Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1946)

nearby towns. V/here, exactly, those channels will come from, we cannot yet determine ill the absence of actual CPs designating channels — promised soon. Inquiry indicates one of the Atlantic City Metropolitans will probably come out of Philadelphia’s allotment. Then there's Channel No. 280 (Metropolitan). Note that no assignments to this frequency have been made in Area I, while very few designations are for Area II. It is, we are told, the buffer band betv/een Metropolitan and Community stations , to be used either way. Announced also this week, in addition to the 8 new conditionals, was another PM hearing, date not yet fixed — on 2 applications from Buffalo Broadcasting Co., operating AM stations WGR and WBKW. This company is under FCC notice to dispose of one of its stations, but filed for the 2 PMs to ensure that each All has an FM adjunct. This v;eek's conditional grants and their AM affiliates, if any; Hagerstown Broadcasting Co., Hagerstown, Md. (WJEJ). Metropolitan. St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. (WEW) . Metropolitan. Radio Projects Inc., Syracuse, N.Y. (Herald-American and Post Standard). Metropolitan. Southeastern Broadcasting Co., Charlotte, N. C. (WBT). Metropolitan. F. C. Todd, Gastonia, N.C. (WGNC). Metropolitan, possibly Rural. The Pixleys, Columbus, 0. (WCOL) . Metropolitan. Medford Printing Co., Medford, Ore. (KFLW, Klamath Falls, and KRNR, Roseburg, Ore.). Community. Airplane & Marine Instruments Inc., Clearfield, Pa. Metropolitan. LO, THS KOT-SO-POOB MUSICmN: Not forgotten are the musicians v/ho pour out sweet strains for the American radio public. Their affairs have made a busy week for Congressmen and industry. Possible next week is vote by House on Lea Bill (HR 5117), aimed at curbing power of Petrillo (Vol. 2, No. 4). Late Thursday, bill was given preferred status by potent Rules Committee, which fixes legislative program for House. Although NAB President Miller has yet to name members of industry negotiating committee to meet with AFM panel (he's still "riding the circuit"), NAB headquarters was busy this week collating answers to questionnaires on employment of musicians and funds spent for this purpose, being returned by members. Ban on FM duplication of AM programs was cited by Chairman Lea's House Interstate & Foreign Commerce Committee as a typical example of arbitrary demands on broadcasters by AFM head. "The absurdity of such a demand is apparent. Two orchestras required for simultaneous broadcast v;ould be an anomaly," Committee reported, estimating over §20,000,000 per year exacted in tribute by AFM practices of this type. Bill is not prohibition of right to strike. Committee asserted, but is aimed at abuse of such power. "The right to strike should be exercised as other rights of a citizen. We have free speech, but that is not justification for slander," Committee pointed out. Opposition to bill comes mostly from pro-labor members on Hill. New York's leftish Rep. Vito Marcantonio, one of 5 voting against reporting bill out, told us he was opposed because "bill is definitely anti-labor. It may become law," he said, "but it v/ill never become effective — it's unconstitutional." Industry is on horns of dilemma. Anxious to see some legislative curb on Petrillo, yet hopeful present situation will be cleared up by Miller, broadcasters are uncertain which way to turn. Some warn Miller against machinations of music czar, plump for passage of Lea Bill. Others, hopeful of settlement by Miller, want Congressional action postponed, at least until outcome of present negotiations is ascertained.