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P R E SST IME R E PO RT FROM OUR WASHINGTON NEWS BUREAU
Ford simply dissented from the FCC's decision to kill the third VHF outlet in seven of the leading two-VHF station markets. He did not follow the Commissioner Cox example of a scorching enlargement on his views. Nor did he follow the Loevinger tactic of "reluctantly" going along with the majority decision, while agreeing that ABC network had suffered a severe competitive setback in the interest of a sometime UHF success.
If, under Sen. Pastore's prodding, the FCC again takes a look at the Cox idea of dual interim (VHF-UHF) operations in the seven markets for a sevenyear period — Ford's vote would seem a sure thing.
Commissioner Ford has had more than the usual reasons to say little and think much over the past two years. He has occupied a somewhat gray area as a commissioner appointed under a Republican administration who had to step down to membership level when the chair went to new frontiersman Newton Minow, and then to E. William Henry. Ford has not seen eye to eye with either chairman.
All of the questions and speculation about his rumored departure and/or reappointment could not break Ford's silence. When it comes to decisions and happenings that are of private concern, he maintains a strict reticence.
• Now, a Democratic president, himself heavily involved in broadcasting for a number of years (although nominally leaving it to Ladybird and the subsequent trusteeship), has renewed Ford's tenure at the FCC. President Johnson must have approved of the Ford record.
So, Ford may cease to be quite so quiet a man. He may be heard from quite a bit. He will undoubtedly prove something of a brake on remaining elements of new frontiersmanship on the commission.
Speaking of politics — cost of the technical roadblocks are now out of the path of equal time exemptions for tv debate by presidential and vice presidential candidates. Democratic House and Senate hold outs on commerce committees finally agreed on a 60-day moratorium on the equal time requirements, freeing broadcasters from the demands of lesser rights.
President Johnson seems to be in fine broadcast fettle these days, but whether he'd want to give a GOP rival the opportunity to spar with him on a no-holds-barred basis, on tv, is something else again. Republicans feel they'll gain either way: by the showcasting, if Johnson does debate, and by Democratic loss of face, if he refuses.
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Broadcasters were acutely unhappy with early conference indications that there might have to be an accounting for all variations on rate charges during the crucial 60 days of political heave-ho. Conferee-FCC reports adjusted this to call only for regular schedule. The meaning is still clear: there will be a checkup on any differential in charges for political time as against comparable use.
CBS' poll says the viewers would be happy — 71 percent of them at least. Presumably, the other 30 percent will roll the dials trying to come up with a better show.
SPONSOI