Television digest with electronic reports (Jan-Dec 1952)

• COMPARISON TABLE GROUPS A.B.C.a. D A" B' C' 'D' FLOOR SPACE 2.624 SQ.FT. 6.260 SQ FT 15,835 SQ FT TECHNICAL SALARIES * 31,460.00 * 48,100 00 3 85.020.00 TECHNICAL EXPENSE 40,140.00 65.268.00 116.144.00 160,725.00 PROGRAM SALARIES 27,820.00 49,400.00 88.280.00 PROGRAM EXPENSES 64,180 00 103,350.00 186.480 00 222,312 00 SALES SALARIES 19,500.00 22,220.00 24,300.00 SALES EXPENSE 24,700.00 2 8,720.00 34,700.00 65.800 00 ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES — 23,260 00 25,260 00 35,660.00 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE- 55,028 00 77380.00 107308.00 166,045.00 TOTAL YEARLY EXPENSE 184,048 00 ® 274 718 00 *444632.00 *6 14,882.00 BASIC PERSONNEL 22 31 50 70 FIG. 19. Overall summary ol Operating Costs tor tour classes of stations (for elaborate detail, see BROADCAST NEWS No. 88). A period of from three months on, depending on channel availabilities, conflicts with other aplications, conflicts with FCC regulations, and CAA approval of antenna site and height, will be required before action is taken on the application. During this period, basic planning should continue in preparation for the granting of a construction permit. The construction permit specifies a date for commencement and another for completion of construction. Project Probable Future Expansion (Step 7) Probably the first need for expansion will come in programming and program facilities. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that consideration be given in the basic plan, to the possibilities for such expansion. The experience of existing stations has been that properties and scenery storage is the first to feel the pinch. Technical facilities will, of necessity, expand with program activities so this possibility should be included in the planning. Increases in transmitter power may require additional floor space. Increases in live studio originations may require construction of additional studios. Addition of remote pickup facilities will require garage space. An expanding office staff will require additional space. It is important that the economics of expansion requirements be considered and a reserve fund planned accordingly. Buildings are amortized on a 20-year basis. Therefore, planning should anticipate use of the basic building as a nucleus, as is, for a long time, with additions at later periods according to the rate of expansion. Whenever possible, expansion in the horizontal plane is most practical and least expensive. Personnel Requirements (Step 8) A detailed listing of personnel required for various classes of stations was shown in an article on “TV Station Operating Costs”, Broadcast News No. 68, MarchApril issue. The personnel problem for TV station is a serious one and will continue, for some time, to be the number one problem in planning a successful television station operation. The shortage of experienced personnel is quite acute and steps should be taken at an early date to train key personnel for television operations. Attendance of key personnel at television seminars, conventions, and inspection trips to existing TV stations are most helpful. The RCA Training Program for TV station technical personnel has been most successful in the technical field. Whenever possible, it is good planning to provide cameras and equipment for preliminary training and experimental purposes considerably in advance of the “onthe-air” date. (See Broadcast News, May 1948 issue, for the description of such a program.) This equipment is most valuable in staff training, program experimentation, closed circuit demonstrations, etc. It may be possible to utilize personnel from existing AM or FM stations. It is the general experience that AM and FM technical personnel can easily acquire knowledge of TV operating techniques and technical theory. Knowledge of AM scheduling and timing practices are essential and traffic and program personnel may be transferred to TV. In production, it may be advisable to draw from other sources, with no previous prejudices or carry-over practices which might not be suited to the limitations and capabilities of the television system. A good source of program and production personnel is from the various colleges and universities, including television training in their educational programs. The station planner will find that existing TV station operators are willing to cooperate in development of television personnel. “Visits” can be easily arranged and advice and information is freely given. Building and Technical Installation (Step 9) If at all possible, an architect with experience in TV station design should be employed. If the architect does not have experience in TV building design, trips to existing stations should be included in his study of TV building requirements. Whenever possible, facilities layouts should be on a horizontal plane. Vertical layouts are the least efficient. The architect will complete detailed drawings of all parts of the building, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning facilities. It is important that a key member of the television station staff (usually the Chief Engineer) work closely with the architect during this stage of planning. The Engineering Department will also prepare detailed layout and wiring drawings of the technical installation and will submit specifications to the architect for special construction required in connection with technical equipment installation. Careful timing of building construction, scheduling delivery of building and technical equipment to match building progress, will reduce storage charges and delays in construction. RCA has experienced personnel available to assist the station engineering staff or consultants in floor plans, technical layouts, systems layouts, etc. 10