Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1946)

EOUT E0OMS TV. BUT FSW SETS: There isn't the slightest doubt, judging from eager inquiries to dealers and stations in the New York, Philadelphia and Washington areas, that TV v/ould enjoy a boom right now — if sets v;ere available. But they just aren't, and only station guests, prewar set owners and their guests will be able to look in on telecasts of the Louis-Conn fight in those cities next Wednesday night. Here in Washington, VIPs have been invited to special NBC showing off coaxial in the Statler, 20-odd receivers to accommodate some 600-700 spectators. Network executives have had to exercise almost god-like tact in turning down requests for tickets. About 90% of the White House, Congressional and Supreme Court entourages have accepted invitations. DuMont will telecast bout over its experimental WSX^'l'T to the dosen or so sets in Washington, will accommodate about 50 guests in its studios, will serve some 200 more in city's Touchdown Club. QUESTION FJM 'HE3EBVS' It's too soon to say just how the industry feels about the Fee's proposed plan to put some FM channels "on ice” for a year (Vol. 2, No. 23). Some attorneys are questioning legality of the move, claim Commission has no authority to withhold a facility if a qualified applicant applies for it. V.'alter Damm, chairman of the FMBI executive committee, is considering meeting of his group (now part of NAB) to consider matter. But most broadcasters are not commenting until they study proposal at greater length pending July 12 hearing. As authority for the plan, FCC legalites point to one of the main purposes of the proposal — to enable small cities near large metropolitan cities to have their own stations rather than rely on signals from big city neighbors. This, FCC staffers say, brings plan within purview of Sec. 307(b) of the Communications Act, which refers to "equitable distribution of broadcast facilities." Examples of this possibility for small towns are the Pittsburgh area, where McKeesport, for example, could use one of the steel town's channels; or the Boston area, which has a host of small and large but important periphery communities. Back of the FCC's thinking is that the reservation plan offers veterans and small businessmen later chance to get into FA^, gives them time to make arrangements and gather capital. Naturally, this point of view has enthusiastic support of Senate Small Business Committee and veterans' organizations. Senator Murray, chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee, wrote to Acting FCC Chairman Denny that it was "a step in the right direction." He added, "I hope that the Commission will adopt other and further rulings designed to encourage small business in the field of radio broadcasting and to prevent the development of monopolistic tendencies." Veterans' groups have not made up their minds yet as to appearances, but indications are that several will testify in favor of the proposal. A major legal point is whether plan should apply to channels on which hearings have already been held. Point is made that applicants went into such contests in good faith for certain number of channels and might noiv find they had contested for smaller number than was allocated at time. FCC attorneys counter this by referring to one of issues made part of all FM hearings, "to determine on a comparative basis which, if any, of the applications. ... should be granted." Copyright 1946 by Radio News Bureau