Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

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NEW SERIES VOL. 3, No. 40 TELEVISION DIGEST-5 STANTON & SALANT ON EDITORIALS & NEWS: Rare presentation of serious industry-wide problems, rather than network economic & programming issues, highlighted 10th annual CBS Radio Affiliates Assn. Convention in N. Y. last week: (1) CBS Pres. Dr. Frank Stanton urged broadcasters to editorialize: "If we do not use the right. . . we will lose it. " He also cautioned against abusing power because it would invite "troublesome and dangerous regulation. " Stanton said editorializing was not a "privilege" bestowed by FCC. "I think that the Commission was doing no more than recognizing a right that has its roots in the First Amendment," he said. Stanton declared that CBS-owned stations were among those that at first showed "timidity" & "indecision" toward on-air advocacy. He added, however, that in past 5 years owned radio & TV stations have carried over 1, 800 editorials. (2) CBS News Pres. Richard Salant used occasion to attack "check-book journalism"— paying for exclusive rights to cover hard-news stories. As example, he pointed to Fischer quintuplets, whose story rights were bought by "Saturday Evening Post." He called practice a disservice to public & profession. "When we start treating news stories like baseball or football games, and bid for them as though they were sports, journalism is in trouble," he said. CBS Radio Pres. Arthur HuU Hayes reported that network time, on average, has been 80% sold out since March; in some weeks, it exceeded 90%. Station payments for 1963 will more than double estimates made when new compensation plan was announced year ago. Michael Hanna, WHCU Ithaca, was named affiliates' chmn. Three new tall towers, found to contain "deviations" in steel, are being replaced by Bethlehem Steel and builder Kline Iron & Steel Co. , Columbia, S. C. Discovery was made as 2, 069-ft. tower for KEND-TV Fargo (formerly KXGO-TV) was being fabricated. Bethlehem replaced "a number of steel members," said Bernard I Kline, pres, of construction firm. It was then found, said Kline, that steel for 2 other towers had come from same lot— partially-erected one for WGHP-TV High I Point, N. C. (1, 252 ft.) and completed structure for WIBW-TV Topeka (1, 255 ft.). Replacement tower at High Point has been "topped out," said Kline. Changes in other tower are "going forward." Thad Sandstrom of WIBW-TV stated: "Kline moved quickly and without compromise to correct fully the problems arising through no fault of theirs.” Sale ol WMTW-TV-FM Mt. Washington, for about $4 million, is under discussionwith 3 prospective buyers, including Jack Paar. Pres. John W. (Duke) Guider said his continuation as gen. mgr. would be up to purchaser. Metromedia has sold KOVR Stockton -Sacramento to McClatchy Newspapers, subject to FCC approval, for just under $8 miUion. Los Angeles ETV Ch. 26 application has been filed by Community TV of Southern Cal., which also seeks $500, 000 construction funds from HEW. "ABC-TV Hootenanny," new magazine "inspired" by the program, goes on newsstand Oct. 29. FTC should set standards so that TV commercials at least "will appear to be telling the truth,” U. S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans suggested last week as it upheld FTC decision against Carter Products commercial. Commission charged that Rise ad used special foaming agent in place of ordinary lather. FTC last week also issued consent order forbidding Chesebrough-Pond's from making certain claims in Vaseline commercials, e. g. that product affords substantial protection against infection. Another consent order, against Vitamin Industries, prohibits false therapeutic claims for Guardian 12 Plus Vitamins, Guardian A/D/E Plex, Cal Plex F Vitamins. Commercials claimed products would treat arthritis & rheumatism symptoms, among others. Special film on govt, problems may be shown to leadoff session next week of NAB fall conference, if difficulty of combining different film sound standards can be overcome. Currently being prepared by Hollis Seavey, NAB govt, relations mgr., film would be 6-8 minutes long, would feature Congressional comment on broad range of problems, especially editorializing, fairness, equal time, commercial limitations. Participants: Sen. Pastore (D-R. I.), Reps. Harris (D-Ark.), Rogers (D-Tex.), Yoimger (R-Cal.), Broyhill (R-N. C.). Footage of Rogers, who plans hearings on his anti -commercial ceiling bill, was filmed in Amarillo last week; Harris appearance would be excerpted from recent Metromedia interview. Equal time BUSpenslon for 1964 Presidential & Vice Presidential campaigns was voted by Senate last week, clearing way for another series of debates as well as greater coverage of major party candidates. Senate made minor changes in House-passed H. J. Res. 247. One makes suspension of Sec. 315 applyfor only 60 days— Sept. 4-Nov. 2. House voted for 75 days before it was known that Democratic Convention would be he Id late in Aug. Ch. 37 will be reserved for radio astronomy for 10 years, FCC decided last week, Comrs. Lee & Cox dissenting. Ruling won't affect present TV service. Commission said it will propose in planned revisions of uhf allocations table a substitute for Paterson, N. J. , where channel has been applied for. Similar action will be requested of Canada & Mexico, FCC said, and it will recommend world-wide reservation. Broadcaster has same responsibility to public as does newspaper publisher or merchant, William Ray, FCC complaints & compliance chief, told Missouri Bcstrs. Assn, last week. "He has a responsibility to make a profit because if he doesn't his product will suffer and he'll go broke," he said. If there are too many commercials, he'll reach point of diminishing returns, Ray stated. Delay of pay-TV start in Denver over KCTO for one month has been granted by FCC. A 6-month extension was requested, but FCC wants information on: (1) Equipment status. (2) Solicitation of subscribers. (3) Program availability. Pay-TV proponents are satisfied they'll get 6 months after supplyiilg data; it would be 3rd 6month extension. NAB-RAB liaison committee meets this week to explore areas of cooperation and possible joint ventures. Not on agenda is subject of whether NAB will co-finance radio ratings methodology study. That project is in hands of NAB Research Committee.