Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1962)

4 MARCH 5, 1962 SPACE COMMUNICATIONS DISPUTE AIRED: Three-way tug-of-war over who should own & operate space satellite communications system was generated last week. Faction headed by Sen. Kerr (D-Okla.) and FCC favors limited private ownership by U.S. communications common carriers in federally-chartered corporation, capitalized at $500 million, consisting of 5,000 shares at $100,000, minimum of 5 to shareholder. President Kennedy favors broader private corporation, not limited to common carriers, authorized to issue a million shares of Class A stock at $1,000 with voting & dividend rights, 10,000 shares of nonvoting and non-dividend-bearing Class B, limited to carriers. Sens. Kefauver (D-Tenn.) & Morse (D-Ore.) head group pressing for govt.-owned system. On fringe is Sen. Keating (R-N.Y.) who wants private corporation with stock as low as $25 per share. At hearings before Senate Space Committee, RCA Pres. Elmer W. Engstrom backed Kennedy proposal (S-2814), with some modifications, but declined to commit RCA to any investment until more research provides details of proposed operation. This annoyed committee, particularly Sen. Kerr, who wanted to know how RCA expected ever to get more information unless someone puts money into project. Engstrom replied that experimental communications satellites to be sent up later this year will provide much of needed data. Sen. Holland (D-Fla.) said "we are wasting our time" considering Kennedy proposal unless it can be shown existing private companies are willing to buy stock. Sen. Symington (D-Mo.) suggested that if RCA didn't buy stock it would be out of picture. Hughes Aircraft Co. testified that a profit-making satellite communications system tieing together 90% of world's phones could be launched for about $100 million shortly after July 1963. Hughes vp Dr. Allen E. Puckett told committee company hopes to demonstrate experimental system in 18 months, using "Syncom" stand-still satellite being developed for NASA. He opposed Kerr bill. Committee also got look at some futuristic space communications hardware. RCA displayed 6sided low-orbit relay satellite; Bell Labs showed its 34-in. "Telestar" satellite. CURRENT CAPSULES Novel conflict over Ch. 9 in Syracuse: Recently, applicants Salt City Bcstg. and W.R.G. Baker Radio & TV joined to request temporary operation authority pending comparative hearings. Last week, 4 of remaining applicants joined forces to ask for same thing — producing competition even for interim operation. The 4: Six Nations, George P. Hollingbery, Onondaga, WAGE. In Rochester, sudden secret meeting to discuss interim operation was held March 1 by 10 of the 12 applicants — Ivy Bcstg. and Rochester Area Educational TV Assn, not present. Nothing conclusive happened; next meeting is March 15. Allocations hearing of House Commerce Committee starts March 5 with: Reps. Avery (R-Kan.), Mack (D-Ill.), Steed (D-Okla.), Anderson (R-Ill.), Scranton (R-Pa.), Monagan (D-Conn.), Shipley (D-M.), Wilson (R-Ind.), Kowalski (D-Conn.), Kearns (R-Pa.), Sen. Bush (R-Conn.). March 6 — All FCC commissioners except Lee; Lester Lindow, MST; William L. Putnam, WWLP Springfield. March 7 — Comr. Lee, Frank Stanton, CBS; Robert Coe, ABC. March 8 — Rep. Ayers (R-Ohio) and 30 "public witnesses." Gates Radio reports shipping FM stereo generators which can adapt to stereo the 100 old Gates FM5B <S FM-10A transmitters now in use — having submitted to FCC measurements on the transmitters, making it unnecessary for FM operator to seek special Commission approval on his own. In addition, Gates says its main channel exciter, with stereo generator, permits adaptation of "almost any FM transmitter" — including GE, Collins <S Raytheon. Firm has shipped more than 600 FM transmitters since 1952, it states, more than any other transmitter maker. ■ Procter & Gamble signed FTC consent order agreeing to discontinue TV commercials claiming that Crest toothpaste had been tested in comparison with "regular" toothpastes. Agency's principal objection was that comparison tests weren't made with commercially available toothpaste but with formula substantially the same as Crest's — lacking stannous fluoride, however. P&G claimed this "control" product was fully representative of "regular" or conventional toothpastes from standpoint of tooth decay but agreed to revise ads.