Sponsor (Jan-Mar 1962)

What's happening in U. S. Government that affects sponsors, agencies, stations WASHINGTON WEEK 8 JANUARY 1962 Copyright 1962 SPONSOR PUBLICATIONS INC. FCC chairman Newton Minow aimed two hard blows at those who have been claiming to discern a softening of his attitude toward broadcasters and broadcasting: the alleged White House-dictated change was nowhere in sight, either in Minow's San Francisco speech or in his annual report. Annual reports are usually innocuous affairs, dealing with major past accomplishments and speaking in general terms of future problems. Minow included all of this, but wrote a section which put a great deal of stress on the toughening regulatory attitude. Among all of the statistics cited, by Minow's clear intention one set stood out. He underlined the fact that 20 stations had been put on short-term license renewals in 1961. He went so far as to cite a case which is still in the preliminary stage, the hearing examiner's recommendation that the WDKD license be cancelled because of alleged obscenity and over-commercialization. There was a clear warning that 1961 was only a beginning in this move toward tighter regulation. As 1962 began, there was little doubt that Minow had merely been giving broadcasters a breathing spell: this amounted to a pause to permit steps already taken to sink in, before new moves are undertaken. Things could get considerably worse before they get better. There will be no need for idle speculation and rumors about White House backing for the Minow position or secret directives to tone down. By May, or June at the latest, there will be irrefutable evidence. On 30 June, the term of John S. Cross as an FCC commissioner comes to an end. It will very likely be quite simple to figure where the White House stands on Minow and his policies from the identity and the beliefs of the nominee for the 7-year term beginning on 1 July. As a usual thing, a commissioner wishing reappointment switches in his voting over toward the position of the administration which will do the appointing. Cross has not, however, appeared to do any shifting from his moderate position. He has favored more intervention in the business of broadcasting than Hyde and Craven, but considerably less than Minow and Bartley. He did back Minow in the FCC reorganization controversy, when the broadcasting industry was united against the chairman. However, it is considered unlikely at this point that Cross will be reappointed. This would leave the way open for appointment of a strong Minow man, which would mean full White House backing for the chairman, or for appointment of somebody more moderate in his opinions, which would mean just the opposite. Time will tell, and not too much time remains. Incidentally, the Craven term ends on June 30, 1963, and at this stage of the game Craven appears to have no chance whatever of reappointment. This would lose broadcasting one of its two most effective friends on the FCC. It could give Minow complete control of the FCC, adding the Minow-Bartley votes to those of the two new appointees. That is, if Minow still does ride high in inner White House circles. Rep. Oren Harris (D., Ark.), chairman of the House Commerce Committee, appears to be completely out of the crusading business for 1962: however, the Senate Commerce Committee is a question mark at this stage. The House Committee will busy itself with allocations matters. Although the noise will be just as loud, it will not be calculated to shake the broadcasting industry. This time, the FCC will itself be on the pan. {Please turn to page 53) 8 JANUARY 1962 51