Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

2-TELEVISION DIGEST JULY 22, 1963 FM FREEZE-END PLAN BEFORE FCC: Vote to end FM application freeze may come from FCC July 25. Special meeting is scheduled to consider staff recommendations for a "Third Report" in the long proceeding. We've learned that staff proposes following; (1) Adopt table of assignments as spelled out in Aug. 1, 1962, "First Report." There would be many changes from those proposed in Dec. 21, 1962 "Second Notice," but principles would be same. In 48 states, there would be some 2,830 assignments, about 163 more than in "Second Notice." (2) Ten existing stations would change channels at licensees' request. Three others would be changed involuntarily (KREP Santa Clara, Cal.; KIMP-FM Mt. Pleasant, Tex.; WTTC-FM Towonda, Pa.). (3) Freeze would be lifted for all applications except in Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands. Applicants would be given 60 days within which to conform with new table of assignments — before any grants would be made. (4) Minimum ERP for new Class C stations would be raised from 10 to 25 kw. "Third Report" would leave several factors for later resolution: Power increases for short-spaced existing stations — those not too close together — may be provided in quite a few cases, under strict rules. Table of assignments is recommended for Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam — probably with mileage separations different from those in continental U.S. — to come later. Educational FM (EFM) assignment plan would have to be devised. • • • • Underlying staff's basic thinking is belief that FM should retain potential for wide-area coverage because: (1) Suburbs keep extending. (2) Primary night aural service to rural "white areas" is needed. (3) Stereo takes more power than mono — for same coverage. (4) FMs appealing to minority tastes need broad geographic base to get adequate economic base. IT^S FINAL — OUTSIDE RATING AUDIT: NAB plans to set up non-profit organization to handle mechanics of rating firm audit. Auditing itself will be done by outside national organization — accoxmting or business management firm, as we indicated earlier (Vol. 3:27 p3) — which will be resp>onsible to non-profit group. This was highlight of actions at N.Y. meeting last week of exec, committee of NAB's Rating Council and its Research Committee, both chaired by Group W's Don McGannon. About 20 attended, including 2 AAAA representatives, one ANA. McGannon said "everything was moving ahead of schedule." Other developments: (1) Criteria & Standards Subcommittee reported that it expects to be finished defining criteria for rating service performance by mid-Aug. These criteria — along with individually designed methods questionnaire for each service — will be mailed to raters by late Aug. (Vol. 3:27 p3). (2) Final endorsement of most rating services to audit & accreditation plan has pleased CoimciL NAB wouldn't disclose names of raters who've given OK. "We don't want to create problems with any that haven't as yet," said spokesman. One official conceded that most of the majors are in. He wouldn't confirm nor deny report here last week (Vol. 3:28 p3) that ARB, Sindlinger, Pulse, Hooper have assented, that only Nielsen hasn't been heard from among large raters. Firm is considered key becoLise of importance in network TV. Negative answer isn't likely, but Nielsen is expected to express reservations, make suggestions. (3) Also last week, NAB representatives met again with RAB and Audits & Surveys Co., on radio methodology study. Reportedly, NAB was much impressd with research objectives of A&S plan, asked that comprehensive presentation be drawn up in form of recommendation to Research Committee. Final action, on whether NAB will put up $75,000 or part of it to co-partner study with RAB, won't come imtil mid-Sept Among things that impressed NAB: Plan for time-&-motion study of various rating methods, development of mathematical models to produce estimates of cumulative audiences, shedding of light on certain TV research problems as well as radio.