Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

NEW SERIES VOL. 3. No. 6 TELEVISION DIGEST— 3 larly well suited to present that position, because he's noted for distinguished efforts to reach public with nonentertainment public-affairs programs.) Among other speakers, whose remarks are covered in detail in your advertising trade press: (1) HEW Undersecretary Nestingen — on agency's role in food, drugs & cosmetics advertising. (2) Consumer Advisory Council member Persia Campbell — on her group's purpose ("I hope you will look upon this development not as a threat, but as an opportunity for more effective cooperation.") (3) Conference Chmn. Arthur Fatt — who reported that 11 of 16 ad agency presidents believe advertising's relationship with govt, has been as good under Kennedy as with Eisenhower. (4) Time Inc. Chmn. Andrew Heiskell — on values of free & competitive media & their ads. (5) Denver Post Publisher Palmer Hoyt — "the much maligned institution of American advertising is really a solid cornerstone of our freedom." Bell & Howell Pres. Peter Peterson — "My confidence in the brains & backbone of the consumer grows daily. ... It behooves us to be extremely careful & skeptical about any legislation that proposes to restrict the free choice of consumers." (6) Grocery Mfrs. of America Pres. Paul S. Willis — on "Advertising: Lifeblood of the Food Industry." (Full texts of most of foregoing available from AFA, 655 Madison Ave., N.Y.) OMAHA-FINIS; Omaha “ local-live” hearing was wrapped by FCC Comr. Henry last week, and he told newsmen that sessions had been “fruitful & helpful,” that they had “made an impact on Omaha and the broadcast industry. . . . Leaders here, and the people, have been made much more aware of the nature of the FCC’s role in broadcasting, as well as of broadcasters’ responsibilities.” Hearing concluded with testimony by KETV & KMTV witnesses. FCC attorneys presented exhibit showing following amounts of local-live programming during Oct. 1962: WOW-TV, 11.6%; KMTV, 14.7%; KETV, 10.3%. KETV’s Eugene Thomas argued that “prime time” is “one of the most misunderstood terms used in 1963.” He said, for example, that a local program aired 9-10 p.m. competing with Ben Casey, would have “very unsatisfactory” time period. He said KETV telecast 2,379 local-live programs in year ending Nov. 30, 1962. KMTV’s Owen Saddler insisted that “talent is one of the scarcest commodities in Omaha” and that witnesses who had expressed desire for more local programming had done little to bring such material to stations. FCC’s contingent believes it did thorough job of exploring issues, and Omahans, generally, thought Comr. Henry conducted hearing in dignified & judicious fashion. Nonetheless, what may have sounded like a good theoretical concept to Commission has backfired from a political & public relations standpoint. Public service programming requirements by govt, imposition would be “massive larceny . . . tantamount to robbing [broadcasters] of our right to do good,” NAB Exec, vp Vincent T. Wasilewski said last week. He told luncheon of Public Service Institute, sponsored by NAB & American U. in Washington that to preserve meaning of public service, broadcasting must be kept free from coercion. At Institute banquet. Ruder & Finn PR agency Pres. William Ruder said PR can be “two-way street” between the people & management. If improperly handled, he warned, PR can be “enormously dangerous tool.” WFAA-TV Dallas got FCC renewal last week after Commission concluded that station’s past record of handling local programs is indicative of future. Said Commission, in letter to station: “In your response to the Commission’s letter, you indicated that your policy of preempting regularly scheduled programs during prime hours afforded sufficient flexibility in your program schedule to accommodate the particular needs and interests of the Dallas community. In this connection, you submitted a list of programs broadcast during such hours from July, 1961-June, 1962, which, according to your response, ‘in most cases pre-empted network shows.’ Additionally, in 1961 you instituted a program entitled ‘Let Me Speak To The Manager,’ which is regularly carried from 10:3011:00 p.m. on Sundays and which specifically treats with the problem of ascertaining and serving the needs and interests of the community. We have assumed that these actions are a reasonable measure of your policy for the ensuing license period, and have renewed your license in reliance upon such an understanding.” All commissioners (Henry absent) voted for renewal — but Hyde dissented on sending letter. FCC rapped knuckles of Teleprompter and owners of 2 CATV microwave systems — because former took over substantial control of latter before getting FCC approval of transfers. However, Commission approved the sales, with a warning. Systems involved are Intermountain Microwave, Mont., and Major Electronics Inc., Ore. Commission said that parties’ action “constitute a serious infraction of the Commission’s processes and cannot be condoned. . . . The parties are hereby advised that any further infraction of the Commission’s processes will not be tolerated and may result in the institution of revocation proceedings. However, since it appears that the aforesaid violation stems from an apparent confusion concerning the Commission’s requirements, the Commission will not take any further action at this time.” Continued ban on TV-radio & photographic coverage of trials was voted by American Bar Assn. House of Delegates in New Orleans last week, as expected (Vol. 3:5 p4). Group elected to retain Canon 35, though NAB Gen. Counsel Douglas Anello & National Press Photographers Assn. Pres. Joseph Costa argued against it.