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

3 No. 13, finds most requesting powers nearer maximum. Therefore, for "the works" in station power, cost is S595,500 for 100 kw (Channels 2-6) and $587,500 for 200 kw (Channels 7-13) — including remote truck, double-hop microwave, other refinements. ^ * Uhf costs "are not altogether reliable at this time," report says, pointing out that all manufacturers' plans aren't yet final. However, following figures are adduced for situations paralleling the 4 vhf categories above — in powers, in heights and in programming facilities; (1) Cities under 50,000 — $136,500, $160,500, $220,500. If 300-ft. guyed tower is used, add $15,000; if self-supporting tower, add $27,500. (2) Cities 50,000-250,000 — $160,500, $187,500, $249,750. (3) Cities 250,000-1,000,000 — $176,000, $213,500, $308,250. Last figure includes remote truck without camera. (4) Cities over 1,000,000 — $251,000, $298,500, $439,750. Last figure includes truck with camera. In last 3 groups, add $31,500 for 500-ft. guyed tower or $70,000 for selfsupporting structure. No estimate for 200-kw uhf operation is given, since equipment and prices haven't yet shaken down in final form. * * 4: ♦ Foregoing figures comprise nub of study. In addition, there are detailed breakdowns of component parts of a station, illustrations of various transmitterantenna combinations for achieving same ERP, maps of network facilities, table of transmission-line losses, graph of tower costs, graph of receiver production, etc. With NPA in mind. McNaughten lists copper and steel requirements for transmission lines and towers of various sizes. To derive average equipment prices, McNaughten took "packages" offered by various manufacturers, broke them down, added them up again — since each has its own way of pricing and "lumping" equipment. Probably most important thing to remember in using the NARTB study is fact few people are thinking in terms of minimum power. Very few are asking for as little as 1, 2 or even 10 kw in ERP. * Outlook for station equipment at freeze's end isn't bad (Vol. 7:11,16,34). But NPA desires more exact picture, has called transmitter manufacturers to Dec. 19 conference in Washington. NPA Electronics Div. chief Edmund T. Morris will supply estimate of 1952 materials availability, get industry reports on equipment on hand, productive capacity, labor supply, defense contracts. WILL THEY L00K-&-LISTEN, 7-9 a.m.? Not so many months ago, there were doubts whether daytime TV could be put over — yet afternoon time sells nicely on most stations now, and even some (late) morning time. Still, there's many a skeptical eye on NBC-TV v.p. Pat Weaver's latest and most ambitious network telecasting project — Mon. -thru-Fri. 7-to-9 a.m. show titled "Today" that starts Jan. 14 and promises all-things-to-all ; live & film news, including pickups from world capitals, even facsimiles of front pages of same morning's newspapers around country flashed on screen; up-to-minute theatrical & book reviews, with interviews with principals ; and of course plenty of hit recordings, with stars as guests. It's a super-news-plus-disc-j ockey show designed "to change the listening habits of the nation." Or as the ebullient Mr. Weaver envisions its larger aspects; "We want the public to be well-informed, to be amused, to be lightened in spirit and in heart, and to be reinforced in inner resolution through knowledge. 'Today' will do this by weaving a pattern of sound & picture that can be utilized by the majority of the American people." Background of show, which Dave Garroway should be able to m.c. neatly out of his wealth of background as a radio newscaster and disc jockey, let alone his TV