Television digest with electronics reports (Jan-Dec 1955)

MARTIN COREL’S AUTHORITATIVE NEWS SERVICE FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE VISUAL BROADCASTING AND ALLIED ELECTRONICS ARTS AND INDUSTRY NOT REMOVE FRO RTB LIBRARY JUN 8. 1955 th Electronics 1/ Reports PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY RADIO NEWS BUREAU • WYATT BLD6. • WASHINGTON 5, D.C. • TELEPHONE STERLING 3-1755 • VOL. 1 1 : N o. 22 SUMMARY -INDEX OF THE WEEK'S NEWS — May 28, 1955 AWARENESS OF INFLUENCE characterizes NARTB convention as members seek to insure unfettered growth under friendly governmental aegis (p. 1). NETWORK PRESIDENTS proud of TV accomplishments, stress essentiality of networks on eve of govt, investigations, disclose exciting program outlook (p. 2). 'TINCOLN-DOUGLAS" DEBATES on TV proposed by Stanton for 1956 Presidential campaign, cueing evaluation of political "free time" controversy (p. 4). TV's SELLING POWER, moving merchandise faster than any other medium, illustrated in presentations by NBC and TvB (p. 6). SUBSCRIPTION TV finds few zealots among NARTB members, as efforts at "revolt" fail; proponents seek support for tryout; CBC turns thumbs down (p. 6). LOW-POWER & LOW-PRICE transmitters and studio gear featured at NARTB show, as manufacturers anticipate FCC approval of small stations & boosters (p. 8). BIG APPLIANCE DEAL, involving consolidation of RCA, Sears, Whirlpool, Seeger, perhaps others, awaits Justice Dept, opinion (p. 12). INCREASE IN EARNINGS reported for most leading TV manufacturers in first quarter over year ago; outlook favorable for second quarter (p. 15). FCC GRANTS CPs for Memphis & Hawaii, asks Supreme Court to reinstate multiple rule (p. 9). Richard A. Mack of Florida named to succeed Comr. Hennock (p. 16). 5-MEGAWATT UHF power ceiling to be proposed by FCC with drive to improve uhf sets, as Lee urges long-range reallocation; uhf operators map new strategy (p. 10). FIRST TV OUTLETS go on air in Lafayette, La. & Rapid City, S. D.; Norfolk uhf resumes after 7-month silence. Peoria station buys first new RCA "megawatt" (p. 1 1). POPULAR-PRICED COLOR SETS awaited by telecasters weighing purchases of color equipment; competition growing in color film chains (p. 1 1). NARTB CONVENTION — THE SUNNING UP: A TV industry deeply conscious of its strength and concomitant responsibilities and a radio industry now optimistic about its economics after several shaky years met this week at NARTB convention in Washington, left with feeling that affairs are in safe hands among the governmental regulators. Economic background of convention had several distinct characteristics — pioneer telecasters are beginning to get some competition, seeing more coming as new vhf grants are issued, are working harder to maintain leadership; uhf operators with little or no vhf competition are doing well, but others see no succor except in drastic remedies ; the myriad small radio operators, who comprise bulk of NARTB membership, look with envy at successful telecasters and wait for the day when they can assume in TV the same satisfying role they have attained in radio. Against that background, here are what we consider to be the major developments; * ♦ * 1* Govt. Regulation: "Freedom” was the watchword from every govt, spokesman, from President Eisenhower down. The President was very explicit, stating; "We must grow up with this great force, assuring the freedom of people to express their proper opinions, with the whole industry governed by the same rules that govern newspapers, the normal rules of decency and good taste. As long as those are observed, any proper opinion — any opinion — can be expressed before the public." CBS pres. Frank Stanton spoke for the industry later when he said: "I am happy to hear those words, and CBS will not forget them." FCC is considered more solid and safe than ever, with a chairman and majority who reiterate a "hands off" policy with every public utterance — enhanced this week by appointment of Richard Mack who comes to FCC with record of stability (see p. 16). Congress is a somewhat less certain quantity. Though Rep. Priest's remarks were unsettling to some. Sen. Magnuson's speech was calm and careful — and no one expects crippling legislation to emerge from current Senate study. But networks' present freedom from licensing was questioned by keynote speaker Mark Ethridge, who eOPYRrOHT ttBB BY RADIO NKW9 BURBAU