Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

THEY LIKE FM REALLOCATION: Reaction to FCC's proposed FM channel reallocation (Vol. 3, No. 15) continues very favorable. CP-holders, particularly those with STAs, are being urged by Commission engineers to request channel nearest their present one if present one* is not included in new plan. This is in line with policy of treating assignments as if new plan were already in effect. So far, FCC has received no complaints that plan necessitates costly reconstruction. CPs being granted now, however, are not being assigned channels, pending finality of reallocation. FCC has also decided to hold off decisions (until new plan is final) on hearings occasioned by channel scarcity, where new plan would provide enough to go around. Of course, by time reallocation is officially in effect, more applicants may file in those cities. And reserved channels will probably be available after June 30, too. It can become complicated, v/hat with proposed decisions and oral arguments occurring about same time. Ordinary grants, however, continue at high rate: 17 conditionals, 5 CPs this week (Supplement No 50-B herewith). FCC's "get tough" policy regarding program analyses, by the way, is really in effect. Recent applications from Huntsville, Ala. and Martinsville, Va. were shot back because program analysis data was omitted. PROPOSED TV ANTENNA BANS: Dangerous precedents for TV are seen in this week's New' York and Washington activities relating to receiving antenna and transmitting towers. In New York, Real Estate Board turned down TBA plan to permit erection of 4 or 5 dipoles on apartment house roofs, usable by 25-30 families, claiming unsightliness, hazard, landlord liability — even though TBA Scheme would absolve landlords by signed agreements. Long-range TBA plan envisages master antenna system (not yet ready) ; meanwhile, association will fight turndown. In Washington, Congress subcommittee held hearings on H.R. 2984, introduced by Rep. Simpson (111.), to forbid TV (and FM) towers in residential areas. Citizen groups are backing the bill, claiming towers are eyesores, hazardous, lowa-r property values. Consulting engineer Worthington Lent, for 4 local TV grantees, explained technical problem; appearing in opposition also were FCC's Plummer, CAA's Lee, TBA' s Poppele, NAB'S Petty. Not only are existing projects involved, including 3 sites already chosen, but bad example for other cities is feared if bill gets anywhere (doubtful). AM-FM TABLE MODEL FOB $50? Next wrinkle in much-demanded FM table sets may be an AM-FM model, to sell for $50 retail. Gerald Mayer, of Washington law firm of Mayer, Bannerman & Rigby, representing radio parts manufacturers (also associated with Radio Consultants, Inc.), reports he is acting for a newly organized distributing company in interesting private brand manufacturers in such a set. He will reveal no more for present. Meanwhile, Washington Attorney Bill Koplovitz, whose Electronics Inc. is backing an FM-only receiver (Vol. 3, No. 14), reports orders so far from more than 50 broadcasters. But he's not signing contracts until total production needed is ascertained. Airadio, Stamford, Conn., which will manufacture under trade name "Minuette," showed model at Albany FMA meeting Monday, reported it was now setting up production line. NETWORKS VIA RELAYS NEKT IN FM: Keynote of FMA' s first regional meeting (at Albany Monday) was that FM's next major step is networking. And Maj . Armstrong and FMA's Everett Dillard, mainsprings of Continental Network (Vol. 3, No. 12, 13), agree that radio relay, which AM cannot utilize, is the answer. It's cheap (only about §200 for equipment) ; dependable (WBCA, Schenectady, has been picking up Armstrong's1 Alpine signals 130 miles away for 4 years without single failure), simple (Dillard said whole idea for Continental Network took only 10 days from germination to completion). Continuation of cooperative network is now under study, and WBCA's Leonard Asch (elected regional chairman) also announced incorporation soon of Liberty Network Inc. (Vol. 3, No. 13). Keen interest in FM was manifested by big attendance at Albany (185 registrants). Relay demonstration, Yonkers-to-Alpine-to-Schenectady , where signal was rebroadcast and received at Albany meeting, was genuinely inspiring. Tone and