Television digest with AM-FM reports (Jan-Dec 1950)
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4
MOST BALK AT NETWORK TV TINE RULE: Overwhelming; opposition to FCC's proposal to limit number of hours stations in markets with less than 4 outlets can take from a single network (Vol. 6:40) makes it clear hearing must be held — unless Commission calls whole thing off, which is a possibility.
So impressive are the arguments, it's apparent some Commission people now have little stomach for the project which, like the color issue, would inevitably lead to long-drawn-out litigation outlasting freeze itself.
Only 5 of the 45 comments filed up to Nov. 13 deadline agreed with FCC idea — the 45 representing more than 60 of the 107 operating stations. Any hope that arguments on subject might be made at Nov. 50 hearing on how and why AT&T allocated intercity circuits as it did (Vol. 6:42-44) were dashed when strike-bound AT&T asked and got postponement to Dec. 11.
ABC and DuMont, which instituted FCC's action, approved in principle. CBS said it neither approved nor disapproved. All others opposed, save Richmond's WTVR and San Francisco's KRON-TV, who said they'd go along if FCC thought it was right thing to do.
ABC wants FCC to issue policy statement urging stations in 1, 2 & 3-station markets to take shows from more than one network ; failing that, it wants limit on maximum hours from any one network, makes point particularly that many TV outlets are AM-affiliated with NBC so feel obligated to that network.
Though indicating obvious distaste for FCC incursion into program end of business, CBS asked only that color telecast time be exempted from time counted for minimum hours ; also that segment from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 11-midnight be included.
DuMont asked that difference between simultaneous and delayed network programs be clarified, and that FCC also investigate affiliation contracts.
National Assn, of Radio Station Representatives wants FCC to include ban on network option time; also seeks rule against networking kine-recordings and films.
Not even those favoring limitation idea approved proposal that stations be required to take minimiim number of hours from each network. Nor does anyone like single 5-hour-period-per-week exempted from limitation rule, for it might mean that 2 long shows (such as world series games or football or opera) would be barred.
Arguments against run like this, generally: (1) Proposed rule interferes with responsibility of licensee to pick and choose his programs. (2) Conflicts with Communications Act and court decisions. (3) Takes away stations' bargaining position vis-a-vis networks. (4) Makes telecaster a common carrier. (5) Overlooks key positions of stations in one or 2-station markets when they're on single or doublecircuit loops. (6) Doesn't take into account inability of ABC and DuMont to deliver programs even when requested. (7) Ignores fact programs from all networks can be had on kine or film if not "live".
♦ * * *
Importance that attaches to FCC's proposed order (for text, see Supp. 71) is evidenced by flood of comments that came at deadline. Besides aforementioned, the 45 filing included NBC, Westinghouse , Crosley, Fort Industry, KHQ, Spokane (AM only). Following individual stations filed (network affiliations of AM sister stations, if any, in parentheses):
KOB-TV, Albuquerque (NBC) WNBF-TV, Binghamton (CBS) WAFM-TV, Birmingham (CBS) WBEN-TV, Buffalo (NBC)
WBTV, Charlotte (CBS)
KRLD-TV, Dallas (CBS)
WWJ-TV, Detroit (NBC) WBAP-TV, Ft. Worth (NBC & ABC) KPRC-TV, Houston (NBC) WSAZ-TV, Huntington (ABC) WMBR-TV, Jacksonville (CBS) WDAF-TV, Kansas City (NBC)
WGAL-TV, Lancaster (NBC & MBS) KFI-TV, Los Angeles (NBC) WHAS-TV, Louisville (CBS) WMCT, Memphis (NBC) WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee (NBC) WSM-TV, Na.shville (NBC) WNHC-TV, New Haven WDSU-TV, New Orleans (ABC) WKY-TV, Oklahoma City (NBC) WTAR-TV, Norfolk (NBC)
KMTV, Omaha (ABC)
WCAU-TV, Philadelphia (CBS)
WPTZ, Philadelphia WTVR, Richmond (NBC) WHAM'^-TV, Rochester (NBC) WOAI-TV, San Antonio (NBC) KRON-TV, San Francisco KSD-TV, St. Louis (NBC) KSTP-TV, St. Paul (NBC) WRGB, Schenectady (NBC) KING-TV, Seattle KOTV, Tulsa WKTV, Utica (MBS) WDEL-TV, Wilmington (NBC)