Television digest with AM-FM reports (Jan 1951-Jan 1952)

2 Yet some transmitter powers may be doubled, according to engineers, simply by modest changes in final stage. They're awaiting Commission clarification. Only exceptions to ban on larger transmitters are those 6 non-commtmity stations now using transmitters rated at less than 5 kw. These may apply for CPs to install 5-kw units, though they may decide to wait until end of freeze to buy even larger transmitters to achieve 100-200 kw. These are the 6 stations, with maximum output of present transmitter in parentheses: WTTV, Bloomington (1 kw) ; WFMY-TV, Greensboro (.5 kw) ; WLWD, Dayton (3 kw) ; WBNS-TV. Coliimbus (.5 kw) ; WICU. Erie (.5 kw) ; KDYL-TV, Salt Lake City (1.2 kw) . FCC emphasizes power increases aren't permanent, have no influence on final powers to be authorized at end of freeze. For any permanent changes, all stations remain subject to same limitations held throughout freeze — namely, higher antennas may be authorized but powers will be reduced so that coverage is no greater than with previous facilities. FCC action on Empire State Bldg, antennas is typical. Commissioner Jones dissented for 2 reasons; (1) "After 3 years of freeze, the first to benefit are the existing stations. I don't think that's right." And — (2) Possibility of prejudicing final decisions re powers, heights, mileages, etc. MODUS OPERANDI FOR ENDING THE FREEZE: Granted virtual free hand to write own ticket on procedures to end freeze — something almost unheard of in the ferociously competitive radio-TV industry — FCC this week whipped out an order adopting "written hearing" with time schedule pared to the bone. Final decision a few weeks after Nov. 26 is now entirely possible, barring complications. And there should be few of these, considering tenor of industry. Commission liked the "staggered" system proposed last week (Vol. 7:29) and, as expected, compressed whole thing into 4 months instead of suggested 5 — July 25 to Nov. 26, with first filings due Aug. 27. Taking order of testimony originally set up in event an oral hearing were held, FCC regrouped the 40 groups therein into 9 geographical areas, gave them deadlines week apart — in lieu of 10 days previously suggested. Then, opposition has 21 days to reply, instead of suggested 30. After that, there are 2 weeks for briefs on legal questions which may arise, instead of opportunity for oral argument. FCC is sending copies of order of testimony, with filing deadlines, to all parties or their attorneys. For quick reference, we've listed cities, with respective deadlines, in Supplement No. 73 herewith. Parties may still request oral presentation or cross-examination. But it's no secret that Commission intends to be tough in granting requests — probably won't grant any except when it fears possibility of successful challenge in courts. Actual mechanics of written procedure requires that: (1) Parties may amplify, with sworn statements & exhibits, their original comments (digested in our Supplements 72 to 72-C). No new proposals are permitted. (2) Basic allocations policy issues, contained in Appendices A & B of FCC's plan (see TV Allocation Report), remain undecided. But parties aren't permitted to suggest any new changes beyond those proposed in comments already on file. (3) Fifty copies of all statements must be filed with FCC. They may be inspected at Commission offices or borrowed "for reasonable periods." Parties are "encouraged" to send copies of their statements to other parties affected. Separate statements must be filed for comments on each party's proposals. Commission's schedule for DuMont's plan, and oppositions thereto, caught many parties off-base. Seems FCC intends not only that DuMont conclude its pitch by Aug. 27, but that all opposing parties file their objections to DuMont plan by same date, rather than Sept. 17. Engineers fear they can't make it. Looking beyond Nov. 26, here's situation regarding true lifting of freeze: . Commission hopes to clean up oral presentations, if any, as they arise. But some may be dangling after Nov. 26, take up undeterminable period thereafter. Next, time is needed to write final decision. Commission hopes decision will be crystallizing as comments are filed, take only few weeks to write.