Sponsor (Apr-June 1961)

What's happening in V. S. Government that affects sponsors, agencies, stations WASHINGTON WEEK 26 JUNE 1961 Despite the peaceful tone of official NAB releases following secret NAB Board copyright i96i meetings, Gov. LeRoy Collins took a pasting on his reorganization plan for the As sponsor sociation: reasons were much the same as those motivating the industry to oppose publications inc. in the strongest fashion the President's FCC reorganization plan. In the FCC reorganization, the industry was worried about greatly increased powers for an FCC chairman considered favorable to rigid regulation. As to the NAB reorganization, the NAB board was worried about letting power leave the hands of broadcasters in favor of an "outsider" who has made some critical speeches. Collins succeeded in getting deep changes in the NAB broadcasting code setup. These look toward much harsher judgments about what is permissible and what is not, along with much quicker action to take away seals. There was no coincidence whatever in the fact that these code changes were approved just in time for Collins to tell the Senate Juvenile Delinquency subcommittee about them. The broadcasting industry managed to hit a cool, calm oasis this week after a tremendous Congressional buffeting: reverberations still persisted, however. FCC chairman Newton Minow and Collins both appeared last Monday in what might be the last Senate Juvenile Delinquency subcommittee hearing. The heat was still rising from the bombs dropped at the Celler hearings. Both Minow and Collins indicated that research into effects on children of tv crime and violence would be a good thing, with Collins citing evidence that tv is not responsible for juvenile delinquency. Both also agreed that it might well be left to the industry to clean up excessive sex, crime and violence. Here Collins cited the code toughening. But on this point Minow cited the anti-censorship laws, indicating his belief that the FCC now has power to tell stations that particular types of programs may not be telecast. Both Minow and Collins also agreed that the record of achievement in broadcasting has been very good, but that improvement is possible. Collins spoke of his "blue ribbon" programing idea. Minow took a definitely "softer" line, though he described the "wasteland" as much worse in the case of programing for children. Sen. Dodd (D., Conn.), chairman of the subcommittee, said the nation is fortunate in having Minow as FCC chairman and Collins as NAB president. Of the two statements, that about Collins was the more significant. It bears out the impression gained from other Congressional quarters that Collins is very highly regarded on the Hill, and will have a valuable "insulating" effect for the industry in Congress. Minow and Collins also traded compliments, though Collins specifically stated that his opinion of Minow might not be shared by some of the broadcasters he is supposed to lead. The Minow appearance before the Celler (D., N.Y.) subcommittee produced more frightening comments for broadcasters than did the later Senate appearance. Minow, broadcast bureau chief Kenneth Cox and FCC general counsel Max Paglin indicated companies convicted of antitrust law violations might have a tougher time getting license renewals. Probes are in progress on such companies of GE and Weetinghouse. (Please turn to page 61) SPONSOR 26 june 1961 59