 74) 35