Television digest and FM reports (Sept-Dec 1945)

m SimBlNGS: up_ for FCC decision are two ma.i or problems in the FM field. First is action on protests received regarding frequency reassignments to existing FM stations (see Supplement No. 6). Second is demand by FMBI for extension of commercial FM band. Set for hearing Oct. 15 are the New York assignment protests from NBC's WEAF-FM and CBS's WABC-FM. Both objected to reduced coverage inherent in v/avelengths assigned to them as against the superior coverage allowed non-netv;ork stations. Both v/ere asked by FCC to indicate frequencies they'd prefer, and also to state their recommendations for frequencies that should be assigned to other FM broadcasters in that city. Persons desiring to participate in this hearing must file appearances v/ith Commission before Oct. 10. It is interesting to observe, in this respect, that Mutual's WBAM (WOR) did not file an objection to its New York assignment. ABC has no FM assignment in New York as yet, though it is an applicant. The only objections to power authorizations, filed by Zenith's WWZR, Chicago, and WDRC-FM, Hartford, will be considered at a future date. Both stations contend reduced power cuts down service areas. Commission says it will act later on requests from licensees for delay in meeting its test and program deadlines for occupancy of new frequencies (Dec. 1, 1945, and Jan. 1, 1946, respectively). Five stations (V/BCA, Schenectady; V/MTW, Boston; WDRC-FM, Hartford; WMIT, Winston-Salem; KHJ-FM, Los Angeles) pleaded equipment will not be ready in time. It is known the Commission feels station engineers should be able to improvise converte-rs that would enable licensees to get on air on new frequencies, even though on reduced power, in time to meet deadlines. It is understood Milwaukee Journal's WMFM is already using auxiliary transmitter for low-band transmission (44.5 me.) while converting main transmitter for upper-band use (92.3 me.). At this v/riting, FCC had not officially received FMBI statement released after its board meeting last Tuesday. Inquiry indicates, however, that no immediate action is probable, since question of extension of FM band ties in with TV allocation problem, facsimile position, and educational channels. So critical does Com.mission consider the FM (and TV) situation, that in a notice Sept. 25 it announced a policy of tightening up on all applications for experimental and developmental stations in the TV band and in the old and new FM band to determine essentiality of proposed research. In same release, the Commission approved two developmental applications — Hallicraf ters ' and Zenith's, both in Chicago. Fourteen other applications were denied. FM3I-HAB MEROEB; FMBI executive board's meeting in Nev/ York last Tuesday disclosed strong inclination to join up with NAB — provided NAB accedes to its enunciated policies respecting FM (see story on this page). There are some v/ho don't want the merger, but the pro-consolidation group is understood to be spearheaded by President Walter Damm and to have enough strength to put it over. In any case, NAB's newlynamed president, Justin Miller, v/ill be waited upon by FMBI's executive committee (Wayne Coy, V/ashington Post; Cecil Mastin, Vi/NBF-FM ; Gordon Gi’ay, WMIT) shortly after he assumes office Oct. 1, and they will make their "offer." If Miller is agreeable, he may have to take it up with NAB board where sentiment is regarded as favoring one strong trade association. Meanwhile, it's more than likely that Myles Loucks, FMBI managing director, will resign to return to private industry. I