Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1948)

Another thing sure; That hoary government ownership bugaboo, for telecasters as well as broadcasters, isn't even whispered in responsible circles any more. * * * * At FCC, it looks like more of the same — no radical upheavals, not even if the Hoover Commission's still-gestating report is adopted (preliminary version would merely realign functional duties, continue 7-man independent board, allow |15,000 salaries). Now, it's unlikely Chairman Coy will hand in his resignation anytime soon, though pressures of personal needs, a growing family, and attractive Job offers may lead him to quit sometime next year. But probably not until he gets his pet TV chores well in hand: (a) cleanup of TV's tropospheric and allocation problems; (b) introduction of uhf TV. Despite our skepticism and others' , Coy says he still thinks the Commission, with industry cooperation, can lift TV freeze within 6-9 months, can get uhf TV on its feet by this time next year. Nor does he foresee any trouble with new Congress. Remnants of the Harness investigating committee (GOP Rep. Harness defeated) probably won't be inclined to bother now, while on Senate side relations with Interstate Commerce Committee (probable chairman: Colorado's anti-clear channel Ed Johnson) aren't expected to be particularly difficult. In line for chairman of House Interstate Commerce Committee is Ohio's Rep. Robert Crosser, never much interested in radio. Biggest danger is that a cocky Administration might take it into head to meddle, even pay off friends via radio facilities — not vinknown in past. To credit of the popular Mr. Coy and his colleagues, whatever you may think about particular policies or individual rulings, by and large FCC today presents picture of honest effort, high esprit, good intramural relations. DuMONT'S 12 & 16-in. METAL TUBES: Tube pioneer Allen B. DuMont popped a real surprise Friday, announcing his own 12 and 16-in. metal-coned picture tubes coincident with showing of new Dul/ont receivers. But he isn't going all out for metallic tubes, is still taking all of Coming's 15-in. all-glass tube output, will merely supplement regular glass tubes with metals and use latter interchangeably in his own sets without price differential. Production of the new tubes is too small now to enable him to offer them to other set makers yet, though expanded output is planned. Du^^ont thus gets jump on RCA's 16-in. tube, which uses flat-faced glass annealed to sheet-metal cone (Vol. 4:5, et seq) and isn't due for quantity production or delivery before next February. It also takes initiative in 12-in. metal tube field, as it did with glass bulbs that size, though RCA is supposed to be working on that, too. In laboratory, DuWont also has 20-in. metal-coned tube about ready. However, don't count out the glass blank makers, who can be expected to counter with larger sized all-glass bulbs and to compete price-wise. Watch for interesting announcements along that line soon. All of which spells a merry merchandising race next year in field of larger (and inevitably popular) direct-view images. Best dope is that RCA's first table model with 16-in. metal tube will be priced "around $500." Only manufacturer actually out yet with a metal tube is Starrett, whose 16-in. table model sells for §695; it uses Tel-O-Tube's product (Vol. 4:36, 37). DuMont's new 15-in. line includes table model Stratford, §695; consoles Whitehall, §775 and Westbury, §795; combination console Colony, §1,095. Other reported 15-in. tube users, all getting their glass-only tubes from DiiMont, and prices for their table models as listed in our TV Directory No. 5: Sightmaster, §595, §625, §695; Mars, §695; Vidcraft, §650, §795; Brunswick, Remington, Federal Television, Federal Video, Major, §795; UST, §895; Multiple, §895, §995. ELECTIONS ANOTHER TV MILESTONE: Tuesday's incredible election was a TV impresario's dream, guaranteeing stations an avid, massive audience throughout much of the long night. It was TV's toughest but finest feat of self-promotion yet — whetting appetites for receivers at least as much as any single event to date. The telecasters outdid themselves, as they did in covering Truman's triumphal return to Washington Friday — a sort of "dry run" for the Jan. 20 inauguration. Indeed, it's hard to