Television digest with electronics reports (Jan-Dec 1958)

2 the Administration seems delighted with its choice of Ford, a govt, career man with an impeccable record both as a top FCC attorney and Dept, of Justice official. There's even talk of a "ripper bill" — though it's not given much credence — which might abolish the FCC, creating a new board with an entirely new slate of members. That's unlikely, though, and it must not be forgotten that the FCC inquiry is supposed to be the first of a multi-pronged probe into other agencies as well. (3) Easy approachability of commissioners may have had its day, a consummation devoutly to be wished by most practitioners at the FCC bar (see "Do You Know That ..." column, p. 16). At all events, they're tight-lipped nowadays. And the flurry of "ethics" bills in Congress may end up by insulating commissioners and industry to a fault. Some provide severe criminal penalties for "influence" attempts, presumably embracing also Senators and Congressmen. (4) Harris subcommittee, having tasted blood, may be out for more. Other members of the FCC, perhaps also ex-Chairman McConnaughey , "will be given opportunity to testify in the Ch. 10 case," according to Rep. Harris. Subcommittee may also decide to delve into other contested cases — with a predilection on its part, and on the part of a suspicious press, to magnify every action of every commissioner into something "improper" or worse. Quest for counsel to succeed the bumbling Prof. Schwartz continues, but Rep. Harris says there's no one in prospect at the moment. General view is that Schwartz "shot his bolt" on the Mack case, had very little else excepting trivia relating to expense accounts to show for the operations of his staff since last summer. NEXT CRISIS-HEARINGS ON NETWORK STUDY: FCC is giving top priority to all-important network study hearings which get under way Mon., March 5, in Hearing Room B, Interstate Commerce Commission Bldg. Findings could crucially affect business practices throughout the telecasting industry — and network and stations alike are concerned. So important does Commission consider Barrow staff report hearings that it has slated 5 full days of them — Mon. morning thru Fri. afternoon — even skipping its regular meeting. After first week, intention is to rvm them as continuously as possible, taking time out only for other business of utmost importance. First week's sessions will be devoted exclusively to network testimony — ABC going on first with 4 witnesses, then CBS with 4, then NBC with 6. All the network presidents will testify, plus other topkicks. While no specific time limit has been alloted to them, FCC hopes to finish with networks in week or 10 days. Total of about 65 witnesses, representing 34 organizations, will present testimony. After networks come the group-owned stations, to be followed by affiliate committees, spot sales reps and individual stations. Order of appearances remains unchanged from that listed in Vol. 14:6, p. 8, except that NTA Film Network will testify immediately after the 3 major networks. Commission sources won't hazard estimate as to how long hearings will take, but guess would be 15-30 hearing days. Heavy attack on most recommendations of Barrow report is expected from virtually all witnesses except pres. Richard Moore of Los Angeles' Independent KTTV — who looms as single witness who can be classified as openly "hostile" to networks. Networks have devoted large amount of corporate time and energy to preparation of arguments against the Barrow recommendations, with particular emphasis on knocking down arguments for curbs on multiple ownership and abolition of option time — which they find the most odious proposals in report. Accident of the timing of FCC hearings — coming on heels of charges of TV industry "influence" on Commission (see p. 1) — won't make job of rebutting Barrow Report any easier. Certainly there's some indication that commissioners can't be expected to lean over backwards in favor of status quo. Hearings will be watched by Congress, where some members are anxious to curb network power. Procedurally , here's how hearings will operate: Each witness will first present his direct, prepared testimony. Then he'll be questioned by special FCC