Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1948)

and WMAE-FM ; ex-FCC Comr. Jack Jett is big newspaper's radio v.p. And TV applicant Lowell (Mass.) Sun petitioned to withdraw application for new AJi^ (5* * kw on 1060 kc), stated it "intends to devote entire resources to development of TV" in belief TV "will become the major medium of broadcasting and AM will assume a secondary role." Still set for Jan. 1 debuts; Los Angeles* KTTV and Houston's KLEE-TV. . . Washington's WOIC completed transmitter roof this week, set tests for Dec. 27, now aims for Jan. 16 opening, meanwhile is propping camera crews to do pickups for CBS, first to be diplomatic corps' annual children's Xmas party Dec. 19. . .Providence's WJAR-TV now reports it won't go on air before mid-February; WTTV, Bloomington, Ind., oft-postponed, now says "not before end of January" — both can be marked down as indefinite. . .WTCN-TV, Minneapolis, and WJAC-TV, Johnstown, Pa., both longtime CP holders (Vol. 4:48), got extensions from FCC this week until April 30, 1949. TV RATE CASE EHDS FIRST PHASE: Phone company, summing up its case against inter connection with non-Bell System TV circuits (Vol. 4:40,41,45), told FCC rate hearing this w'eek it intends to clarify "video exchange area" and would amend ban on interconnections so as not to apply it to an isolated telecaster who wants to hook into network programs. For example, a TV station unable to get AT&T coaxial or microwave service because it's off Bell routes but willing to install own spur. First part of TV tariff case closed this week, goes to Commission for decision. Wednesday session heard Philco's Dave Smith reiterate Philco wasn't interested in becoming common carrier, would give up its New York-Philadelphia relay if "better or cheaper" facilities were offered. Also presented were estimates by DuMont's Rodney Chipp of capital expenses involved in proposed microwave relays (Vol. 4:45) as follows: New York-Boston, via New Haven, Hartford, Springfield, Worcester, Providence, $217,000 plus $28,500 annually for maintenance and operation; New YorkWashington, via Philadelphia, Baltimore, $246,000 plus $24,500; New York-Pittsburgh. via Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Scranton, $400,000 plus $40,500. rOX-ABC FAIL TO MAKE DEAL: Don't think the brothers Skouras will give up their ef forts to get into the TV station swim simply because 20th Century-Fox's negotiations for purchase of control of ABC (Vol. 4:48) fell through this week on matter of I price. Asking price was said to have been "in the neighborhood of $25,000,000." Statement by ABC chairman Ed Noble Dec. 1 simply said Spyros P. Skouras' offer "while substantial, was not acceptable.” It won't be surprising if they dicker again; meanwhile, ABC stock on N.Y. Exchange has been changing hands at rapid rate. Mere fact that big outfit like 20th Century-Fox has been willing to buy has heightened film-banker interest in TV, will undoubtedly lead to efforts by other |l| theatrical interests to gain foothold through purchases or applications. (It also p has enhanced value of TV properties, albeit they're all big losers as yet.) On 9 Skouras company's part, only word, other than that "we just could not get together f. on terms," is: "We're simply rolling up our sleeves higher." Meaning, big movie firm is going ahead with plans for film syndication to TV, with large-screen theater TV *1 experiments, and with applications for 5 new stations in as many cities. ! ALLIED THEATER OWNERS PONDER TV: independent theater owners apparently aren't as 1 fearful of TV as the big boys — at least, so it would appear from what was said at I Allied Theatre Owners meeting in New Orleans this week. ATO comprises only independ, ent exhibitors, whereas more apprehensive Theater Owners of America (Vol. 4:41-42) includes big Hollywood chains. ATO delegates heard (1) prediction that production of film for TV could never be done on scale or level of movie industry; (2) warning I of retaliation against producers who permit TV to use feature films: (3) opinion TV i would play insignificant role in theater programming since only occasional events 1 are attractive enough to constitute good show; (4) categorical denial, by ATO East' ern Pennsylvania manager, that TV has hurt movie business. Other side of theater TV I picture was expressed by Eastman Kodak's Donald Hyndman, chairman of SMPE's TV comIraittee, who called on film industry again to "declare its intent" to FCC immediately (Vol. 4:44) or find itself out in cold with no channels for theater TV. Hyndman i| addressed American Television Society film forum in New' York Wednesday. Also still il pondering TV, MPA plans further discussions (Vol. 4:47) in Los Angeles, Jan. 26-28.