Sponsor (Apr-June 1960)

SPONSOR The convention in retrospect A big convention, chock full of meetings, speeches, socializing presentations, plans, and parties, is always difficult to see in proper perspective. By now. though, most of us who attended the NAB's 38th annual convention at the Conrad Hilton, have had a chance to return home, unpack our luggage, review our notes, and think through what we saw and heard in Chicago. What single impression remains most vividly? Many NAB members and associates with whom we talked seem to feel that this was a very "quiet convention." It is true that there were comparatively few, if any, fireworks. There were many interesting and professionally planned meetings. These were some exciting new technical exhibits by RCA, AMPEX, Collins, Gates, GE, and others. There were challenges, such as those advanced by RAB's Kevin Sweeney, at the radio session. There were thoughtful reports on the Tv Code by Don McGannon, and the TIO by Lou Hausman. There was a moving tribute to Hal Fellows by Frank Stanton. But to us the one most significant speech at Chicago was delivered quietly, and forcefully, by the NAB's Broadcaster of the Year, Clair R. McCollough. Clair, in his keynote address, called for "intensive selfinspection" by every NAB member, in three areas of activity — "Our trade practices, our performance before the public, and our national association." He was most specific and most pointed in enumerating "the fundamental ills of broadcasting . . . rate manipulations, trade deals, downgrading the competition in our own media." Said McCollough, "Until we cure them . . . and we can only cure them individually, we run the continuing risk of loss of advertiser confidence . . . and public confidence." To those outside the industry, it may seem surprising that Clair ranks this problem as even more serious than broadcasting's more publicized ills. But those who know the record of this industry statesman know that he speaks from deep, mature experience when he calls on the industry to take an inventory of its business practices, and to undertake the job with "courage, determination, a high sense of business values, and a goodly amount of moral rearmament." We agree with his analysis. ^ 10-SECOND SPOTS Slogans unlimited: KOMO Seattle, is promoting via auto bum stickers. Sample stickers: "Made Disneyland by Mickey Mouse"; "B in Chicago by the Untouchable "Made in Detroit by the Til Stooges"; "Built in Mule SI Texas, by The Rebel"; "Protected Robert Taylor's Detectives"; "M in Mukilteo by The Real McCoys. Like a boid: From a WINS, York, press release — "Can your dog sing? If he can, I WINS is looking for this genius." He not only sings; he takes pay: Elephant boy: With only S50 i poke, an adman went to the psycj trist. "For $50," said the psychia "I'll answer two questions. Ph your problem so two questions solve it." After considerable thought, the man asked, "Is it all right for n marry an elephant?" "Of course not," said the psyi trist. "Society would not allo\ It wouldn't work out. I see not but trouble ahead in such a unio forget it. Now, what's your se question?" Asked the adman. "Do vou anyone who'd like to buy an ov< engagement ring?" — Carl de WBZ, Boston. Sugar-coating: Oscar Levant his doctor won't let him watcl Chevy Dinah Shore Show o count of his diabetes. Backfire: In his daily "> Street" contest for listeners i Pittsburgh, Pa., area, WCAE pi ality Tommy Shafer made his announcement: "Anyone living Money Street I'm about to nan gardless of borough or hamlet, m call. First one in is the winner]!! Money Street is Railroad Ave Winner was Mrs. Aretha Jonesj Railroad Ave.. Tallahasse, Fla.|r was visiting in Pittsburgh. Like real: Hear about the | conventioneer who tumbled i hotel bed about 4 a.m., dreanJ swallowed a snowball, and ij morning his pillow was gone? j sponsor • 16 april!