Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

101, 393, of which 69,484 were table models, 15,956 direct view consoles, 5,726 projection consoles, 9,025 direct view consoles with phono. Add the 6,375 sets reported for 1946, and total postwar production reported by RMA (95% of industry) to Oct. 1 is 107,773 sets. Non-RMA production and pre-war sets can be calculated at about 15,000. And kits which are reported moving exceptionally well total perhaps same number — so add 30,000 more for best estimate of latest total TV set count. * * * It's ironic that RMA — which figured 1947 FM set production would total around 2 million (Vol. 3, No. 15), whereas it may just about reach 1 million — has to learn from one of its own surveys that demand for FM sets far exceeds present rate of Production. Indeed, it's even ahead of dealer orders. To FMA's resolution urging greater low cost FM output, RMA in essence replied: We're doing best we can, hope to do better. Survey test in 3 vari-sized but unnamed New England communities was reported to manufacturing executives at New York meeting this week, but RMA board tabled proposal until January meeting to institute regular reporting service showing set sales by markets (with AM, FM, TV breakdowns). Meanwhile, statistics chief Frank Mansfield (Sylvania) will inquire whether TV manufacturers would be willing to report market allocations on confidential basis, as they now do their monthly outputs, RMA to announce totals only. RMA set division members, in informal poll during meeting this week, estimated 1948 production of all types of radios at between 12.9 and 15.3 million units, definitely under 1947 's estimated 16 million. But they look for dollar volume to increase, thanks to more demand for TV, FM, console combinations. Small set market, while good, is seen on wane. THE CHIPS ABE SOWN: No question about it now — Petrillo's answer to FMA is same unequivocal "No" he gave networks Aug. 19 (Vol. 3, No. 34), again Sept. 26 (Vol. 5, No. 39), again verbally after their Oct. 3 and 6 meetings with him (Vol. 3, No. 41). And for same reasons, recounted in cold, formal letter to FMA President Dillard this week. Letter is being circulated now among FMA board members. For whatever comfort it gives, fact remains AM-FM live duplication is taboo. And, as if to add insult to injury, Jimmy also declines FM's Continental Network permission to originate additional musical shows, besides Stromberg-Carlson' s , permitted to continue on sufference (Vol. 3, No. 40). This indicates as harsh attitude toward hard-pressed FMers as he will doubtless take toward networks in their contract negotiations. Latest word also is he's about to order all union musicians to stop making any recordings when contracts expire Dec. 31. So recording-transcription companies are working overtime to build up stockpiles. This is Petrillo's answer to Taft-Hartley law's provision forbidding use of royalties (at f to 2 cents per record, union will collect over §2,000,000 this year) for benefit of any but musicians actually making the records — the ones v/ho need it least. TV CHANNEL DEMAND GC3INS UP: This week's crop of new TV applications: two more for Boston, one for Waterbury, Conn. , one for Harrisburg, Pa. Hearings on all are indicated, since channel demand in each city now exceeds supply. Lawyers-engineers tell us still more on the way — some from cities similarly tight on channels, some with wide open channels. It's plain it won't be long now before channels in at least the major cities will all be spoken for. [For channel allocations by cities, see Supp. 18-D, p. 4.] First Boston application was from Boston Metropolitan Television Co. , capitalized for §200,000, whose executive v. p. is Ira A. Hirschmann, chief owner of pioneer New York FM independent V/ABF ; he's 12.5% stockholder in new project, would manage it at §25,000 salary. Other principals are: Abraham A. Sonnabend (hotels, real estate), president, 18.75%; Samuel Wechsler (stockbroker), v.p., 12.5%; Reuben B. Gryzmish (cigars), treas., 18.75%; Abraham S. Burg (shoes), 18.75%; Louis H. Salvage (shoes), 18.75%; Max E. Bernkopf, secy. All save Hirschmann and Wechsler are Bostonians. Company stipulates Channel No. 9, 31 kw visual power, 13.4 kw