Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

mentioned for job are defeated former Democratic Senators Mead (N. Y. ) and Mitchell (Wash.), and there's drumbeating again for Leonard Reinsch, White House radio advisor (not very much in evidence there lately). American Farm Bureau and National Council of Farm Cooperatives are reported urging someone v/ho knows farmers' radio needs, but without advancing candidate. With Denny leaving Oct. 25 (Vol. 3, No. 41), Vernon V/ilkinson, asst, gen, counsel, may soon quit to join up with him; they have been associated since their first days in government service in Justice Dept. . ■ SIGHT AND SOUND :: FCC isn’t convinced Paramount doesn’t have some sort of control over DuMont, notwithstanding Paramount offer to put Class A voting stock in trust (Vol. 3, No. 40), so it has set 5 pending Paramount-DuMont applications (Supp. 18-D) for hearing, date not set. Included in same hearing was Fort Industry’s request for Detroit TV Channel No. 5 (instead of No. 2 it got). Channel 5 has also been requested by one of the Paramount applicants (United Detroit Theatres). Private power companies aren’t contemplating premium charges for TV “juice,” such as 2 Connecticut municipally-owned utilities are imposing (Vol. 3, No. 39), reports New York Herald Tribune. RMA will fight any such moves through vigilance committee, inasmuch as no extraordinary power loads are imposed. Average TV set with 10-in. tube has rated power input of only 320 watts, tests generally at 210 watts, equal to consumption of 3-way living room lamp. Slow to advertise by radio during its salad days, but quickest to leap to TV, are retailers — by far biggest category of TV sponsors, as listed in October T elevision. Dept, stores are leaders, e.g., Wanamakers on WABD, Gimbels on WPTZ, The Fair on WBKB, J. L. Hudson Co. on WWJTV. Gleefully, Milwaukee’s WTMJ-TV reports signing first sponsor even before formal opening Dec. 3 — T. Shuster’s dept, store, 52 live shows, Wednesdays 8-8:30 p.m.; also first time signals — Bulova. FM networks, with emphasis on early history, is subject of article scheduled for November Electronics. Author A. A. McKenzie, associate editor, finds notable that lowband stations carry good share of Continental’s “mother station” work, considers it likely that use of high band will demand more power or more intermediates. He also hazards guess that “nearly as many miles of wire, coaxial, or microwave circuits will be used in the future as for the present major AM networks.” WGNB’s Marion Claire (Chicago Tribune) had top FM names on hand in effort to kindle FM fire in some 500 Chicago dealer attendees of her forum Wednesday; area’s FM set sales since Jan. 1 are estimated at 25,000. Speakers included Maj. Armstrong, GE’s Dr. Baker, FMA’s Bill Bailey and Roy Hofheinz, Hallicrafter’s W. J. Halligan. Bailey was a little hesitant about low-cost sets, saying of one $39.95 model, “It may not be the ultimate answer . . . but it is the beginning.” Continental Network’s Everett Dillard claims 20% of population now in range of CN’s programs, also that his network gives better coverage in those areas than do AM networks. He’s still pursuing higher fidelity links, hinting that CN is looking to radio relay, since he feels telephone company’s proposals are too steep. Hot for FM and its I’ilotuner, Pilot Radio is sponsoring Mutual’s “American Forum of the Air” (Tuesdays 10-10:30 p. m.) beginning Oct. 28, in 15-20 key markets of country. It’s first commercial radio venture for Pilot, also first sponsor for Attorney Ted Granik’s show, now cooperative. Clear channel decision should be made by Jan. 1, FCC Comr. Jett told Industry-FCC-State Dept, conferees Friday, meeting to discuss plans for preliminary NARBA conference in Havana now scheduled for Nov. 1. FCC decision is necessary before U.S. can make definite policy plans for plenipotentiary NARBA meeting in Montreal Aug. 3, 1948. CCBS will ask FCC to permit 750 kw on clear channels, with no power limit on other channels, at resumed Clear Channel hearings Oct. 20. U.S. delegation to Havana conference, to be chairmanned by FCC Chief Engineer George Sterling, is under instructions not to make any policy commitments, thus ruling out any decision on Mexican proposals for more clear channels (Vol. 3, No. 41). First built-in multi-antenna system for hotel under construction was reported this week by Intra-Video Corp. — Terrace Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, which will have TV outlets in 350 rooms. RMA’s booklet on TV distribution systems for apartment houses, hotels, other large buildings (Vol. 3, No. 49) continues to get good play, copies having been sent to architects, builders, landlords, etc. Simplicity of equipping homes for TV was subject of statement by RCA’s Dan Halpin describing ease of running transmission line through building partition (just like bell wire). If builders get hep, he said, they can soon advertise homes “Equipped for Television.” News photos shot off TV tube have so satisfied Ncio York Post, particularly in covering World Series, it has made DuMont receiver permanent newsroom fixture. Pictures were ready 20 minutes after shooting, compared with “hours” needed for on-the-spot jobs. Last year, Philadelphia Inquirer and Neiu York Mirror used TV to beat wirephoto on Louis-Conn fight. Weslinghouse’s Stratovision gets a real test next week or ten days when “Chili” Nobles and crew go aloft in newly modified B-29 with pressurized cabin. Tests will be made at 30,000 ft (maybe higher), will seek answers to questions of video clarity and stability, FM signal steadiness and strength. Standardized TV test pattern has been adopted by RMA engineering dept, to aid manufacturers and broadcasters in ensuring equality of set picture response throughout country. Copies can be secured from L. W. Horle, RMA Data Bureau, 90 West St., New York City. Add TV sponsors: On WBKB, Chicago, “Junior Jamboree,” 5-6 p.m., Mon., for RCA Victor Distributing Corp. (J. Walter Thompson Co.), Fran Allison and variety show for children. GE’s traveling FM workshop has drawn over 4,500 radio servicemen in 10 cities so far — 750 in New York, 690 in Cleveland, for example; 23 more cities on itinerary. Gates Radio is opening Washington offices and display rooms in Warner Bldg, (formerly Earle Bldg.) about Nov. 1, is closing Now York office and assigning eastern representative, Owen J. McReynolds, to take charge. Federal’s Norman Wunderlich resigned as of Oct. 10; sales temporarily are under A. W. Rhino.