Weekly television digest (Jan-Dec 1963)

NEW SERIES VOL. 3, No. 45 TELEVISION DIGEST-3 now, said Henry. "You want to cross this one before you get to that one," countered Bennett. If there's serious problem of over -commercialization, it's Congress's function to handle it, said Bennett. "If you have that authority, it's dangerous," he said. NAB's Collins disputed Henry's claim that Code enforcement has deteriorated. He said radio station subscription has increased 14% in past year, that monitoring has improved, that Codes are strongest self -regulatory effort in all private industry. Collins added that he's not satisfied with past efforts, that industry is constantly trying to do better job. Of Henry's criticism of stations for not replying to rule -making with concrete suggestions, Collins said: "If [broadcasters] refuse to accept the principle [of govt, moving into this area] surely it is unfair to charge them with failure to supply alternative courses to an end regarded as both xmwise & illegal. " NBC's Peter Kenney outlined legislative history. He said that whenever subject had been raised in Senate or in House, FCC was never given authority. ABC & CBS filed statements. Multitude of broadcasters testified that FCC's plan would create grave economic harm, create chaos because of many varying situations Commission would have to consider. Henry said it could grant "waivers" for individual situations. Collins said this would force FCC into examinii^ station's books. Stage now switches to Dec. 9 oral argument. One compromise proposal FCC staff is considering would set maximum of commercial time. FCC would spell out its right to inquire about "excesses" without implying any penalty imtil inquiry was finished. Actually, this is similar to what FCC has done through the years— except that "maximum" was never clearly indicated and it varied without notice, according to mood of Commission at the time— and procedures weren't spelled out. ' BELL NAMED CODE DIR, IN PEACE-PIPE MEETING: Strange what a difference a week makes. It had looked as if NAB Exec. Committee and Pres. Collins would have real go-around in Nov. 7 meeting on Code & Code Dir., after Committee Chmn. William Quarton took Collins to task in brusque letter. But meeting was friendliness itself. Collins pulled geniune surprise by telling group he wished I to appoint NAB Vp Howard Bell as Code Dir., succeeding Robert Swezey — and Committee was tickled with selection, having great confidence in Bell. In addition, Collins said he was guilty of poor choice of words when he had said that Code Dir. should have "vast powers." "Vast" has "a bad meaning in this industry," Collins said, and he told Committee he had never meant to imply that Code Dir. should usurp Code Board powers. So everyone appeared pretty happy about whole thing. Bell is much respected in industry, has been with NAB since 1951, is now vp for planning & development. He holds degrees in journalism & law, takes over Dec. 1. Collins hasn't decided who'll assume his chores. "He is a man of high idealism & intelligence," Collins said. "He has the courage of his convictions and works tremendously hard to do well everything he undertakes." "Fm very optimistic," Collins told us. "I think we'll have a program that will prove very meaningful, one that broadcasters will support." : CBS’S FOOT IN CATV DOOR: First network to get into community antenna business, albeit modestly, ' is CBS— which took a dip into field by lending "substantial amount" to Vancouver, B. C. system and 1 obtaining option to buy up to 100%. It's Vancouver Cablevision Ltd. , which consolidated several city systems last year into 17,000; connection organization. CBS's loan is for expansion purposes. Firm also owns relatively new system, 1,400 subscribers, in Victoria— but this isn't involved in CBS deal. Merle S. Jones, CBS TV Stations Div. pres. , handled deal, said, in response to our questions: 1 "The loan is substantial and will become more substantial if we exercise the option, which expires Jan. 1. We could acquire up to 100%. Vancouver Cablevision is looking into other areas. If they go into them, they will expose us to them— and we'll react. Reports that we have loaned $1 million are not correct. That's too high. I "We have no plans for U. S. CATV investment. We're definitely interested in other countries if " opportunities are presented. I suppose that's because my principal responsibilities for investment are in foreign countries.