Television digest with AM-FM reports (Jan-Dec 1951)

8 strengthening of FCC in "funds and in organizational structure" — same for all other agencies with "large telecommunications interests." * * ♦ * Senator Johnson reacts this way; "I don't like to see the Govt, have priority over civilian users. It has a lot of frequencies tied up — like a dog in the manger. The military must have what it needs for security purposes, but no more. "I*ve been doing some thinking about legislation which would give FCC authority over govt, users, just as it has over civilian users. Govt, users would have to go through exactly the same procedures of publicly justifying their use of frequencies as everyone else does. When it comes to frequencies involving security, these can be handled in executive session. "I don’t find too much fault with other parts of the report." Senate majority leader Ernest McFarland (D-Ariz. ) , whose chief concern has been wire services, hadn't yet read report, thus had no comment. On Commission side, members seem unanimous in agreement that all govt, users should have to justify their demands to somebody — rather than merely jockeying, through non-policy-making specialists, v/ithin Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (comprising interested govt, agencies). Criticisms voiced by some commissioners: (1) Report calls FCC a "user", therefore presumably not totally impartial, apparently because Commission defends its non-govt, allocations. Commissioners insist that Communications Act makes it clear their sole criterion is "public interest, convenience and necessity." (2) Emergency powers of President would fall into hands of new board. In prolonged cold war, board could conceivably get arbitrary and kick around such non govt. users as TV, AM & FM stations. * * * ♦ Question of more vhf for TV is covered in some detail, with no flat recommendations one way or other. But report certainly isn't hot about idea, making it clear that giving all vhf to TV would mean terrific disruption of many other services, notably safety of life and military, and leaving impression it thought number of channels to be gained would still be inadequate. Report is wonderful compilation of data on little-known governmental radio makeup and activities; e.g. , Govt, has 28.2% of useful spectrum between 30 me and 30,000 me, non-Govt. 45.7%, with 18.5% shared and 7.6% amateur. Wire comm\anications occupy much, if not most, of report. And nub of recommendations is that; "The Govt, should adopt the policy of maintaining the strength of the private competitive international communications systems." Thus, the muchadvocated merger is frowned upon. Full report is valuable addition to your files, may be obtained from Govt. Printing Office for $1. Title ; "Telecommunications, A Program For Progress." Makeup of Communications Policy Board, which expired with completion of report; Dr. Irvin Stewart, president of West Virginia U and onetime member of FCC, chairman; Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, president of California Institute of Technology; Dr. William L. Everitt, dean of Illinois U electrical engineering dept. ; Dr. James R. Killian Jr. . president of MIT; David H. O'Brien, retired Graybar v.p. Twin bills affecting FCC, among other agencies, were introduced last week by Arkansas Sen. McClellan and 12 other Senators (S. 1139) and by Michigan Rep. Hoffman (H. R. 3307), proposed that: (1) “Any Commissioner may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.” (2) “Upon the expiration of his term of office, a commis.sioner shall continue to seiwe until his successor is appointed and shall have qualified.” (3) Chairman shall have exclusive and final authority in matto7s of internal management, relations with Congress, execution of policies. No more vhf experimentation, says FCC, for anyone except “transmitting equipment manufacturers, research laboratories and others engaged in developmental work requiring the use of radiation.” That’s what it said this week in denying applications of Easton Publishing Co. and Lehigh Valley TV Co. for directional antenna work on Channel 8 (Vol. 7:7), in Easton-Allentown area, and Northwest TV Broadcasting Co., Portland, Ore., for propagation tests on Channels 3, G & 10 (Vol. 6:45). In latter case. Commission said that it didn’t want people buying sets thinking service was to be permanently available.