Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1946)

in its present place in the spectrum. The trend has been in the direction of developing and providing higher bands of frequencies, not only to provide for expansion, but also to render an improved service.” Significant also was NBC President Niles Trammell’s reply to criticism against too much advertising on the air: “Since American broadcasting is entirely supported by advertising and the press not entirely so, it might be natural to expect that advertising messages would occupy a larger proportion of radio program time than they occupy in the white space of newspapers or magazine. The reverse of this is true. In thecase of the great majority of successful newspapers and magazines, 507c or more of their total space is occupied by advertisements. In the case of a network with which I am familiar, only 6.8% of the network’s total program time is devoted to commercial announcem-ents. In other words, out of the 1080 minutes this network is on the air each day in the week, the commercials take an average of only 74 minutes.” Ff/Ts HAHDY LITHE BAND: Most significant— and eloquent — feature of FMBI’s dissolution was the vote which sent it to its demise at the Chicago meeting: yea, 42; naye, 8; not voting, 67. The latter hgirre of G7, which included some of the biggest names in radio, tells the storj^ of indifference and apathy that would seem to bode none too w'ell for the hardy little band of FMers who still propose to set up a separate organization to promote FM — it being generally agreed that NAB’s FM Dept, cannot be expected to do so. All but a haudfiil of the 50 voting and those not voting were AM broadcasters, who are far and away the dominant element in FM (Vol. 2, No. 42). Basic reason for the decision — that NAB can do the over-all trade association job best — is practically indisputable. But it’s also certain that FM needs promotion — and now it remains to be seen whether the group who want another association can muster enough following and raise enough funds to do it. The 41 who attended the separate meeting formed a steering committee of 11 (of divergent interests and identities, yet all enthusiasts for FM) , to see what can be done about a promotional setup, including possibly salvaging the $7,600 left in FMBI’s treasury which presumably is to be returned pro rata to the old membership. Ira Ilirschmann, independent New York FMer (WABF), spontaneously chairmanned the open meeting of “separatists.” Roy Hofheinz, Houston (KO’HT-FM), whose FM outlet he reports as being already on a paying basis (Vol. 2, No. 34), headed up the steering committee. Others on the committee are: Wayne Coy, Washington (WINXFM) ; Stanley Ray, New Orleans (WRCM) ; Gordon Gray, V/inston-Salem (WMIT); Raymond Kohn, Allentown, Pa. (WFMZ) ; Emile Hodel, Beckley, W. Va. (WCFC); Everett Dillard, Washington (KOZY and WSDC) ; C. M. Jansky, Washington; Russ David, GE; Frank Gunther, REL. Dillard heads an Objectives Committee, which meets in his Washington office Nov. 9; Gray heads a Finance Committee; Gunther, Nominations. All are to meet in Jansky’s office Nov. 11, by which time Washington Attorney Leonard Marks is expected to have suggestions for charter and bylaws. With Coy, Gray, Jansky and David coming over from the old FMBI board, and with ex-FMBI President Walter Damm promising support (though not attending the organization meeting), the group are encouraged in their belief that an FM promotional group can be financed, manned and made to function. CONVENTION VIA TV: Overflow at NAB general sessions conveniently saw and heard speakers on RCA’s 10 TV receivers, 2 large-screen projection models, in anteroom of nearby exhibit hall; pictures, especially closeups, were excellent and interest well sustained by reason of importance of what speakers said and lack of eyestrain in watching .... CBS’s Bill Paley evoked laugh when he moved RCA insignia as he began speaking, knowing he was being televised on its black-and-white system .... One TV receiver in an upstairs hotel suite permitted ABC executives, not attending convention since ABC is not an NAB member, to follow the proceedings. Another receiver was in press room .... RCA crewmen cooperated with Paramount’s WBKB in handling on-the-air telecasts, though most of job was done with field apparatus used inside .... There was lots of interest also in pickups and telecasts just outside Palmer House, so crowd could see; sign on RCA mo' bile unit said this was kind of apparatus WGN (which has ordered equipment) will soon be using in Chicago. CHASS EYES FAX: Finch facsimile was cynosure of exhibits at school broadcast conference in Chicago’s Continental Hotel, attracted FCC delegation who were shown streamlined table model, custombuilt by GE, which can be marketed for $200; FMAM-FX console model, custom-built by Zenith, price undetermined; simple facsimile unit alone, costing only $125. Later they were shown industrial film in color telling story of FX uses . . . . Capt. Finch told FX session of NAB that his RMA committee is almost ready to submit long-awaited proposed commercial standards to FCC .... Commission delegation also visited Zenith plant Thursday, biggest FM producer to date, and were shown around by Comdr. McDonald.