Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016

https://archive.org/details/televisiondigest7195code

'•f

’gjoww,

^ - .■'■ ■■ ■ . • ' *’* •'

B3*''*V' ■' ^

1^"- " y:’;, ^ ~

TP%if

■ *^|5t}J^.: r w-j-cov. u/tn.«.i:

' HNIKvMUMi^A^jL

,V

f'*’

'(>

,lf‘

t>

MM

■-v*,-»

Si IPIIW ;, ■ } ■ I rr

«■ » • ■ - vimJShv’m^ I * * . 1^ -

1 l*»i’ ‘ • iN '

.y-n,-* 9-.C

J

!*■ «..! ' A'

Index to Television Digest, 1951: Volume 7

References are grouped into three major categories: General (pages 1-5), Manufacturers & Merchandisers (pages 5-6), Supplements (page 1). Index attempts to cover only items considered to be of moi-e than passing interest. Reference numbers following each item designate issue of Newsletter in which item appeared. If number is followed by a small “n,” article referred to was a note printed in small (8-pt.) type; all other references are to articles printed in typewriter type.

General

ADVERTISING

BBB proposes new standards. In attacks on high TV costs, 2n, 3n, 4n, 7n, 8n 1950 TV talent cost, 2n NBC-TV revises coverage figures, 3 Publishers Information Bureau reports, 3n, lOn, 13n, 17n, 21n, 25n, 29n, 34n, 39n, 43n. 48n, 52n top media, as advertised by ‘Life’, 4, 30n total 1950 advertising, 4 ANA tax booklet, 4n agency mergers, 5n

receiver lineage in newspapers, 5n, 18n, 39n, 46n

Emerson-Western Union tieup, 5n

purchasing power of TV areas, 5n

Lucky Strike cancels radio & TV spots, 5n, 52n

little questionable copy, says FTC, 6n

TV network sponsors outnumber AM, 9n

industry ad on children, lOn

ANA attacks radio rates, 11, 12n

subway ad slump blamed on TV, lln

CBS cuts AM rates, 15, 16, 17

summer TV business, 15n, 18, 48n

FCC reports 1950 AM-FM income, 16

rate cuts at NARTB convention, 16

Young & Rubicam TV billings, 18n

surveys shows TV using “new” money, 18n

Ciiouse sees ad threat in CPR-22, 21n

viewers prefer TV commercials over radio, 22n

anti-fraud bill passed by House, 23n

‘Tide’ sold, 24n

AM rate cuts attacked by reps, 25 magazines raise rates, 26n, 39n ANPA compares media increases since 1949, 27n manufacturers among top 100 advertisers, 27n Ad Council’s "Crusade for Freedom,” 27n NARTB finds 80% of station time sponsored, 29n strong AM promotion, 30n, 32n manufacturers’ sponsorships, 32n ‘Printers’ Ink’ estimates 1951 ad volume, 32n rule-of-thumb for station coverage, 35 NBC compares set & newspaper circulation, 38n sponsors back to radio after TV try, 39n Kate Smith, Godfrey top money makers, 39n Winchell-ABC lifetime contract, 39n Quiz Kids-CBS 10-year contract, 39n PIB 6-month breakdown, by media, 39n Army cancels all ads, 42n network TV billings pass radio, 43 Firestone’s McGinness talks down AM, 44 KSL-TV relenting on beer ads, 45n NBC’s Madden on future of rates, 49 ALLOCATIONS— see VHF and UHF AM (Standard) BROADCASTING (see also specific networks and Advertising) good programs sponsorless, says ‘Variety’, 9n rate cuts, 15, 16, 18, 19n, 22n FCC report on 1950 income, 16 strong promotion, 30n, 32n daytime rates rising, says ‘Billboard’, 45n NBC rate revision proposal, 40, 45n KPRO bankruptcy, 45n reasons for AM station sales, 47 ‘Contented Hour’ and ‘Father Knows Best’ dropped, 38n

TV shows “going AM,” 49n stations follow TV affiliations, 49n ‘Broadcasting’ & ‘Variety’ on 1952 outlook, 52n AMERICAN BROADCASTING CO. (ABC) orders coast-to-coast AT&T facilities. In financial reports. In, 12n, 13n, 21, 26n, 33n, 47n personnel changes. 8n, 26n negotiations for sale, 13n, 15n, 18, 19, 20 stock ownership, officers’ salaries, 13n, 26n expansion of studios, 16n

merger with United Paramount, 21, 22n, 23n, 24n, 27n, 30n, 31n, 35n, 45n, 49n separation of AM and TV, 25n Goldenson says AM won’t be neglected, 27n leases Little Theatre, 31n announces $24,131,000 time sales, 35n Winchell lifetime contract, 39n new N. Y. studios, 51n

ANTENNAS, RECEIVING community, 2, 7n, 11, 21, 23n, 24n, 27n, 28n, 29n, 30n. 39n, 49n, 51n uhf, I4n

motorless, switcbable, 82n JFD “tele-plex" coupler, 38n Blonder-Tongue distribution amplifier, 38n microwave for community systems, 40, 42n hotels, 45n, 48n

ANTENNAS, TRANSMITTING— see Equipment

ANTI-TRUST

FCC movie-station ruling, 13 decision against ‘Lorain Journal’, 50n

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW STATIONS VHF

Ashtabula, O., In

Cedar Rapids, la., 2n

Montgomery, Ala., 3n

Kingsport, Tenn., 3n

Sioux City, la., 6n

Columbia, S. C., 6n, 34n

Roanoke, Va., 6n

Mobile, Ala., 8n, 12n, 13n

Denver, Colo., 9n

Charleston, S. C., 9n

Houston, 'Tex., 9n

Syracuse, N. Y„ lOn

Utica, N. Y„ lOn

Wichita, Kans., lln

Peoria, 111., 12n

Savannah, Ga„ 12n, 18n

Waterloo, la., 12n, 51n, 52n

Lawton, Okla., 14n

Las Vegas, Nev., 15n

Minneapolis, Minn., 17n, 33n, 48n

Wichita Falls, Tex., 17n, 21n

Lynchburg, Va., 18n

Macon, Ga., 18n

Texarkana, Tex., 18n

Toledo, O., 19n

Jackson, Miss., 21n

Albuquerque, N. M., 21n

Detroit, Mich., 23n

Corpus Christi, Tex., 23n

Miami, Fla., 26n

Eau Claire, Wis„ 26n, 30n

Hibbing, Minn., 27n

Lewiston, Me., 28n

Green Bay, Wis., 28n

Fargo, N. D., 29n, 50n

St. Louis, Mo., 30n

Beaumont, Tex., 30n, 33n Jacksonville, Fla., 31n Bangor, Me., 32n Portland, Me., 32n Hannibal, Mo., 33n Chicago, 111., 34n Meridian, Miss., 34n Wausau, Wis., 35n Amarillo, Tex., 36n Oklahoma City, Okla., 36n Huntington, W. Va., 37n Cheyenne, Wyo., 37n Quincy, HI., 38n Eureka, Cal„ 38n Phoenix, Ariz., 40n Idaho Falls, Ida., 40n Stockton, Cal., 43n Lansing, Mich., 45n Paducah, Ky., 48n Rochester. Minn., 48n Odessa, Tex., 48n Springfield. Mo., 48n Butte, Mont., 48n Charleston, S. (j., 49n Asheville, N. C., 49n Little Rock, Ark., 50n Columbus, 0„ 51n Waco, Tex., 51n Knoxville, 'Tenn., 61n Lincoln, Neb., 51n Lafayette, La., 52n UHF

York, Pa., 23n Cleveland, O., 23n Utica, N. Y., 23n Royal Oak, Mich., 23n Hammond, Ind., 26n Grand Rapids, Mich., 28n Lima, O., 29n Lafayette, Ind., 32n Allentown, Pa., 33n Dallas, Tex., 36n Houston, Tex., 36n Sari Antonio, Tex., 36n, 48n Scranton, Pa., 40n Henderson, Ky., 41n Austin, Tex., 43n Muncie, Ind., 44n Ft. Worth, Tex., 45n Oshkosh, ’Wis., 45n Chambersburg, Pa., 49n Hendersonville, N. C., 49n

Supplements and Special Reports Published During 1951

References are to Issues of Television Digest with articles pertaining to documents

Directories

Semi-Annual TV Faetbooks of Jan. 15 and July 15; With weekly Addenda reporting current FCC grants, applications, etc.

AM-FM Directory of Jan. 1; with weekly Addenda reporting current FCC decisions, appli- cations, etc. Listings of all AM-FM stations by states and frequencies, all applications by states and frequencies, call letter lists, etc. (Includes other North American stations.)

Numbered Supplements

No. 56C: Personnel List of the FCC. (Vol. 7:50).

No. 72, 72A, 72B, 72C: Comments and Oppositions on Proposed TV Allocations. (Vol. 7:19).

No. 73: Agenda for FCC’s Allocations Proceed-

ings. City-by-city deadline for written comments. (Vol. 7:30).

No. 74: FCC Authorizes Temporary TV Power

Increases. Pull text. (Vol. 7:30).

No. 75: NTSC Color Field Test Specifications.

Technical details of signal to be tested during forthcoming months. (Vol. 7:48).

No. 76: Code of Practices for Television Broad-

casters. Full Text as adopted by NARTB, including procedures relating to adminis- tration, hearings, decisions. (Vol. 7:49).

Special Supplements and Reports Conserving Critical Materials— Two Approaches. Reports on materials conservation programs of RCA and Philco. (Vol. 7:8.)

Proposed VHF-UHF Rules. Standards & Alloca- tions. Full text, as issued by FCC March 22, with table of TV channel assignments to states and cities in United States & Possessions, Can- ada and Mexico. (Vol. 7:12.)

, ■ . —

York Times. (Vol. 7:21.)

U. S. Supreme Court Upholds FCC Choice of CBS Color. Full text of May 28 decision, including separate opinion of Justice Frankfurter. (Vol 7:22.)

‘Electronics Production for Defense.” Salient ex- cerpts from address by RTMA President Glen McDaniel before Western IRE Convention and Pacific Electronics Exhibit, San Francisco, Aug. 23. (Vol. 7:34.)

Commissioner Walker Sounds a Warning on pro- gram excesses by telecasters and broadcasters. Excerpts from address by FCC Commissioner Paul A. Walker before Board of National Coun- cil of Churches of Christ in U. S., New York, Oct. 2. (Vol. 7:40.)

Carbondale, 111., 49n Oklahoma City, Okla.. B2n

Dismissed

Cumberland, Md., 19n Portsmouth, N. H., 23n Dallas, Tex., 37n Houston, Tex., 37n San Antonio, Tex., 37n

ASCAP — see Music Agencies

CENSUS, TV RECEIVERS

NBC Research’s monthly figures, 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 25, 29, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51

COLOR (see also CBS, RCA)

Ren. Dolliver asks hearing, 1 NTSC “Ad Hoc” committee, 1, 18 NPA says no color set ban considered, 1 Color Television Inc., In, 35n tri^color tube patented by KFMB-TV engineer, 2n Coy hopes for color start, 3 Senate Small Business Committee report, 3n appeal to Supreme Court, 4n, 5n, 6n, 7, 9n CBS sues DuMont, 4n, 7 Russians claim 3 years of color, 4n new inventions claimed, 6n, 7, 22n color back in labs, says Axel Jensen, 8n Sightmaster reports patent rights sale, 8n Supreme Court oral argument, 10, lln, 13 IRE convention papers, 12n Coy’s speech at NARTB convention, 16n Lawrence tri-color tube, 16n, 23, 25, 36n, 38n, 39n, 40n, 41n, 48n, 49n, 52n “oscillating color sequence,'* 18 Supreme Court upholds FCC decision, 22 station plans, 22

decision's impact on trade, 22 ^

manufacturers' statements on decision, 22 manufacturers planning color sets, 22n, 23, 27, 29 RCA public demonstrations, 26, 27. 28, 29. 34n, 35n. 36n. 37. 41n. 42 trade practices conferences, 25, 39n NTSC panels, 25n .

DuMont enthuses over compatible pictures, 2b

Rauland tri-color tube, 26, 27

Videotown color-demand survey, 26

dual standards, 29, 33, 45n

AT&T rates same for all systems, 29

RTMA takes impartial attitude, 29

Emerson guarantee. 31n

FCC engineers see NTSC color. 31n, 32

color slave, 33 color “transcender”, 33 WLWT experiments, 34n, 41n Detroit closed-circuit show, 34n used to promote monochrome, 34n network transmissions, 38n

NTSC field tests. 38n, 48n . „ . ,

Murphy says CBS system black-&-white sales stimulant, 38n

Phoenix field-sequential tests. 41n ODM bans mass production for duration, 42 color ban affects nothing else, says Wilson, 43 “The Color Denouement — An Editorial,” 43 Comr. Sterling’s view of situation, 44n Coy attacks industry in Biloxi talk, 45n color theatre-TV ban, 47 transcontinental closed-circuit, 49n WHAM-TV plans NTSC field tests, BOn Sen. Johnson questions NPA ban. Bln

COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM (CBS) financial reports. In, 6n, 12n, 16n, 28n, 32n, 4Bn fires employes for profanity. In Newspaper Guild seeks to organize, 4n plays down TV plugs on AM, 7n Mary Sinclair exclusive contract, 13n stock ownership, officers’ salaries, 13n, 30n cuts AM rates, 15 buys Hytron, 15, 20n, 24n negotiations for ABC purchase, 18 reorganization, 25n raises TV rates, 26n

complaints about “Amos ’n’ Andy’ , 27n, 32n, 38n creates 6 divisions, 28n top executives, 30n AM promotion, 31n CBS-(lolumbia officers, 31n Laboratory Div. reorganized, 31n leases office space. 32n promotes daytime TV, 33n Mt. Wilson installation rebuilt, 34n, 42n Ream testimony on network economics, 36 advisory board, 38n “Quiz Kids” 10-year contract, 39n leases Monroe Theatre, 39n NPA grants Los Angeles “TV City”, 40 rumored selling Columbia Records, buying Hazel- tine, 43n

promotes summer TV time sales. 48n “selective facilities plan” for AM, BOn joins NARTB-TV, Bln

Color TV j j ,

NPA says no color set ban considered, 1 demonstrations in various cities, 1. 2n, Bn, 8n, 10, 14n, 17n, 34n

product demonstrations, lln, 14n AP-ANPA showings, 17n color programming schedule, 23 premiere. 24, 25, 26 adapters, 25

Meek plans slave units. 26 Crosley demonstrates converter, 26 confusion over NPA order, 26 dept, store promotion. 26n affiliates’ attitude, 29 Eidophor. 29, 40n

receivers, 29 football, 30. 39n, 40n

new companies planning color devices, 31n European demonstrations, 32n, 34n, 35n set makers plans, 32 Tele-tone goal for 1951, 32 “compatible” black-and-white set, 33 Goldmark deprecates RCA tube, 35n Murphy says CBS system black-&-white sales stimulant, 38n set sales slow, 41 n

requests more materials from NPA, 41n ODM bans mass color set production, 42 color ban affects nothing else, says Wilson, 43 COMMUNITY ANTENNA SYSTEMS— see Antennas, Receiving CONGRESS

communications committees, 2n

bill to control electromagnetic radiations, 2n, 4n.

6n, 7n, 8, 8n, 9n. lln, 28n, 34n, 38n, 41n, BOn Cooper becomes McFarland assistant, 3n McFarland communications bill, 4n, 6n, 8n, 9n, lln, 14n, 15n, 17n, 42n FCC and House discuss legislation, 7n, 8n Communications Policy Board, 2, 7n, lln, 13 Lane censorship bill, 14n Benton educational resolution, 15n Johnson bill to put govt, frequency users under FCC, 17n

anti-fraud bill. 23n House baseball inquiry, 32n Kefauver contempt citations uphold, 02n Sen. Benton proposes Govt, buy time for candi- dates, 38n

members’ film production, 43n, 45 Sen. Benton prepared to sell Muzak, Bln N. Y. Bar Assn, opposes TV in hearings. Bln CONTROLLED MATERIALS PLAN — see Mobili- zation

DUMONT NETWORK

(see also DuMont, under MANUFACTURERS) buys Central Opera House, 3n, 30n affiliates Union Radio, Havana, 6n 1950 income, 18n bids for Milton Berle, 20n WDTV alternates Berle & Sinatra, Bln EDUCATIONAL TV

roundup of station activity, 2, 8n New York program survey. 2 FCC hearing, 4, 5

stations’ home and school courses, 4n, 6n, 9n, 12n, 27n, 44n

directory of college TV-radlo courses, 8n reservation in allocation plan, 12, 13, 14 JCET sets up Washington office, 14, 16. 20n educators approach philanthropies, 14, 16, 20n Sen. Benton requests study, 15, 19, 20, 22, 36n U of Cincinnati survey, 20n, B2n Young favors use of commercial stations, 23, 24 Sen. Johnson objects to reservation, favors pre- emption of commercial time, 25, 29 first application for reserved channel, 26n Western Reserve U opposes reservations, 27n Coy testimony before Senate committee, 29, 35 schools offering credit courses, 30n Ford Foundation Workshop, 32n, 44n Connecticut planning 4-station network, 35n WOI-TV financial report, 37n FCC fears censorship in Benton bills, 41 U of Southern California offers TV degree, 41n NAEB convention, 43n

EQUIPMENT, TELECASTING Antennas

Empire State Bldg., 2n, 19n, 42n, 46n, 47n, Bln rival to Empire State proposed, 21n automatic activator for sleet-melting, 33n strengthening signal near transmitter, 33n WTMJ-TV 1017-ft. tower, 46n WXEL sued for ice-paint damage, 46n power hikes with new antennas, 46n WJZ-TV helicopter measurements, 47n, Bln Cameras

new crane and remote control, 5n RCA portable, lln image orthicon film converter, 14n underwater, 36n

“walkie-pushie” at Rose Bowl. B2n Transmitters (see also UHF) availability, 11, 16, 34 high and low power, prices, 16, 34 NPA attitude, 16 RCA 10 kw, 31n

Tarzian offers to equip stations, 40 RCA hikes 20 kw unit to 25 kw, 42n DuMont “Photovision” project, B2n Miscellaneous station tube costs, 4n Farnsworth predictions, 9n station construction costs, lln, 50 Telechrome picture generator, 15n parabolic microphone, 15n GPL shows line at NAR’TB convention, 16n British Marconi sells chains to UN, 18n KTLA 102-mile remote, 19n world’s tallest tower, 24n Bell Labs’ new film scanner, 27n “Multi-Millions in Station Equipment.” 34 CBS rebuilds Mt. Wilson installation, 34n, 42n transistors, 39, 46n

WBEN-TV granted move to Colden, N. Y., 3Bn KIFI inexpensive construction plans, 41n cure for microwave ground reflections, 43n DuMont ‘Station Planning’ booklet, 44n TV tape recording, 46

TV-radar use at London airport, 46n RCA’s new remote devices. 48n NARTB construction cost study, 50 50th anniversary of transatlantic signals, 5Cn pocket transmitter for performers, 51n FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) — (For actions in particular services, see specific categories, such as Color, VHF, UHF, equipment, networks, etc.)

Coy vacation, 3n

TV programming inquiry, 3n, 4, 5, 16n budget. 3n, 19n

rumors of Coy leaving, 2, 6n, 9, 46n illegal TV stations, 6n, 7n, 23n, 25n court test of industrial radiation, 9n. lln FCC-industry relations. 14, 33 Broadcast Bureau, 16n, 18, 20n, 21, 48n Johnson bill to put govt, users under FCC, 17n Coy reappointed, 21, 22 Richards case, 22n, 24n, 48n

Hennock nominated Federal judge, 24. 25n, 26n, 28n, 31n, 33n, 34n, 37n, 39n, 40n, 41n, 42n. 44n Plotkin leaves, 24 WBAL Blue Book case, 25n Allen chief engineer, 26n Coy testifies on govt, ethics, 27n court upholds WJAX-TV deletion, O'?** appropriations, 22n, 30n. 3*^n candidates for vacancy. 31n ...

Pratt named President s Telecommunications Ad- viser, 31, 39n

Walker speech on programs, 40 fears censorship in Benton bills, 41 can’t censor, says Coy, 42n former chairman Robinson dies, 44n Coy affirms faith in aural radio, 48n ruling on political broadcasts, 48n, 49n electromagnetic radiation controls, 50n 32,000-mc grant. Bln studying network AM rate plans. Bln

FINANCIAL ACTIVITY, GENERAL Manufacturing “Big Four’s” 1950 gross, 3

O. H. Caldwell estimates 1950-51 radio-TW gross, 3n, 52n

‘Tele-Tech’ stock analysis, 3n National Credit Office rates industry. 4n Television-Electronics Fund Inc., 6n, 13n, 21n, 32n, 48n

analysts term TV firms strong, 7n company failures, bankruptcies, lln, 23n, 26n ‘Wall St. Journal’ roundup of 617 firms, 22n compensation of top executives, 24n ‘Fortune’ compares companies’ growth, 26n ‘N. Y. Times’ report on company profits, BOn

Telecasting (see also Advertising)

1950 talent costs, 2n

Publishers Information Bureau reports, 3, 10, 13,

17, 21, 25. 29, 34. 39, 43. 48. 52 profits. Income and expenses. 2n, 4n, 6, 13, 16n.

32, 37n, 42n. 48, 47, 49 FCC station economic report, 13

32, 38n, 39n, 41n. 46 Hearst buys 25% of KING-TV, 26 CBS’s Joseph Ream on network economics. 36 WTCN-TV buys 45% of WEMP, Milwaukee, 38n NARTB estimates station income, 38 WKRC-TV buys into WBIR, Knoxville, 39n

Macy-O’Neil merger, 41, 46 network TV billings exceed radio, 43 AM stations following TV affiliations, 49n FINANCIAL REPORTS — see individual manufac-

turers and networks

FOREIGN TV . ,

Phllco estimates Latin American potential, 17n international conferences. 18n, 20n, 32n

Russia, 19n

DuMont’s Marx analyzes foreign markets, 27n CCIR’s station status report, 32n Spanish-language films, 38n first transatlantic TV attributed to Baird, 39n international TV pickup, 40n

Argentina

Buenos Aires, 21n, 25n, 33n, 36n, 40n, 42n

Australia status report. 31n

Brazil

Bio de Janeiro, 42n, 43n

Sao Paulo. 19n, 21n, 25n, 42n, 43n, 48n, 49n Chateaubriand plans, 42n

Britain

rejects commercialism, 4n station plans, 31n exports, 38n

“TV fever” at radio show, 39n materials shortages, 45n

Canada

CBC financial reports. 28n, 45n, 52n Montreal, 4n, Bn, 22n. BOn

set sales, 5n, 6n, lln, 15n, 16n, 19n, 22n, 27n, 31n, 3’7n, 41n, 4Bn, 48n experimental stations. Bn Toronto, 22n, BOn Massey Commission, 23n networking plans, 30n eases credit controls, 30n TV receiver fee, 31n Govt.-industry controversy, 35n

Colombia Bogota, 35n Cuba

CMKW, 3n

analysis of set market, 9n, 35n

t

2

Storer-backed station, 9n, 17n, 21n Manuel Alonso, 17n Union Radio plans, 21n CMQ-TV, 21n, 22n, 37n CMUR-TV, 32 major advertisers, 42n Mestre plans, 61n Denmark plans, 6n

Dominican Republic Ciudad Trujillo, 43n Finland

GE demonstrations, 6n Holland

Philips reports $28,000,000 profit in 1960 Philips founder dies, 41n Japan

Nippon network, 41n Mexico

XHTV, 2n, 47n radio import ban lifted, 7n XEW-TV, 16n, 21n XEQ-TV, 21n

XELD-TV, 21, 31, 33n, 36n, 38n new stations planned, 32, 42, 49n cabinet maker, 39n

'Newsweek’ article on Azcarraga, 60n Spain

equipment purchased, 21n, 30n Uruguay Montevideo, 42n

FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM)

FCC ruling on special use, 5n, 9n, 15n, 16n, 18n multiplexing, 9n

‘N. Y. Times’ complains of slow growth, 9n station-manufacturer conferences, lln, 27n stations cancelled, lln construction costs, lln surveys of set demand, 20n transit operations ruled unconstitutional, 22n Coy says FM channels unendangered, 28n NARTB committee, 29n

Supreme Court to hear transit argument, 42n promotion in 3 test areas, 46n, 50n, 62n Zenith compares AM-FM pulling power, 48n WFIU shifts to commercial band, 49n

HOME, TV’s IMPACT ON (see also Surveys) book sale survey, 3n electronics’ effect on publishing, 4n antenna ruled no cause for tenant eviction, 4n bus rides drop in Cincinnati, 5n Bernays research award, 7n “Smellovision,” 7n fan’s “TV Heaven,” 8n

‘Television and Our Children’, by Shayon, 8n receiver heat fouls thermostat, 9n N. Y. Easter parade hit by TV, 13n theatre owner becomes TV dealer, 22n ‘N. Y. Times’ series by Gould, 27 WCTU says TV making homes “beer bars,” 32n TV competes with union meetings, 32n best viewing conditions, 39n, 62n ‘Newsweek’ issues “The TV Revolution,” 43n TV eyeglasses, 49n N. Y. court favors landlord, 50n Xavier U study of TV impact on children, 62n TV at amusement parks, 52n INDUSTRIAL TV ‘Fortune’ article, 36n DuMont predicts use in business, 39n underwater camera, 39n improved vidicon, 43n jail surveillance, 43n

INSTITUTE OF RADIO ENGINEERS (IRE) officers, 34n, 45n convention, 10, lln, 12, 12n, 31n fall meeting, Toronto, 31n Dr. Newbern Smith gets Diamond Award, 38n fellows named, 38n Robert H. Marriott dies, 44n LABOR — see Unions MERCHANDISING, TV SET

(see also individual manufacturers)

Chicago conventions, 1

Commerce Dept, retail sales surveys. In, 6n, 25n top New York brands, 2n Mort Farr NARDA president, 3n Philadelphia sales, 5n, 18n, 45n Crosley stations promotion, 6n impact of proposed tax Increase, 6, 7 “conservation” publicity worries trade, 7n, 8 economist dubious of 10,000,000 1951 market, 8n Census Bureau reports sales, 8n, 12n, 14n, 26n sales lag, 9n, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 Army camps seen as good market, 9n ‘‘negative selling” in Springfield, Mo., 9n “blue-book” proposed for trade-ins, 13, 16 TV-radio third in home furnishings in 1950, 13n ‘Good Housekeeping’ survey of purchasing, 13n Washington BBB standards, 14n N. Y. standards committee, 15n Admiral promotion, 16n attempts to ease credit controls, 17, 17n set price guarantees, 18 dept, store TV inventories, 18n Regulation W, 19, 21n, 22n, 23n, 24n, 26n, 29, 30, 31, 52n

set auctions, 20n, 21n, 26n fair trade decision, 21n, 22n FTC fair trade practices conferences, 22n, 23n, 25n, 34n, 39n, 61n TV third in appliance sales, 24n

Westinghouse “Old Trader” campaign, 26n Videotown survey of replacements, 26n NAMM Chicago show, 28n, 29n “how to sell” articles, 29n Western Merchandise Mart, 31n dealer bankruptcies increase, 31 New York BBB warns about “no money down,” 32n, 36n, 36n NEDA officers, 37n, 46n Kansas City Electric Assn, promotion, 40n Sanabria attacks network set-labeling, 41n survey of manufacturers’ sales outlook, 42 ‘Milwaukee Journal’ receiver ad policy, 43n DPA-NPA consider set inventory controls, 44n FTC accuses Covideo of false ads, 44n FTC studies $1 ads, 46n, 61n N. Y. code of ethics, 4'7n Washington self-censorship collapses, 48n Richmond distributors cooperative ad, 48n marts, distributor meetings, 60n, 62 OPS ruling on warranties, 52n Philco film service for dealers, 62n Crosley exclusive franchises, 62n MILITARY PROCUREMENT— see Mobilization MILITARY, Use of TV by

Naval reserve training, 8n, 36n ‘Marine Corps Gazette’ article, lln radio-controlled bombs, lln local-interest film program, lln guided missiles, 21n ad budgets, 31n

Defense Dept, filming European rearmament, 31n Signal Corps’ mobile unit, 36n recruiting, 38n, 49n

network kines sent to armed forces, 39n Army cancels all ads, 42n Navy underwater camera, 47n MOBILIZATION & WAR

materials conservation, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9n, 15, 16n, 40, 45

appliance cutbacks. In security guards, In, 4n anti-hoarding measures. In civil defense equipment. In, 9n, 62n Paley heads materials survey, 2, 4n Coy mentioned for mobilization job, 2 anti-trust measures, 2n Munitions Board reorganization, 2n RTMA shortage census, 2n

unclassified govt, contracts, 2n, 3n, 6n, 6n, 8n, 9n, lOn, 12n

station construction, 3, 6, 19, 20, 21n, 23n, 26n, 27, 28n, 29, 30n, 31n, 32, 35n, 37, 38, 40, 43, 61 Controlled Materials Plan, 3, 12n, 14n, 16, 18, 19n Signal Corps Procurement expansion, 3n, 6n aircraft electronics, 4, 5n, lOn ESA field offices, 4n tax amortization of plants, 8, 10, 33n Clark vice chairman. Munitions Board, 4n price-wage controls, 4n, 6n, 7n, 9, 14, 17, 18n, 21n, 22n, 31n, 41n, 43n, 47n, 48n, 50n AEPEM mobilization committee, 5n Defense Minerals Administration goals, 5n, 13n RTMA classifies components, 5n distributors suggested for subcontracts, 3n, 6n civil defense communications, 7, 7n, 8n, 13n, 31n small business, 3n, 5n, 7, 12n, 16n, 20n, 27n, 47 Air Force New York exhibit, 7n, 8n ‘Munitions Board Progress Reports’, 8n exploration for minerals encouraged, 8n Army Ordnance exhibits, 9n “planned compliance program,” 9n, 16n NPA repair parts policy, 10, 28n, 43n, 61n Weiss heads OCR, 10 distributor committees, lOn, 20n Electronics Production Board, 11, 12n, 15 Sprague estimates military dollar volume, 12, 21 RTMA conservation efforts, 12, 39 congressional hearing, 12n receiving tube committee, 13n list of “essential activities” personnel, 14n, 18n Gen. Back chief signal officer, 14n Mobilization Policy Board, 14n NPA appeals board, 17n Gibson acting DPA administrator, 17n Daley resigns from NPA, 18n fiscal 1952 military budget, 18n materials exchange program, 20n FCC role in station construction, 22 flexibility in product shifts, 25n, 31 speculation over post-Korean trends, 27 ‘Fortune’ evaluates “The Electronics Era,” 27 top defense contractors, 29n, 49n copper strike, 30, 36 amateur assistance, 30n, 40n Defense Materials Procurement Agency, 31n NPA Electronics Div. personnel, 32n, 34n Adm. Redman heads JCS communications, 34n Watts back to RCA part time, 34n Wilson testifies on electronics progress, 33n NPA Electronics Div. moves, 33n, 34n DPA forms contracts task group, 38 distribution of contracts, 38 Congress attacks gray marketers, 38n Wilson’s reports to President, 13, 40n RDB committees on reliability, transistors, 42n GE’s Dr. Baker on electronics in defense, 43n Jess Larson predicts years of metals scarcity, 43n DPA-NPA consider set inventory controls, 44n OPS permits price boosts, 46 “small business” redefined by Govt., 45n jukebox allocations, 46n

Dutch prepared to make equipment for allies, 46n deal for Canadian aluminum, 47n new Signal Corps training center, 48n Senate cominittee sees “dangerous” lag, 48n GE tube reliability program, 49n

foreign components. 44n, 51 n transmitter makers list problems, Gin Bedford military production czar, 62n Rear Adm. Ammon director of naval communi- cations, 52n

MONOPOLY— see Anti-Trust

MOVIES (see also Subscription TV. Survejf>

TV may help, says financial analyst, 2n TV and film resolution compared, Gn SMPTE’s David Sarnoff Gold Medal, 6n TV blamed for theatre bankruptcies. Gn raw film availability, 6n, 7n boxoffice up, 7 civil defense films, 7n Ohio 'TV film censorship bill. 8n Fairbanks predicts $10,000,000 in TV film in 1961, 8n

Supreme Court forbids censorship, 9n United Television Corp. films. 12n FCC to consider applications on casc-to-case basis, 13, 14, 15 value of film for TV, 13, 18n Lippert-Petrillo agreement, 17, 21 n stations form production group, 17 SMPTE convention, kine developments, 18 Eastman’s new 16mm projector, 18n Telecasters Film Syndicate Inc., 18n unions aim for pay for film TV rentals, 20n Zanuck claims public cares little for TV, 21n Isaac Levy heads big film group. 22, 27, 29n, 36n Disney enthusiastic about TV. 22 Paramount buys into Telemeter, 22n Republic offers films to TV, 23n, 26n, 27n. 29n, 30n, 34n

Paramount evaulates TV in annual report, 23 n Cameron-Wade Television Productions, 24n Monogram releases, 25n

Warners offering TV unproduced stories, 26n NBC plans leasing films to theatres, 26n ‘March of Time’ drops movie series, 27 TV film roundup by ‘Wall St. Journal’, 27n Lippert cancels planned releases to TV, 28n, 36n code of ethics adopted by TV film producers, 29n Snader Productions releasing Korda films, 29n UP-20th Century plan film-news TV service, 30n COMPO discusses TV impact, 30n Ford Motor films, 30n films encroaching on live networks, 31 ‘Fortune’ says movies can win control of ’TV. 31n, 32n

Selznick said ready to release films, 31n Procter & Gamble plans films in Paris, 31n Cathedral Films releases 40 pictures, 32n old Fairbanks pictures to be released. 32n KLAC-TV buying 52 from Quality Films, 32n Paramount hearing set, 32n, 41n, 45n, 47n, 62n film deterioration. 32n pre-1948 Paramount films to TV, 34n Screen Gems merger, 35n Snader offers Korda films, 35n Mayer reported planning TV films, 35n Falcon Films formed, 36n Eastman Kodak estimates 1951 film use, 37n TV-film roundup by ‘Broadcasting’, 37n Republic estimates TV profits in library, 37n NBC-TV buys Vitaphone studios, 37n Goldwyn on TV vs. movies, 38n SMPTE convention, 39n Technicolor expansion, 40n Lurie’s financial analysis, 40n Rosalind Russell pre-tests story on TV, 40n Petrillo predicts 70% of TV programs from Hollywood, 40n

Paramount expands TV film service, 43n UP-Movietone TV service, 43n Reeves magnetic soundtrack, 43n Autry sues Republic, 43n, 44n Odyssey Pictures Corp., 44n TV easing Hollywood unemployment, 45n Decca buys into Universal Pictures, 45n few old features for TV left, says ‘Variety’, 45n banker’s dim view of TV profits in features, 46n Selznick offers ‘A’ pictures, 48 Edward Cooper MPAA TV director, 48n, 51n Bank of America films, 49n British films for U. S. 'TV, 60n suit to force UA pictures to TV, 50n Roach sees movie-TV harmony, 51n value of TV film re-runs, 51n Muzak may enter TV film field, 62n Raibourn sees TV impact on movies waning, 62n Theatre TV

discrimination by AT&T charged, 2n

Paramount’s report to FCC, 2n

state regulation, 4n

cross-polarization experiments, 4n

exclusive basketball game, 6n

Eidophor, 7, 18n, 29n, 40n, 46n, 47, 49n, 61n

theatre carries station newscasts, 8n

Empire State antenna, lln

FCC hearing set, 17n. 29n, 31n, 37n

United Paramount equipment orders, 18n

Halpern estimates audience growth, 20n

football, 22n, 32n

boxing, 23, 24, 25n, 26n, 32n, 33n, 36, 37n

outbid by manufacturers, 29

California chain plans, 31n

Denver plans, 33n, 37n, 38n

industrial frequencies, 36n, 49n, 50n, 52n

civil defense test, 36n, 39n

image-correcting lens, 36n

Congressional opposition, 37n

tax proposed, 37n

Trad “Tradiovision,” 38n

uproar over Robinson-Turpin fight, 38

3

boxing promoters consider own network, 38

TOA New York convention, 39

equipment makers, 39n

RCA color, 39, 42

Denver World Series, 41n

Paramount plans color for its system, 43

MPAA appoints hearing counsel, 44n

Theatre TV Authority, 45n

NPA color ban. 47

TNT-Garden agreement on sports, 47n Skiatron "Ultrasonic" system, 51n

MUSIC AGENCIES

ASCAP negotiations. 3n. 8n, lOn, 12n •The ASCAP Story’, 8n

League of American Song Writers formed, 27n court asked to set ASCAP rates, 29n BMI income. 42n

MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM (MBS) rate cuts, 22n Macy-O’Neil merger, 41

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RADIO & TELE- VISION BROADCASTERS (NARTB)

Ryan named BAB president. In warns of station personnel shortage, 3n NARTB formed, 5

estimates nation’s radio families, 5n new president, 2n. 6n, 9, lOn, 14n convention, lln, 12n, 16 affiliates’ rate-cut committee. 16n FM committee, 29n members, 42n

Miller named SSB chairman, 45n TV Activity

NARTB-TV formed, 3. 6

dues structure, 8n

Thad Brown named counsel, 8n

Coy sought as president, 9, lOn, 16n

NARTB-TV members signed, lOn, 36n. 38n

code. 16n, 20n, 25. 31n, 36n, 40, 42, 48n, 49, 60n

petition to drop oral freeze hearing, 27

engineering committee, 27

program standards committee, 28n, 29n

station personnel statistics, 29n

“essential industry” campaign, 33n

attacks Sen. Benton’s bills, 36n

estimates station income-costs, 38

baseball committee, 38n

construction cost study, 50

CBS joins NARTB-TV, 51n

NATIONAL BROADCASTING CO. (NBC)

AM rate-cut plan dropped. 1 Burr Tillstrom contract. In, 13n new coverage yardstick, 3. 5n considers candy-popcorn for studios, 9n 25th anniversary, 9n. 37n theatres for studios, lOn, 15n Berle 30-year contract, 12n counters ANA rate-cut campaign, 12n Margaret Truman contract. 13n unit reports for Army duty, 15n cuts AM rates, 18

joint NBC-affiliates committee, 20n, 23n

Hofstra College study, 24n

Berle "telethon,” 24n

radio billings estimated, 28n

Rose Bowl, 31n

AM promotion. 32n

buys old Vitaphone studios, 37n

compares receiver & newspaper circulation, 38n

syndicating daily newsreel, 39n

buys Vitagraph studios, 40n

international TV pickup, 40n

new AM networking proposal, 40, 45, 46n, 51n

1951 sales, 42n

theatre pre-tests of TV acts, 44n Ralph Edwards 5-year contract, 45n Boca Raton convention, 48 Gian-Carlo Menotti opera, 48n, 52n Madden on future of TV rates, 49 Burbank studios, 51n raises O&M TV station rates, 51n raises network TV rates. 25, 52 McConnell predicts TV in 1955, 52n

NATIONAL PRODUCTION AUTHORITY— see Mobilization

NETWORKS, Interconnection Facilities

coast^to-coast. In, 8n, 18n, 30n, 31, 32, 33n, 35n, 36, 37n, 38n

extensions beyond 1951, 6, 48 possibility for "wavetrappers,” 9n New Orleans. 12n, 48 roundup of 1951 plans, 20, 32 AT&T says facility costs minor, 32n Portland, Seattle. 33n, 35n Detroit-Toledo, 36n coaxial-microwave mileages, 36n Birmingham-Atlanta, 37n Kan.sas City-Dallas, 37n, 48 tapped in Denver, .39n Pittsburgh-St. Louis, 43n Buffalo-’Toronto, 45n

NEWSPAPERS, TVs IMPACT ON (see also Surveys) sales increase in TV areas, 5n, 23n ’Editor & Publisher’ warns of battle, 23n newspaper associations weigh TV inroads, 27n evaluated at AP Managing Editors’ Assn, con- vention, 39n

PATENTS

Western Electric, AT&T. IT&T pool, 23n Sarnoff awarded early-warning patent, 48n filing rule proposed by FCC, 48n Govt, lists free patents. 51n

PHONEVISION — see Subscription TV

POLITICS

McKinney station ownership, 44 TV in Halley election, others, 45 Congressional recording facilities, 45 convention sponsorship, 28n, 32n, 38n. 46n. 52n FCC ruling on political broadcasts, 48n, 49n Senators owning AM stations, 50n GOP TV-radio-press-movie chairmen, 51n 18.000,000 sets by election day, 61n Sawyer buys WCOL, Columbus, 52n

PRICE CONTROLS — see Mobilization

PROFITS, TV STATION— see Financial Activity

PROGRAMS AND PRODUCTION

United Television Programs Inc., 2n, 3n

FCC programming inquiry. 3n, 4, 6, 16n

electronic prompter, 5n

daytime shows in ’Sponsor’, 5n

atomic flashes telecast, 6n

’Best TV Plays of the Year’, 6n

Kefauver Crime Committee telecasts, 8n, 9n, 11.

12. 13n, 18n, 32n protection of program rights, 8n "scenery savers,” 8n, 9n civil defense activities, 7. 7n, 8n, lOn costs reported up 33V3%, 9n censorship advocated by Rep. Lane, 9n DuPont Awards, lOn, 51n Metropolitan Opera TV dept., 14n Gloria Swanson, 15n Hemingway works, 15n ’Our Gang’ comedies, 15n Un-American Activities Committee, 15n, 39n MacArthur coverage, 16n Peabody Awards, 17n FCC aural-visual ruling, 18n PRB Inc. dissolved, 19n “Studio One” costs, 20n

’Billboard’ questions Hollywood TV future, 20n Gould criticism, 24n DeForest’s evaluation, 24n

arguments over televised hearings, 24n, 26n, 51n Lutheran Church plans series, 26n $800,000 awarded in "Bride & Groom” plagi- arism, 27n

UP-20th Century plan film-news TV service, 30n INS special TV service, 30n network rivalry, 35

Coy’s opinion of FCC authority re commercial stations, 29, 35, 43n

Catholics plan to classify programs, 36n John Crosby attacks “freeze in ideas”, 38n debate over TV role in investigations, 15n, 38n talent costs, 38n

Jack Gould notes growth of British film use, 39n “immoral” programs attacked by archbishop, 39n NARTB-TV adopts programming code, 42 March of Time half-hour films, 44n Sylvania awards, 45n Paris UN kines, 46n

Garroway 7-9 a.m. on NBC-TV, 47n, 49n, 50, 51n Davis defends Chicago originations, 49n RCA special effects amplifier, 51n ’McCall’s’ awards, 52n

RADIO-TELEVISION MFRS. ASSN. (RTMA) McDaniel named president, 2, 7 Joint Electronics Industry Committee, 6n policy committee, 7 1950 set shipments, by counties, 9 members’ govt, orders, 9n, 22n, 40n 1950 broadcast equipment sales, 9n Sprague tells Congress of engineer shortage, lOn Sprague IRE convention speech, 12n Sprague explains overproduction, 16, 17 Sprague and Plamondon speak at Parts Show, 21 new directors, 23n prestige and morale ads, 23n statistical department, 23n, 43n bankruptcies. 23n, 26n, 27n, 28n McDaniel outlines long-range goals, 23n membership, budget, 23n new legal committee, 28n small business, 21n, 23n, 28n, 34n, 38n, 46n TV committee, 30n

chairmen of industrial relations, tax, traffic com- mittees, 33n

seeks set servicing solution, 38n, 41n baseball committee, TV activity, 38n lists metals savings. 39 panel discussion of 1952 outlook, 42n local sports committee, 44n Chicago board meeting, 46 moves to Wyatt Bldg., 52n

REPRESENTATIVES, TV STATION

Katz says spots 19% cheaper than network, 13n Christal forms firm, 40n station switches, 44n association officers, 51n

RECEIVER INSTALLATION & SERVICING Philadelphia Assn, guarantees against bankrupt- cies, 2n

national association, 3n, 5n warranty on CR tube only, 6n RTMA acts to forestall shortages. In, 15 industry seeks to improve servicing, 10, 38n state legislation, lln

Western Union enters field, 16n, 30n, 32n sets on Sun Oil tankers, 20n Blees predicts future like auto servicing, 27n Farr’s “cash and carry” system, 27n Philadelphia BBB booklet, 31n non-profit servicing plan, 32n servicemen endorse Pennsylvania licensing, 32n New York City licensing, 39n, 46n Philadelphia 50-point plan, 39n Westinghouse Cleveland service center, 48n

RECEIVER PRODUCTION (see also individual manufacturers. Merchandising, Mobilization)

1950 volume, value, average prices, 2, 6n. 23n receiving tube production, 2n, 13n, 17, 30n, 36n,

39n, 45n, 49n

Radar-Radio Industries of Chicago. 4n oscillator radiation, 4n, lln, 20n, 23, 40 rail strike, shutdowns, 5, 6 factory price average, 6, 11, 37 exports, 6, 27n, 30n, 39n, 43n stove with built-in 7-in., 9n RTMA 1950 breakdown, lOn, 23n Electronic Parts Mfrs. Assn., lln layoffs, 13, 15, 17, 30 Sprague explains overproduction, 16, 17 custom sets, 19n average wage, 19n

bankruptcies, 23n, 26n, 27n, 28n, 44n total employes in industry, 24n vacations, 25 battery set, 26n

’Fortune’ evaluates “The Electronics Era,” 27 Sylvania estimates tube replacements, 28n AEPEM officers, 29n

Dun & Bradstreet inventory survey, 30, 36n, 39 Philadelphia average price, 33n, 45n top 10 producers guesstimated, 37n transistors, 39, 46n boosters, 40n

survey of manufacturers’ sales outlook, 42 NPA sees 3%-4 million sets in 1952, 44 “small business” redefined, 45n FCC asks groups to combat interference, 46n DPA employment study, 47n

O. H. Caldwell summarizes electronics economics, 3n, 52n

RECORDS AND TAPE RECORDINGS WFIL adopts 45rpm exclusively, 20n Decca buys into Universal pictures, 45n 16rpm, 46n

Phillips entering international field, 50n tape duplicator, 52n

SERVICING & SERVICEMEN— see Receiver In- stallation

SMPTE — see Movies SPORTS

peak TV impact period over, says Jordan. In state legislators against TV bans, 4n team performance first gate criterion, says Jor- dan, 31n, 4Sn

RTMA local sports committees, 44n, 61n TV at 1952 Olympics, 52n Baseball

National League bans network telecasts, 2n RTMA subcommittee, 7n, 38n Los Angeles, Hollywood contracts, 7n Schaeffer signs 7-year contract with Dodgers, 9n

1951 lineup, sponsors, 13n Johnson bill re anti-trust, 21n, 23 House monopoly inquiry, 32n Pirates telecast 3 games, 34n

Series piped to sets in Denver, 39n, 40, 42n playoff and World Series, 40n TV-radio provides 10% of leagues’ revenues, 43n Jordan survey, 48n

major teams curtailing 1952 telecasts, 49n, 60n DiMaggio and Henrich TV announcers, 51n Basketball

KFI-TV forms own league, 5n Fabian exclusive in Albany. 6n Boxing

championship telecasts, 2n, 8n theatre TV, 23, 24, 25n, 26n, 32n manufacturers outbid theatre TV, 28, 29 Louis-Marciano, 42n Football

West Coast ban for 1951, In one-year moratorium voted by NCAA, 2n U of Pennsylvania defies NCAA. 5n. 21n, 23, 24n Ohio legislature favors OSU games on TV, 8n “controlled TV” plan, lln, 15n, 16n, 20n, 27n, 30n, 32n, 36n

Pennsylvania & Notre Dame follow NCAA, 29 Justice Dept, acts against National Football League, 41, 44n, 48n, 52n AP survey of attendance, 45n NCAA relaxes restrictions, 46n, 47 Jordan analysis, ECAA continues controls, 60n Minor Sports

Crosley drops wrestling, 2n impact on hockey, wrestling, 51n STATION CONSTRUCTION CONTROLS— see Mobilization

SUBSCRIBER-VISION— see Subscription ’TV SUBSCRIPTION TV

backed by Sen. Benton, 15 questions facing systems, 34 urged by Rubicam and Wick, 45 RTMA board asked to take stand, 46n survey of Minnesota set-owners, 48n Phonevision

tests, public reactions. In, 2n, 4n, 5n, 6n, 14n, 21n demonstration for FC!C, broadcasters, 16n promotional efforts, 38, 39n $50,000 fee to Finnegan, 49n, 50n RCA

“dark horse,” 45

Subscriber-Vision demonstrations for FCC, lln, 12n requests films from majors, 51n, 62n Telemeter

tests, 34n, 37n, 41n, 52n

4

promotional brochure, 46 Ridenour engineering: director, 46 SURVEYS (see also Home, TV's Impact On) Jordan, peak impact period over. In Advertest, night viewing, 2n American Booksellers Assn., book sales, 3n Pulse, daytime viewing, 4n Lexington, Ky.. set census, 8n Hooper expansion. 8n, 30n WOR-TV, AM preferences of viewers, 8n Pulse, radio purchases among TV owners, 8n WBTV, viewers’ income, home ownership, 8n BBDO, affect on movies, radio, reading, 13n NBC-Hofstra, 24n WFAA-TV, 26n Woodbury College, 27n Advertest, daytime viewing, 27n Advertest, set buying habits, 31n Videotown, purchases, home habits, 36 Pulse, program preferences, 37n college viewing, 39n ‘Good Housekeeping’, commercials, 43n Xavier U, TV and school work, 62n

TAXES

excise. In, 6n, 6, 7n, 8n, lOn, 11, 13n, 16n,

19n, 20. 21n, 26n, 30n, 31n, 36n, 44n. corporation, excess profits, 9n, 21n.

«e„ 42n

Ridgewood, M. J., propertj- assessment, 30n TELEMETER — see Subscription TV

TELEVISION FUND — see Financial Activity, General

THEATRE TV— see Movies TOA — see Movies

TRANSIT FM — see Frequency Modulation TRANSMITTERS — see Equipment, Telecasting

TUBES, TV PICTURE (see also individual manu- facturers)

electrostatic, 1, 3, 6, 9, 26 price cuts, 2n. 6n size, shape trends, 5, 21n, 47, 60 life expectancy, 6

RTMA production, 6, 9n, 14n, 18n, 22n, 27n, 31n, 36n, 40n, 45n, 50n

National Assn, of Cathode Ray Tube Mfrs., 13n

production cutbacks, 17

replacement market, 21n

cylindrical face, 47, 60

Navy study of luminescence, 61n

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Receivers & Converters analysis by FCC Labs, 6n GE, 9n, 12n, 16, 16, 18, 23 reports at IRE convention, 12n roundup of availability, plans, 14 Zenith, 14, 16, 17n Crosley, 16 Air King. 19n RCA, 21n Hallicrafters, 21n Standard Coil strips. 23 FCC Bridgeport trip, 26n, 26n Sarkes Tarzian, 40 test equipment, 43n

Stations

Lancaster experimental revoked, 6n GE, Syracuse, 9n WELI enthusiasm, 16 John Poole’s Mt. W'Jr-" first commer'”"'

860-866 -“6 Bridgeport. 29n, 37 •KruL/M experimental application, 33n, 38n, 43n, 45n, 47n, 49n Sylvania, Emporium, 38n FCC considering relaxing 6-station rule, 44 demonstration at NBC convention, 46n WIL’s Chapin sees great future, 48n Westinghouse, Philadelphia, 49n benefits from freeze, 60

Transmitting Equipment GE developmental program, 9n, 12n, 16, 16, 18, 23 reports at IRE convention, 12n RCA. 18

tilted antenna, 19n transmission lines, 18, 62n

UNIONS

lUE seeks wage raise, 6n CBS election, 8n

AFM negotiations, 2n, 3n, 6n, 7n, 8n, 9n, lOn, lln

NABET joins CIO, 12n

SAG upheld by NLRB, 13n

KFI-TV strike, 16n, 16n, 29n

lUE proposals to ease layoffs, 16, 19

IBEW approaches FRB, NPA, 20n

UAW plans Detroit application, 23n

RWG charges “blacklist”, 23n

Petrillo agreements on film, 23n, 24n

IBEW complains to President about layoffs, 27n

SAG defeats TVA in 6 Los Angeles elections, 27n

SAG signs with 37 film companies, 29n

AFRA bars Communists, 32n

job prospects, 36n

Chicago employment, 38n

lUE notes manufacturing profitability, 38n

GL-IUE contract, 40n

extra pay asked for TV films in theatres 42n NLRB ruling on film and live TV actors, 42n KTTV telecasts union negotiations, 62n ’

Communications Policy Board, 7n. lln. 13 FCC stops station experimentation. 13n’ temporary power increases, 30, 31. 32. 33n, 34 rule-of-thumb for station coverage, 36 Dr. Baker estimates post-freeze growth 37 freak reception in Denver. 37n tropospheric reception on East Coast x"

WNHC-’A^'“v^’-'^““^ Report. 41 n

Comr s*-»iing suggests “satellites”, 44. 48 y/om-TV booster experiments, 60n list of CPs dropped. 61 ’“ception in Longmont, Colo., 61 n

AllOCailujta

Siragusa suggests FM band for TV, 1 educational hearing, 4, 6 KHON asks partial freeze lift, 4n, 6 general-issues phase ends, 6 directional antenna tests, 7n, 13n new allocation plan, 10, 11, 12, 13 Celler bill on reservation, 14

Sen. Benton requests educational study, 16, 19,

20, 22

freeze-end estimates, 3, 17

FCC mail on freeze, 17

comments filed on allocations, 17n, 18, 19

legalities of procedure questioned, 18, 19, 20, 24,

25, 26, 28

DuMont shows plan to Congress, 21n, 22 Sen. Johnson questions allocation legality, 22, 23 Sen. Benton proposes advisory group, 22, 23 dropping oral hearing considered, 24, 26, 26, 27,

28, 29

470-500 me band, 28

allocations flexibility sought, 28

Coy testimony before Senate committee, 29

“paper” hearing ordered. 30

first request for oral presentation. 38n, 43

Sen. Johnson files comments on Coloi^o, 40

Mexican border agreement, 43, 45n, 47n, 49n

FCC estimates of freeze end, 44

predictions on post-freeze construction, 48

Bar Assn, recommendations on applications, 48

channels 5 & 6 for Hawaiian phone use, 48n

New England allocations, 49

JCET recommendations on applications, 60n

WAGE CONTROLS— see Mobilization

MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANDISERS

ADMIRAL CORP. suggests FM spectrum for TV, 1 new sets. In, 19n, 33n, 61n 1960 sales, 1951 orders, 2n dehumidifier, 4n

financial reports, 9n, 16n, 29n, 43n, 46n price cuts, 11

stock ownership, officers’ salaries, 13n

uhf sets, 14

Canadian plant, 15n

promotion with radio giveaways, 16n

2,000,000th TV set, 16n

hotel installations, 19n

production rate, 19n, 30n

govt, orders, 29n

expansion, 32n

color slave, 33

dickering to buy Norge, 48, 60n, 61n, 62n AEROVOX CORP., In, 6n, 9n, 16n, 20n, 25n, 30n, 38n

AIR MARSHAL CORP., 3n AMERICAN PHENOLIC CORP., 21n, 36n, 47n AMERICAN STRUCTURAL PRODUCTS CO., 5n ANSLEY RADIO & TELEVISION, INC., 15n AUDIO & VIDEO PRODUCTS CORP., 30n AVCO — see Crosley BELMONT — see Raytheon

BENDIX RADIO DIV., BENDIX AVIATION CORP. new sets. In

military subcontracts, 3n financial reports, 6n, 16n, 20n Canadian distributor, 6n backlog of orders, 13n optimistic ad, 19 expansion, 19n, 30n color converter, 26 BLAW-KNOX. 31n

BRUNSWICK DFV., RADIO & TELEVISION, INC., 13n

CADILLAC ELECTRONICS CORP., 7n, 14n CAPEHART-FARNSWORTH CORP. financial reports, 15n, 39n IT&T buys Coolerator, 29n, 30n IT&T buys into Kellogg Switchboard, 32n layoffs, 37n new sets, 43n stock issue, 43n

CBS-COLUMBIA INC. (formerly Air King) new sets, 2n, 9n, 13n uhf converter, 19n

color sets, 23, 29 price cuts, 35n

2 discs in color-monochrome sets, 39n new distributors, 45n NPA appeal, 46n

buys Mack Long Island plant, 47n expansion rumors, 49n CLAROSTAT MFG. CO. INC., 35n COLLINS RADIO CO., 18n, 20n, 36n, 43n, 45n CORNELL-DUBILIER, In, lln, 23n, 33n, 38n CORNING GLASS WORKS, 6n, 32n, 41n, 45n CROSLEY DIV., AVCO MFG. CORP. layoffs, 1

’Fortune’ article. In

financial reports, 3n, 7n, 9n, lln, 12n, 26n

price cuts, 8n, 62n

expansion, 9n, 42n, 49n

uhf set, converter, 14, 15

Avco buys Horn Mfg., 18n

Avco selling ACF-Brill stock, 20n

fire, 24n

Avco sells American Airlines stock, 24n color converter, 25

Gen. Wedemeyer named Avco v.p., 26n Avco loans, 27n, 29n new sets, 33n $2,000,000 promotion, 40n plans new appliances, 40n, 44n buys Brand & Millen, Canada, 43n exclusive dealer franchises, 62n DELCO (GENERAL MOTORS), 31n DOMINION ELECTROHOME, 38n DUKANE CORP., 30n

ALLEN B. DuMONT LABORATORIES INC.

offers color scanner, 2n sued by CBS on color, 4n, 7

financial reports, 8n, 18n, 21n, 26n, 31n, 46n, 60n 30-in. set, lOn, 12n, 26, 39n South American distributors, 16n electrostatic tube, 17n price guarantee, 19n

automatic focusing tube, 20n, 21n, 33n, 34n, 40n

Dr. DuMont chosen “greatest name” in TV, 22n

All-Americans on staff, 24n

color enthusiasm, 25, 26

5x7-ft. & 16x20-ft. tubes, 26

tube warranty, 29n

sues Tel-o-Tube, 31n

new camera chain, 30n

price cut, 37n

DuMatic color switch, 37

estimates picture tube replacement market. 37n sees TV as business tool, 39n

estimates receiver production, 39n “World Series Clubs,” 39n industrial color, 40n

Dr. DuMont estimates 1962 business. 41n Passaic calls itself TV birthplace. 42n tuner tradein, 43n ‘Station Planning’ booklet. 44n Dr. DuMont talk at company’s anniversary, 46 “Photovision” project. 52n EMERSON RADIO & PHONOGRAPH CO. 12,000,000th radio, 2n financial reports, 3n, 6n, 22n, 35n price increases, 4n, 20n, 22n ads on Western Union envelopes, 6n new sets. 6n, 38n, 44n price cuts, 18n color guarantee, 31n ESQUIRE RADIO CORP., 17n FEDERAL TELEPHONE & RADIO CO., 24n FREED RADIO CORP., lOn, 61n GATES RADIO CO., 27n, 46n GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. (GE) expansion, 6n. 8n, lOn. 15n, 18n, 22n, 27n, 29n new sets, 2n. 19n materials conservation, 8 Canadian sets, 9n uhf sets, 9n, lln, 15, 16n uhf transmitters, 9n, 12n, 15. 16, 18, 23 new tube warranty, 16n shipments to Brazil, 16n, 43n price guarantee, 18, 22n selective mobile system, 18n color experiments, 23 gives transmitter to U of Illinois, 26n TV inventory, 29 layoffs, 31n, 42n Paris dealer junket, 31n closed-circuit preview for dealers, 32n Illinois Cabinet Co. merger, 32n Dr. Baker on CBS-type color production, 33 automatic focusing tubes, 33n, 40n 24-in. tube, 33n, 36n price cuts, 34n

Dr. Baker predicts station growth, 37 notes industrial electronics growth, 39n lUE agreement, 40n Cornell electronics projects, 42n financial reports, 29n, 42n Supply Corp. expansion, 49n Dr. Baker on 1962 outlook, 61n GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORP., 5n, 6n, 21n. 28n, 41n

GENERAL PRECISION LABORATORY, 28n, 33n

5

GENERAL RADIO CO., 30n GLOBE-UNION INC.. 21n, 36n, 45n

HALLICRAFTERS CO.

1950 output, value, 2 new sets, 2n

financial reports, 3n, 12n, 21n, 4 in

expansion, 6n, on

uhf set, converter, 14

color sets. 24n

color “transcender”, 33

price cuts, 34n .

sets in Denver for World Senes. 39n

financial reports. Ilii7

termed “candidate for stock split

"fln

HOFFMAN RADIO CORP.

financial reports. In. 12n. 19n, 30n. 44n

price Increases. 2n. 40n

bids on Aireon cou... .«;n

sponsors "recent” films. 8n

expansion, 8n

new sets, 16n, 31n, 48n

fire. 2Sn

New York office, 36n ad budget. 48n

HYTRON RADIO & ELECTRONICS CORP. expansion, 4n financial reports, 6n bought by CBS. 15. 20n IMPERIAL TELEVISION MFC. CO., 49n INDUSTRIAL TELEVISION INC., 38n INTERNATIONAL RESISTANCE CO. financial reports, 9n, 17n, 34n buys Hardy Instrument Co., 29n stock increase, 51n

INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION CORP., 18n I-T-E CIRCUIT BREAKER CO.. 36n INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH CORP. (see Capehart-Farnsworth)

JACKSON INDUSTRIES INC.. 2n, 14n, 3Bn KAYE-HALBERT CORP., 5n, 8n. 13n, 18n

LEWYT CORP., 18n

MAJESTIC RADIO & TELEVISION CORP. no new line for 1951 planned. In new sets, 7n, 49n price cuts, 14n electrostatic tube, 19n “coloramic” device, 24

MAGNAVOX CO. ,o AAr,

financial reports. In, 6n, 9n, 16n, 25n, 39n, 44n new sets. 2n, 29n expansion, 8n, 29n, 37n price cuts, 13n, 52n P. R. MALLORY & CO.

uhf tuner, converter, 14, 45n financial reports. 14n Mallory-Sharon Titanium Corp., 14n

JOHN MECK INDUSTRIES financial reports, 6n new sets, 14n, 15n price guarantee, 19n, 31n Scott merger, 40n, 43n, 46n, 48n

MOTOROLA INC.

new sets. In, 33n, 45n, 62n new Military Division. 3n ad plans. 9n

financial reports, lln, 16n, 18n, 29n, 31n, 45n

officers’ stock ownership, salaries, 16n

employes’ fund, 22n

Stellner and McDonald resign, 32n

color slave, 33

termed “candidate for stock split’’, 39n sets up own New York distributor, 41n Prudential loan, 48n Chicago-Hungerford microwave, 49n

MUNTZ TV INC. new sets, 3n, 42n

financial reports, 5n. 26n, 33n, 46n, 48n price cuts, 13n retail stores, 15n color plans, 23

reported planning new branches. 32n

production rate, 35n

price increases, 38n

set sales, 42n

closes outlets, 46n, 47n

MUTER CO., 5n, 15n, 16n, 17, 31n, 43n NATIONAL ELECTRONICS MFG. CO., 43n NATIONAL UNION RADIO, 14n, 18n, 31n, 49n NATIONAL VIDEO CORP., 22n NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS CO. INC. new cathode, 20n buys A. W. Haydon Co., 34n founder dies. 41 n

OAK MFG. CO., 13n, 19n, .33n, 35n, 39n OLYMPIC RADIO & TELEVISION INC. financial reports. In, 5n, 14n, 36n new sets, 2n

officers’ stock ownership, salaries, 16n loan, 19n

PACIFIC MERCURY TELEVISION CORP., 35n PACKARD-BELL CO.

financial reports, 3n, 5n. lln, 15n, 24n, 30n, 43n

new sets, 4n, 38n

appeals NPA steel allotment, 36n

PATHE TELEVISION CORP., 2n, 17n. 18n PHILCO CORP.

materials conservation, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 financial reports. In. 12n, 19n, 33n, 46n new sets, 2n, 22, 32, 35n 1950 advertising, 6n expansion, 9n uhf set, converter, 14 kitchen appliances. 16n employe furloughs, 17 cooperation with MIT, 17n officers’ salaries, 18n govt, orders, 19n. 21n .

drops plans for Frederick, Md. plant, 34n takes over Gough Industries, 44n Los Angeles branch, 49n TV film service for dealers, 62n riTi nT RADIO CORP., 29n RADIO COKr . AMERICA (RCA) materials conservation; e a xin 19n Watts to DPA, succeeded by xn, 34n

televised microscopy, 2n $20,000,000 loan, 3n

financial reports, 7n, 9n. 18n, 30n, 44n RCA Victor Distributing Corp. adds heaters. 9n layoffs, 14n

Portland demonstrations, 17n theatre TV equipment sales, 18n, 51n Antenaplex installations, 18n. 19n, 45n, 48n Sarnoff’s sizeup of cultural TV, 20n community antennas, 20n named outstanding TV firm, 22n U of Penn engineering course. 25n expansion, 26n

studies “white goods’’ field, 27n conservation handbook, 3 In veterinary demonstrations, 31n European demonstrations, 32n, 34n, 3Bn Sarnoff suggests new agency for Voice of Amer- ica, 33n

promote small business tieup, 34n Israel record plant,_ 36n Bridgeport uhf seminar, 37 Sarnoff celebrates 45 years in radio, 39 enters air-conditioner field, 39, 40n Mrs. Douglas Horton elected director. 40n Sarnoff interview in ‘U. S. News & World Re- port’, 46

NYU fellowship. 46n laboratory appointments, 47n Sarnoff awarded early-warning patent, 48n civil defense truck for Philadelphia, B2n

Color TV

appeal to Supreme Court, 4, 6n, 6n, 10, 11

tri-color tube, 10

“sampling” improvement, lln

public demonstrations, 25, 27

tube symposium, 25

Coy inspects tri-color tube manufacture, 27 New York demonstrations for press, industry, 25.

27, 28. 29. 34n, 3Bn, 36n, 37, 39n, 42 Sarnoff plumps for dual standards, 33 CBS’s Goldmark deprecates tri-color tube, 35n network transmissions, 38n, 49n Washington demonstrations, 39n, 41n theatre TV, 39n, 42

Receivers

licensees’ 1950 output, 2

Elliott says “business as usual is out , 2

materials conservation, 1, 6, 8, lln, 19n

uhf, 14, 21n .

Sarnoff predicts 6,000,000 in 1961, IBn new sets, 16n, 34n, 46n, 48n employe furloughs, 17 price guarantee, 18 Krich trade-in policy, 19n price cuts, 33

Transmitting Equipment uhf, 18, 19n full line described, 30n new remote devices, 48n

Tubes

price cuts, 15n electrostatic, 19n expansion, 22n self focus. 40n

RAYTHEON MFG. CO. (Belmont) new sets, 2n, 13n, 37n

financial reports, 2n, 14n, 20n, 27n, 31n, 32n, 40n

distributors as military subcontractors. 3n

expansion, 4n, IBn, 26n, Bln

receiver cutbacks, 14n

sells subsidiary. 23n

Mexican distribution, 30n

$4,000,000 note. 34n

order backlog, 36n

ad budget, 38n

price increases, 46n

REEVES SOUNDCRAFT CORP., 14n, 18n RICHMOND TELEVISION CORP., 7n, lOn, 17n SCOTT RADIO LABORATORIES new sets, lOn, 30n, 48n financial reports, 31n Meek merger. 40n, 43n, 46n, 48n

SENTINEL RADIO CORP., 2n, 26n, 33n SHELDON ELECTRIC CO. (Allied Electric Prod- ucts Inc.) expansion, 4n electrostatic tube, 6n financial reports, 8n, 39n price cuts, 12n

plans receiving tube production, 13n

SIGHTMASTER CORP., 25n SILVERTONE (SEARS ROEBUCK), I3u SKIATRON ELECTRONICS & TELEVISION CORP.

Subscriber-Vision, lln, 12n, 51n, 52n new board members, 17n theatre TV, Bln S. M. A. CO., 18n, 32n SPARKS-WITHINGTON CO. (Sparton) new sets, 2n

financial reports. 5n, 39n expansion, 6 refrigerators, 17n

SPRAGUE ELECTRIC CO., 5n, 13n, 15n STANDARD COIL PRODUCTS INC. expansion, 2n, lOn financial reports, 12n, 18n, 35n, 46n stock listed on N. Y. Exchange. 13n uhf tuner, 14, 23

STARRETT TELEVISION CORP., 2n STEWART-WARNER CORP. new sets, 31n Xynansion, In

finaii,.^qX reports, 15n, 31n, 43n price cuts, <!5i,

STROMBERG-CAni.sON CO-

financial reports. In, On. 16n, 31n, 44n

price increases, 2n

new sets, 3n, 9n, 13n, 29n, 43n, Bln

output cut, layoffs, 16n

ad campaign, 34n

coloi’ tedts, t)0n

SYLVANIA ELECTRIC PRODUCTS CO. financial reports. In, lln, 17n, 30n, 44n price increases, 3n, 43n price cuts, 35n

experimental station, 5n, 9n, 38n expansion, lOn, 15n, 23n, 24n, 26n, 31n, 41n stock issue, officers’ salaries, 13n, 19n, 47n output cut, layoffs, 16n govt, orders. 24n, 45n new sets. 29n electro-luminescence, 24n “Halolight”, 28n Puerto Rican subsidiary, 32n signs with lUE, 37n bond and stock issue. 40n, 41n picture tubes, lln, 12n, IBn, 25n, 40n, 47n SYMPHONY RADIO & TELEVISION CORP., 61n SARKES TARZIAN INC., 14, 40

TELE KING CORP.

Virgin Islands plans. In new sets, 13n, 37n West Coast plans. 15n color plans, 23

TELE-TONE RADIO CORP. moves. In new sets, 2n color plans, 15n, 23, 39n financial reports, 17n strike, 34n govt, contracts, 33n

TELETRONICS LABORATORIES CORP., 2n, 21n THOMAS ELECTRONICS CORP., 28n TRAD TELEVISION CORP., 16n, 29n, 38n TRANS-VUE CORP., 2n, 14n, 48n TRAV-LER RADIO CORP. new sets, 2n, 35n financial reports, 5n, 12n, 41n buys Telegraph Apparatus Co., 37n

TUNG-SOL ELECTRIC, In, 2n, 13n, 31n, 48n UTILITY ELECTRONICS CORP., In, 4n VIDCRAFT TELEVISION CORP., 7n, 9n VIDEO CORP. OF AMERICA, Bln

WEBSTER-CHICAGO CORP.

financial reports, 7n, 15n, 21n, 33n, 46n expansion, 18n “Webcor” trade name, 31n color slave, 33, 36n WELLS-GARDNER & CO.. 14n WESTERN ELECTRIC CO., 9n WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP. new sets. In, 31n financial reports, 9n, 21n, 31n, 46n expansion, lOn, 16n, 18n govt, contracts, 14n, 21n “Studio One” expenditures. 20n certificate of necessary, 25n loans, 48n

buys out Pittsburgh distributor. Bln WILCOX-GAY CORP., In, 2n, 13n, 18n, 34n ZENITH RADIO CORP. (see also Subscription TV) financial reports. In, lln, 12n, 17n, 30n, 44n Rauland’s electrostatic tube, 12n expansion, 13n

stock ownership, officers’ salaries, 13n, 30n

uhf campaign, 14

gives transmitter to school, IBn

evaluation of uhf strips, 16, 17n

Teco Inc., 17n

Washington distributor, 24n

new sets, 29n, 37n

termed “candidate for stock split,” 39n Rauland self-focus tube, 40n

6

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY RADIO NEWS BUREAU, 1519 CONNEaiCUT AVE. N.W., WASHINGTON 6, D.C. TELEPHONE MICHIGAN 2020 • VOL. 7, NO. 1

January 6, 1951

(Materials Scarce But Not Know-How, page 1. Components Shortages — Danger Signs, page 2. Hopes and Doubts for Freeze’s End, page 3. TV-AM-FM Stations as of Jan. 1, 1951, page 3. Electronics Agencies Add Executives, page U-

Rising Costs of TV Sponsorship, page U- Color Still Good Conversation Piece, page 5. Optimism in Chicago, Trade Well Up, page 7. Shape & Size of 1951 Picture Tubes, page 8. Financial, Topics & Trends, Mobilization, pp. 9-11.

HANDY INDEX TO TV NEWS OF 1950: Index to our 1950 Newsletters, Supplements, etc.,

included herewith, should be valuable aid in tracking down major events, trends, facts, dates, as chronicled by Television Digest during the momentous year just past. We found it impracticable to catalog everything we published — but the im- portant items are pin-pointed for you. Use of this Index, of course, presupposes you have maintained your file of 1950 Newsletters and Supplements (Vol. 6;l-to-52).

Note ; Going into the mails next week, to full-service subscribers only, is our new 1951 AM-FM Directory — listing all North American broadcasting stations, CPs, applications, etc., with facilities, by countries, states & cities; by frequen- cies, and by call letters. In about week, we'll also mail our TV Factbook No. 12 which, like the AM-FM Directory, will start new series of weekly Addenda reporting FCC decisions, changes, etc.

MATERIALS SCARCE, RUT NOT KNOW-HOW: Miracles of production ingenuity — almost too good to be true, frankly — were revealed this week. Claims we've heard, if fully realized, could mean continued high TV-radio production despite serious shortages of the most critical materials.

First was disclosure by Philco president Wm. Balderston, at Chicago dis- tributors convention, that engineering-research v.p. Leslie Woods and his engineers have developed a TV receiver which uses;

25% less copper, 85% less cobalt. 85% less nickel, 25% less aluminum, and 67% less silicon steel.

Production of this set by March can be achieved if necessary, he stated.

Exact nature of set wasn't given — size, performance, whether other scarce materials are used, ease or difficulty of production, etc. — but Mr. Balderston did say that goal of company's "Material Conservation Program," started months ago with govt, blessing, was to "find ways and means of reducing or eliminating use of scarce materials in all our products without in any way affecting our quality."

♦ ♦ * ♦

Then, new electrostatic picture tube was reported "ready for production" by RCA. It requires no cobalt at all, uses neither cobalt-containing alnico focus magnet nor even copper-consuming focus coil. This new tube, alone, could reduce amount of cobalt used in sets by 75%-85%.

Tube is said to be slightly bulkier than standard tubes, but apparently not enough to require cabinet changes. First unit will be 17-in. rectangular, but shouldn't be confused with 17-in. RCA has been shipping. Good guess is that similar tube contributes to Philco 's spectacular savings, since engineers have talked about electrostatic focusing (really an old principle) ever since cobalt shortage loomed.

But another big tube maker is bearish about electrostatic tubes, calling them "dead as a dodo," charging that they "create more problems than they solve" —

Copyright 1951 by Radio News Bureau

8 1951

- 2

such as circuit changes, longer tube, etc. However, he conceded possibility RCA has made improvements circumventing some disadvantages.

RCA*s conservation program started in July, officials say, disclosing two other fruits of developmental work:

(1) Nickel-coated steel strip replacing pure nickel receiving-tube plates (Vol. 6:49). NPA helped RCA obtain steel for this purpose.

(2) Glass, instead of copper, for exhaust tubing in vacuum tubes.

Full Story on materials conservation is yet to unfold. Since no company has monopoly on ingenuity, we should be hearing about more such tricks of the trade. Still to be indicated, too, is precisely what such savings might mean in terms of receiver production voliime.

There's another face to the conservation coin, of course. Sylvania's H.

Ward Zimmer puts it simply;

Engineers find substitute, save a critical material. Company tries to get some, finds it on critical list, too. Then, since company hasn't been using any, it has no base period on which to expect an allocation. Company's suppliers have same problem, so engineers' efforts are frustrated.

COMPONENTS SHORTAGES-DANGER SIGNS: Restriction ax fell this week on TV-radio's biggest entity — and its effects, possibly portentous, were felt immediately.

RCA's component division at Camden, branch of Tube Dept., which makes speak- ers, coils, yokes, transformers, etc., goes on 4-day week schedule Jan. 8 — just one week after govt, limitations on nickel, copper and aluminum (Vol. 6:46-52) went into effect. RCA officials say layoffs are virtually certain by end of week unless restrictions are loosened.

Disruption of set production seems inevitable, with stocks of some compo- nents whittled down to half-day's supply at RCA.

RCA men went to Washington, told NPA officials: Unless Govt, grants immedi- ate relief from nickel and copper distribution orders. Tube Dept, alone will be forced to lay off 4000 employes — one-fourth its 16,000-man work force — during first quarter.

"Excellent reception” by NPA officials gave rise to guarded optimism of RCA executives, who pointed out, however, that any loosening of restrictions will have to come quickly to be much help.

An RCA officer listed shortage stumbling-blocks in this order: (1) nickel , (2) copper, (3) cobalt. He asserted RCA would be "much worse off" if it hadn't inaugurated intensive conservation program last July (see p. 1).

Tube production, highly dependent on nickel, will hold up fairly well this month, RCA says, but real pinch — and layoffs at Harrison tube plant — will begin Feb. 1 unless enough material is shaken loose to last until military orders come in.

Here's problem in nutshell, as it relates to tube production; It takes 4 months to train tube production worker. If some must be laid off, they'll take jobs elsewhere. When heavy military electronic production begins, instruction of new un- trained workers will consume valuable time, materials — if workers can be found.

There were many rumors of cutbacks at other plants, but only official an- nouncement cam'e from Crosley which said it has laid off 1000 workers at Cincinnati plant because of shortages — principally in cobalt, cadmium, copper, steel, nickel. It was not indicated what lines were affected, but Crosley noted that the plant had been manufacturing TV-radios on an overtime basis for several months.

Sylvania fears it may have to cut back its TV receiver output 25-50%, let many workers go unless some relief on critical materials is afforded in next few weeks. TV lines are moving according to schedule at present, and rumors of shutdown of some lines were branded as false by company executives.

"Lead time" — time lag between order and delivery of raw materials — is big problem now in scheduling production. In normal times, lead time was about 3 weeks; now it's much shorter in some materials.

- 3 -

HOPES AND DOUBTS FOR FREEZE S END: End-of -freeze remains clouded, both by FCC's unpredictable hearing and progress of mobilization (Vol. 6:52) — but everyone wonders whether there's some way to break the ice jam.

Latest proposal, likely to get short shrift, came from Admiral president Ross Siragusa, during distributors' convention in Chicago this week. Said he;

"The freeze... is not only discriminatory but unnecessary. By ending the freeze... and without touching the uhf, our engineers tell us over 100 new stations could be authorized without overlapping interference with present stations."

Then he wrote off FM. urging its vhf spectrum be given over to TV. saying; "FM has never taken hold... The most charitable thing one can say about FM is that it is a dying art. The channels it is pre-empting should be put to real public service without delay by being shifted to TV." (Admiral TV combinations make FM available only on order, at $30 extra. )

These moves would bring TV to 5,000,000 more families, Siragusa estimated. "Uhf," he added, "can be opened later, when all technical problems are worked out."

:(:l :jc

Meanwhile, FCC plans no change in hearing procedures. Educators asked for, and received, week's delay in resumption of their testimony — from Jan. 15 to 22. Their testimony, plus a few other odds and ends, should wind up general phase of hearing by month's end.

"Mountain of work remains to be done" before freeze can end. Chairman Coy of FCC writes in Variety's Jan. 3 end-of-year issue. He lists steps remaining; specific allocations hearing. Bar Assn, oral argiament on legality of fixed allocation, time to reach final decision, time for filing new applications, hearings in many cities. Then he concludes: "Even if near normal conditions prevail, it is doubtful if any stations can go on the air before the first of the next year."

Unless Coy has some shortcuts up his sleeve — and he indicates none — he would appear to be as unduly optimistic as ever.

TV-AN-FM STATIONS AS OF JAN. 1, 1951: TV continues locked in freeze, imposed in Sep- tember 1948 and likely to continue in effect all this year (Vol. 6:52) — but number of AM outlets grew while FM settled down to a hard core of operating stations.

Only 9 TV stations went on air in 1950. bringing total to 107. They were; WSYR-TV, Syracuse; KEYL, San Antonio; WOI-TV, Ames, la. ; WHAS-TV. Louisville; WTAR-TV, Norfolk; WJIM-TV, Lansing; WKZO-TV, Kalamazoo; WHBF-TV, Rock Island, 111.; WSM-TV, Nashville. Three CPs fell by default during year: WRTV, granted New Orleans Times-Picayiine ; WRTB, Raytheon, Waltham, Mass. ; WJAX-TV, City of Jacksonville.

Detailed data on all TV stations in the U.S. and Latin America, plus list of the 575 applications pending, plus allocation tables, directories of TV-radio manu- facturers. program syndicators, etc., digests of station rate cards, tabulations of monthly production and sets-in-use figures — all may be obtained from TV Factbook No. 12, which goes into mails to all of our full TV service subscribers Jan. 13. [Extra copies to subscribers, $2.50.]

Our 1951 AM-FM Directory, which goes out to full-service subscribers next week [extra copies, $7.50], brings to light these pertinent statistics:

(1) AM authorizations reached 2551 at end of 1950 (2199 licenses, 152 CPs), 105 more than the 2246 at end of 1949 (Vol. 6:1). There were 2131 at end of 1948 (Vol. 5:2), 1961 at end of 1947, 1579 at end of 1946, 1056 at end of 1945. Included in AM total are 34 non-comlnercial stations.

(2) AM applications were squeezed down to 259 for new stations, 207 for changes in facilities, compared with 309 and 224, respectively, year ago. Dropped during 1950 were 17 AM licenses, 30 CPs.

(3) AM stations in other major North American countries didn't change much. Canada has 162 (160 last year), Mexico 276 (273), Cuba 104 (94).

(4) FM grantees continued making up their minds during year. In general, they either got on air and asked FCC for final license papers or quit. Of 706 gran- tees, 672 are on air (515 licensed, 157 with STAs). At end of 1949, there were

- 4 -

791 grantees, 728 of which were on air. In addition, there are 70 non-commercial FM licensees, many of them 10-watters. Dropped during year were 47 FM licenses. 64 CPs.

(5) FM applications have almost ceased coming in. There are only 8 pending, compared with 38 year ago.

Many FM operators are watching FCC for ruling soon on such life-savers as transit casting, storecasting, etc. Fate of quite a few hangs on decision.

ELECTRONICS AGENCIES ADD EXECUTIVES: Current reshuffling of defense agencies is

accelerating influx of top level business executives to Washington to work with Defense Mobilization Director Charles E. Wilson and Defense Production Administrator Wm. H. Harrison. Among those from electronics taking mobilization assignments are;

W. W. (Wally) Watts, RCA engineering products v.p. on leave, who on Jan. 8 becomes an assistant to Gen. Harrison. He was a Signal Corps colonel during war under Gen. Harrison in procurement and distribution.

Ray C. Ellis. Raytheon v.p., serving part time as special consultant on organization and personnel to Munitions Board chairman John D. Small. Ellis was WPB radio and radar director during World War II.

* * *1

Shakeup in govt, defense mobilization agencies is basically administrative — electronics industry continuing to deal with same offices and officials as before;

Electronic Products Division, NPA, directed by John Daley and Donald Parris.

Electronics Division, Munitions Board, headed by Marvin Hobbs.

Under new mobilization setup, Gen. Harrison directs new DPA, similar to old WPB, a policy-making body with some power but not complete authority over military buying, and responsible only to Mr. Wilson as head of ODM.

NPA*s policy will be made by DPA, but its functions are same as before.

Head is Manly Fleischmann, ex-NPA general counsel, onetime WPB associate general counsel. And Mr. Wilson picked as his general counsel Herbert A. Bergson, center of controversy while prosecuting anti-trust cases as an asst. Attorney General.

Added to staff of NPA Electronic Products Division this week was E. Mac- Donald Nyhen, ex- International Standard Electric (IT&T), onetime member of CBS technical operations staff and wartime Signal Corps lieutenant colonel.

THE RISING COSTS OF TV SPONSORSHIP: CBS*s New York flagship WCBS-TV once again tops them all with base hour rate of $5250, one-minute rate of S675. effective Jan. 1. These new record rates come scant 4 months after WCBS-TV posted then highs of |2500 & $525 as of last Sept. 1 (Vol. 6:34). Hourly rate for Class A time (6:30-11 p.m. ) compares with all radio’s highest of $1550 for sister AM station WCBS.

NBC’s New York WNBT went to $5100 on network rate card as of Jan. 1, will probably go even higher on local rate card by Feb. 1; present local rate is $2500. and $500 per spot. DuMont ’ s WABD goes to $2200 & $500 Feb. 1. ABC’s WJZ-TV has stuck to $2200 & $500 since last September.

These are by far the highest time rates in TV — nearest being $1000 & $200 of several Chicago and Philadelphia stations — justified by the telecasters on the basis of better-than-50% of homes with TVs in metropolitan areas (Vol. 6:51) and on claims of low cost-per-thousand viewers. By same token, if rate of TV set sales in New York area continues even at half-speed, it’s conceivable $5000 an hour rate may come within year or two.

New York trend is repeated, though on smaller scale, by nearly all the 107 telecasting stations in operation, whose 1951 rates are generally considerably higher than those of last year (see TV Factbook No. 12). These higher costs, plus increased performer fees forced by new union contract 6 weeks ago (Vol. 6:47), are causing no end of conjecture in TV-radio circles as to where it's leading.

Will sponsors turn away from TV, favor radio and other media? Will subscrip- tion-TV (Phonevision) really be needed to bear the admittedly high costs of station operation? It’s no secret many an advertiser and agency is wrinkling brows ponder- ing whether the show’s worth the price.

Those few who are quitting TV (like Bonafide Mills on NBC-TV, whose talent budget alone went up to $8000 after TVA contract) are quickly replaced by others.

Nor do sponsors show any signs of eschewing such favorites as the multi-sponsor "Show of Shows" on NBC-TV even though talent costs went up 15%.

Possibly reassured that TV rate rises will serve as brake on defections from radio to that medium, radio broadcasters meanwhile aren't going to reduce their rates, as demanded. They even see increasing business ahead. This attitude was recognized by NBC, which dropped rate-cut plan, cancelled proposed Jan. 10 meeting with radio affiliates in TV cities — intended to persuade them to cut night radio rates because of TV inroads on listenership (Vol. 6:50). Almost to a station, affiliates opposed move, asserting:

(1) Radio rate cuts are untimely and unwarranted. Network radio continues to offer values greater than competing media. (2) Recent changes in national eco- nomic picture indicate these values will increase in period ahead. (3) Operating expenses of radio continue to rise.

COLOR STILL GOOD CONVERSATION PIECE: Color TV still gets considerable attention — probably will continue to do so as long as the publicity mills grind and there's even remote possibility some CBS-type sets might be built.

Congressional hearing on color was asked this week by Rep. Dolliver (R-Ia. ) , who served in World War I Signal Corps. He urged hearing would clear up "misunder- standing and confusion in the public mind." Actually, chances for hearing are considered slim, since Congress has more urgent problems at hand, and since Capitol traditionally abstains from investigations when matters are before courts.

RCA says it will file appeal to Supreme Court "soon" rather than wait full time allowed, following turndown by Chicago 3-judge court (Vol. 6:51). FCC lawyers are cocky about prospects before Supreme Court, one saying: "I predict the Court won't even hear oral argument; it will simply affirm lower court's decision."

* * * *

Manufacturers are still "fighting" FCC's adoption of CBS system. Said Ad- miral's Siragusa, at distributor's meeting in Chicago this week:

"From what I have personally seen [of RCA color], even without allowing for further progress, I haven't a shadow of doubt that if the Supreme Court gives public the opportunity to make final decision, Columbia's system will be flatly rejected."

Philco's president Wm. Balderston. also speaking to his distributors:

"We have done considerable work in this field, and our engineers have made some very substantial contributions to the color TV art. As far as commercial oper- ation is concerned, color TV is apparently in mothballs where it undoubtedly belongs for the present. In the meantime, however, our research staff will continue work, and when color TV comes out of mothballs, I assure you that Philco will be ready."

An "Ad Hoc" color subcommittee of National Television System Committee has been laboring away with idea of pooling all knowledge and coming up with best com- patible system to recommend to NTSC. Membership : David Smith. Philco, chairman;

T. T. Goldsmith, DuMont; A. V. Loughren, Hazeltine ; Elmer Engstrom. RCA; I. J. Kaar. GE. One member reports mobilization seriously cutting in on his staff's efforts. "Men who were on color full-time are now on it only part-time."

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Interesting comments on color, from year-end (Jan. 3) issue of Variety:

Wayne Coy, FCC chairman: "I am confident that the Supreme Court will [sus- tain the FCC] and that it will dissolve the temporary restraining order issued by the Chicago court... As to the threat of war. I do not wish to speculate here on the preparedness program and the materials allocation problems. However, I think it is obvious that if black-and-white TV is to be regarded as a weapon of war, color TV is many times more powerful."

Sen. Edwin Johnson; "I condemn in no uncertain terms the chortles and gur- glings and glee of the manufacturing industry over delay and their well financed propaganda campaign to make it appear that the Commission refuses to look at im-

6

provements. Neither do I rejoice over their contention that the war mobilization picture makes moot the whole question of color TV progress and its scientific de- velopment. Nevertheless, as the electronic industry is brought more and more into defense production, manufacture of radio and TV receivers will be reduced sharply."

* * * 4>

CBS was soothed this week by NPA administrator Wm. Harrison, who wired reply to president Frank Stanton, who feared NPA was about to ban color set production (Vol. 6:51-52). Said Harrison: "NPA has taken no action bearing specifically on color TV, nor is any such action now under consideration."

CBS starts feeding color to Chicago Jan. 10, via coaxial, giving closed- circuit public demonstrations on main floor of Wrigley Bldg, simultaneously with Nev; York showings. Philadelphia demonstrations were stopped Dec. 30.

Network Acconnls: Campbell Soup Co. will sponsor

Henry Morgan Show on NBC-TV, Fri. 9-9:30, starting date not yet set; x’eplaces Bonafide Mills’ Bonny Maid Versatile Varieties . . . Procter & Gamble Co. Jan. 29 be- gins sponsorship of Mon.-Fri. 2-2:15 segments of CBS-TV’s Gayn-y Moore Show; Quaker Oats Jan. 15 starts Tue. & Thu. 2:15-2:30 editions of same program . . . Mutual Bene- fit Health & Accident Assn. Jan. 21 starts On the Line with Bob Considine on NBC-TV, Sun. 2:30-2:45 . . . Derby Foods Inc. (Peter Pan peanut butter) to sponsor Magic Slate on NBC-TV, alt. Sun. 5:30-6, starting Jan. 21 . . . U. S. Army & Air Force Recruiting Service Jan. 6 starts sponsorship of 9:30-10 segment of DuMont’s Saturday Night at the Garden . . . Landers, Frary & Clark (Univer- sal household appliances) Feb. 1 starts Universal Home- making on 23 DuMont stations, Thu. 2-2:15 . . . Conmar Products Corp. (zippers) and Maiden Form Brassiere Co. reported readying alternate week sponsorship of Theatre of Romance on ABC-TV, Sat. 11-11:30 a.m. . . . General Mills Jan. 5 started Live Like a Millionaire (child talent show) on CBS-TV, alt. Fri. 9:30-10 in lieu of previous programs.

Station Accounts: Sponsored in Los Angeles by Rose- field Packing Co. (Skippy peanut butter) new half-hour production originating at KTTV, titled Fojt Asked for It, will be shown on kine-recordings in 22 markets . . . Lewis Food Co. (dog & cat foods) continuing sponsorship of The Ruggles, with Charles Ruggles, on KGO-TV, San Francisco; KING-TV, Seattle; KFMB-TV, San Diego; KPHO-TV, Phoenix; with Kraft Food soon placing it on KECA-TV, Los Angeles . . . Melville Shoe Corp. (Thom McAn footwear) has contracted with WPIX for co-spon- sorship of 21 Madison Square Garden events, starting Feb. 4, taking Chevrolet spots; other sponsors are Webster Cigars and Standard Brands, with schedule 25% unsold . . . New spot business on WABD, New York, includes Elgin Watch Co., thru J. Walter Thompson; Chase National Bank, thru Hewitt, Ogilvie, Benson & Mather; National Sugar Refining Co., thru Young & Rubicam . . . Among other advertisers currently reported using or planning to use TV: Freemantel Voice Institute Inc. (home study courses in public speaking & singing), thru Moss Asso- ciates, N. Y.; Monarch Foods, Chicago, thru Weiss & Gellcr, Chicago; Standard Oil of Indiana (Red Crown gas), thru McCann-Erickson, Chicago; Manning-Bowman & Co., Meriden, Conn, (portable mixer & coffee maker), thru Foster & Davies Inc., Cleveland; Baray Pharmacal Co. (Swish mouthwash tablets), thru Olian Adv., Chicago; Holeproof Hosiery Co., thru Weiss & Geller, Chicago.

Three elections to v.p. were announced by NBC Jan. 6: John K. Herbert, appointed in November as gen. sales mgr. for radio network; George E. Frey, director of TV network sales; Frederic William Wile Jr., director of TV production.

Personal Notes: William B. Ryan named paid presi- dent of new Broadcast Advertising Bureau Inc., at $36,000 yearly salary, effective Feb. 1; he’ll continue temporax’ily as NAB general mgr. to which $25,000 a year post he was appointed last April fx-om general mgr., KFI & KFI-TV, Los Angeles (Vol. 6:16) . . . Ivor Kenway resigns as ABC v.p. to accept temporary appointment as public relations consultant. United Cerebral Palsy Assn. . . . Robert Ewing named TV sales mgr., Oliver Morton, radio sales mgr., NBC Centx'al Div. spot sales dept., in move splitting up sales force in Chicago . . . George E. Sleeper Jr. has resigned as v.p. & chief engineer of Color Television Inc. (CTI), San Francisco . . . Edward Cashman, with Kudner, x'eturns to Foote, Cone & Belding as TV-radio v.p., succeeding Robert Ballin, x’esigned to join J. Walter Thompson, N. Y. . . . Ralph W. Nimmons promoted to station mgr., WFAA-TV, Dallas; Alex Keese succeeds him as asst, mgr., George K. Utley taking over radio sales . . . Jack Harris, gen. mgr., Houston Post’s KPRC & KPRC-TV, elected to newspaper’s board of directors . . . Ernest Byfield Jr., ex-NBC and Weiss & Geller, joins W. Earl Bothwell Inc. as TV director . . . Jose diDonato, ex-Petry, now TV-radio director of Robert W. Orr Associates . . . Arnold Michaelis elected president of World Video Inc., Richard Lewine succeeding him as executive producer . . . William Van Praag resigns as president. General Business Films and v.p.. Television Features Inc. . . . Wm. H. Ensign, veteran network execu- tive, named ABC Eastern radio sales mgr.

“Peak danger period” of TV’s impact on other media and activities passed in 1950, researcher Jerry Jordan told convention of College Physical Education Assn, in Phila- delphia last week. Reason, he said, was that there prob- ably never again will be such a large portion of TV audi- ence in “novelty” stage (first year) of set ownership. Football attendance in Philadelphia areas was off 11% this year, he said, but he attributed only half of drop to TV. He argued vigox’ously against banning football tele- casts in 1951, saying: “It just doesn’t make sense to force a national ban on this area now and never find out whether TV will be helpful or harmful to football after the novelty has worn off.” Speech is being published and distxnbuted by RTMA, 1317 F St. NV/., Washington.

ABC ordered coast-to-coast TV network facilities from AT&T Dec. 2 — first TV network to do so — although hookup isn’t scheduled for completion until late 1951. Other net- works are expected to follow suit befox’e end of year. New facilities will link Omaha and San Francisco, via Denver and Salt Lake City microwave relay. ABC-TV sales v.p. Fred Thrower predicted “majority of our advertisex-s will convex't from a delayed progi'am basis to live progranxs” as soon as facilities are available.

FCC Chairman Wayne Coy addresses New York State Publishers Assn, in Buffalo Jan. 16; his subject will be mainly TV.

OPTIMISM IN CHICAGO/ TRADE WELL UPi Ru^^ed days are ahead for TV— radio production and trade — but optimism was prevailing note at distributor conventions this week.

Optimism persists despite the dark news from abroad, tightening Washington controls, rumblings from some factories (see p. 2).

For one thing, this week's trade took decided turn for better. Plentiful TV inventories were reported moving fast enough to hearten the hardest-hitting dealer. Reason wasn't hard to find:

Newspaper headlines about scarcities of raw materials and possible substi- tutes — if, indeed, merchandise would be available at all — have prodded many- recalcitrant customers into stores to get that long-deferred TV set. They're even saying they think they'll keep the old car, buy a TV for cash with down payment an auto would require ■ — and they're buying upper-line models.

Nor was that optimism dampened by what distributors heard from top factory folk at Chicago conventions this week. Though the common refrain was "defense must come first," they were told things looked right for a good first quarter 1951.

Beyond that, few would venture — although the always effervescent Jimmy Carmine told Philco distributors that the industry is geared to serve both military and civilian requirements; that, though industry can now only figure ahead "by quarters," he thought Philco distributors could "look to a good 6 months unless things get drastic."

Hence, though many distributors-dealers have complained they're overloaded with inventory, when it came to signing on the line for proffered goods, the dis- tributors signed for all they could get. Word was that neither Admiral nor Motorola met much resistance from distributors at their Chicago signing sessions. Philco . of course, stressed white goods at its Palmer House meets; its TVs came out several weeks ago (Vol. 6:52), as did RCA* s (Vol. 6:51).

Admiral astonished everyone by boldly coming out with 55 TV models, only 3 low-end table models being held over from old line and at same prices, plus 12 new radios (for details, see Topics & Trends, p. 10). Motorola has 18 models, all new, prices up |5 to $40 (see Topics & Trends), plus complete new line of auto radios.

Westinghouse, Hallicraf ters and Bendix also had new receivers this week, and several dozen more will have them this month — some displaying at Chicago's Amer- ican Furniture Mart, Merchandise Mart and hotel showrooms next 2 weeks.

4c| :<(( 4c

Defense emergency's impact on civilian economy was main theme of Admiral, Philco, Motorola conventions, each attended by full delegations. Most heartening words we heard came from Philco 's president Balderston:

"We have every reason to believe that during this rearmament period we will have a mixed economy, part civilian and part military. . .We propose to reserve as much of our presently-existing facilities for civilian production as possible and use newly-acquired facilities for defense work. Of course, if at any time the Govt, requires all of our facilities, we will make them available without hesitation.

"On the basis of present govt, planning for the next 18 months, there will be $10 spent on civilian goods and services for every $1 spent for defense produc- tion. The productive capacity of this country has increased so much during the last 10 years that experts agree there is sufficient capacity to take on defense program ahead of us and still keep the civilian economy in healthy, vigorous condition."

This view was encouraged by the Washington reports that mobilization chief Charles E. Wilson had stated that, even though we may have to go through a "period

- 7 -

- 8 -

of scarcity," he wanted to "make it crystal clear that it is our intention and hope that it won't be necessary to maintain an economy of scarcity,"

* * * *

Admiral's Ross Siragusa told some 1000 delegates and guests:

"Barring a complete and wholly unexpected reversal in the international situation, there is no question but what production of hard goods such as TV re- ceivers and appliances will be sharply curtailed during the next few months." But he thought first quarter has enough manpower and materials to maintain production reasonably close to "best rates we reached in third and fourth quarters last year."

Siragusa warned against expecting goods will move without sales effort, said Admiral "looks for business in the first half of 1951 to be a slugging match for the consumer's dollar." But the demand is there, he said — despite tightening of purse strings, credit controls, and the draft which accelerates marriage rate but actually reduces rate at which new homes are established because the new groom must return to his camp. Nevertheless —

"Not only is TV the most wanted consumer durable on the American market today, but it also has one of the lowest saturations. Only one-third of the fam- ilies within a 40-mi. radius of the 63 cities [with telecasting] have TV receivers. Many sets are outmoded 7 & 10-in. models, which means that a large replacement market is rapidly building up... The TV market has scarcely been scratched. We will be years reaching the 95% saturation that radio now has."

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Motorola's convention, which we weren't privileged to attend, was told that first quarter TV output would be 20-50% below last two quarters, but company had planned it that way last Sept., has commitments assuring this year's first quarter better than last year's. Fact is, president Paul Galvin reported, the Washington procurement picture is shaping up and "the brains of the country are coming to the forefront, as always." Motorola spokesmen promised "a busy 6 months ahead."

* * *

It may or may not be beginning of a slide — but fourth December week, which was the full pre-Xmas week ending Dec. 22. showed exceptional drop in output. RTMA projected figures for week show only 169,655 TVs, 501,601 radios, down from preceding week's 203,290 & 351,354 (Vol. 6:52). We're told invent ory-t aking may account for drop. Fifth and final week figures aren't available at this writing, so that it's impossible to close year's estimates. For first 51 weeks of 1950, however, output adds up to 7,402,724 TVs, 14,186,499 radios.

SHAPE & SIZE OF 1951 PICTURE TUBES: "Tube of 1951" will be 17-in. rectangular unless something drastic happens. Last year's mass item, 16-in. round or rectangular, is well on its way out. Coming up fast is 20-in. rectangular, but 19-in. round will comprise bulk of "big end" of some receiver lines for quite a while. Second quarter may see 21-in. rectangular emerge into sizable production.

That's present outlook, as derived from current production and plans of leading glass and tube makers.

Coming's 17-in. rectangular is now its biggest item, but 20-in. rectangular already comprises some 25% of total bulb production. Demand for 14-in. is quite small, while 10, 12)4 & 16-in. rounds are still being made, many for replacement.

American Structural Products Co. (Owens-Illinois' Kimble) is in heavy 17-in. production, still produces 16-in. rectangular for those set-makers who haven't yet built sets to take 17-in. Some 19-in. rectangulars are being turned out, but no great amount. Company is considering 21-in. rectangular, but hasn't yet decided it warrants expensive tooling. Increased demand for 14-in. — nothing striking — has been noted.

Neither glass maker is worried about shortages. Glass uses almost no stra- tegic materials, wasn't short during last war. As one official put it: "Set produc- tion will be limited by many other materials, but not by glass."

RCA's 17-in. metal-coned rectangular is its principal item, featured in new line (Vol. 6:51). It will continue 16-in. rounds for those manufacturers who need

- 9 -

them. RCA's "big" tube will continue to be 19-in. round, during first quarter at least. Present plans call for 21-in. metal-coned rectangular during second quarter. It may employ electrostatic focusing, because of cobalt shortage (see p. 1).

For 1951 as a whole, biggest tube-maker RCA expects this lineup; 14, 17 & 21-in., all rectangular. They would succeed this year's 12%, 16 & 19, all round.

Pittsburgh Plate, big supplier of face plates for metal-coned tubes, says 16-in. round, which has been its major production item (19-in. close second), will shortly be nosed out by 17-in. rectangular. Company says it has been rushed, since it's only maker of rectangular face plates. One reason for slow emergence of 21-in. metal-coned rectangular, officials say, is lack of capacity for its face plates. Company has sizable expansion program under way, to be completed in spring.

* ♦ * ♦

Basic sizes are foregoing. You can expect a few 24, 28, 30-in. , but not many. Big question for everyone, of course, is nature of future public demand. Higher prices, credit controls, etc., tend to accentuate demand for smaller, cheaper sets. But scarce materials, meaning fewer units, encourage manufacturers to push higher-priced sets to keep dollar volume up even if unit production goes down. Ability to judge those two factors is sort of thing that separates the men from the boys in the manufacturing business.

Financial & Trade Notes: In recounting P h i 1 c o ’ s

achievements during 1950 — “our greatest year” — president Wm. Balderston told distributors convention in Chicago Jan. 4 that its TV business increased nearly 300% in 1950 over 1949, radio 25%, refrigerators 40%, freezers 20%, air conditioners 50%, ranges 300%, accessories 20%. Even telecasting (WPTZ, Philadelphia) has completed “its sec- ond year in the black — ^very substantially in the black.”

Philco sales volume will run about $335,000,000, up 56% from the $215,000,000 of 1949, he reported, and profits will be about $4.18 per share on new split (2-for-l) stock after allowing for normal corporation tax and new excess profits tax. (1949 net earnings were $3.17 a share on 1,678,778 old shares.) Annual dividend rate has been set at $1.60 per share, and special year-end stock dividend of 6% is to be paid Jan. 10. Working capital is up from 1949’s $33,700,000 to “well over $40,000,000 as of Jan. 1, 1951.” Mr. Balderston noted that an increasing number of Philco distributors have become stockholders.

Pre-Korea, Mr. Balderston stated, Philco had an ex- pansion plan involving $16,000,000 for increased facilities for making ranges, tubes, TV coils and tuners, TV receiv- ers, and a multi-million dollar plan for refrigeration. “Now,” he said, “in view of the tremendous demands which the Govt, is placing on us for electronic and radar equip- ment, we are, of course, revising our expansion program . . . [It] is being restudied and will not be released again until such time as the govt, requirements are more clearly determined.”

* * if

Avco’s switch from an obscure holding company to a big hard-selling manufacturer of consumer durable goods, all in 5 quick years, is theme of article in January Fortune — “Avco’s Expanding Universe.” Article calls move “al- most unique in U. S. corporate history, the more so be- cause no shareholder blood has been spilled along the way.” Article goes into personality of top management, structure of company, plans, history. Avco has grown from sales of $53,000,000 and $1,300,000 loss in 1946 to estimated $250,000,000 sales and $14,000,000 net in 1950 — with Crosley Mfg. Div. accounting for $7,500,000 of net. Story gives most space to Crosley, telling how it rose to third place from also-ran position in refrigerators; how Crosley Broadcasting Corp. continues to be big money maker; how its James Shouse ranks No. 3 in Avco, after chairman Victor Emanuel and treasurer Walter Mogen-

sen. Besides Crosley, Avco comprises; New Idea Div. (farm implements) ; American Central Div. (kitchen cabi- nets, sinks); Lycoming-Spencer Div. (engines, boilers); New York Shipbuilding (warships); ACF-Brill Motors (streetcars, buses); and newly-purchased Bendix Home Appliances (washing machines).

* « Id

Leonard Ashbach’s Wilcox-Gay Corp. and wholly- owned Garod Radio Corp., including Majestic Division, re- ports net sales of $6,077,227 and net profit after taxes of $525,185 from Sept. 1, 1950, date of merger, to Dec. 31, 1950. Both Charlotte, Mich, and Brooklyn plants are cur- rently producing TV-radio receivers as well as military electronic equipment.

Sylvania president Don G. Mitchell reports company’s expanded operations will result in better than $150,000,000 sales for 1950, highest ever, and comparing with $102,- 778,320 in 1949 when net income was $3,502,840.

Magnavox ended 1950 with sales in excess of $40,000,- 000, of which about $25,000,000 was produced during last 6 months, reports president Frank Freimann.

Aerovox Corp. reveals profit of $1,470,741 ($2.19 per share) on sales of $17,033,000 for first 9 months of 1950. November sales hit new high at $2,400,000.

Cornell-Dubilier reports net income of $1,757,524 ($3.96 per common share) for year ended Sept. 30, 1950 vs. $450,785 (86<f) for 1949 fiscal year.

CBS has granted options on 7000 shares of Class B stock to president Frank Stanton and 3000 to executive v.p. Joseph H. Ream, purchase price set at $24.75 and ex- piration date Dec. 8, 1957. At last reports, Mr. Stanton owned 810 Class A shares, Mr. Ream 100.

ABC sold $35,124,625 worth of radio, $6,470,510 worth of TV time during 1950, compared with $42,342,225 & $1,- 391,991, respectively, during 1949.

Dividends: Stromberg-Carlson, 10% common stock dividend payable Feb. 1 to stock of record Jan. 15; Hofif- man Radio, 25<i payable Jan. 10 to holders of Dec. 27; Howard W. Sams & Co., lOij payable Dec. 28 to holders of Dec. 20; Zenith, 50<* payable Jan. 31 to holders of Jan. 10; Olympic Radio, 25(* payable Jan. 16 to holders of Jan. 5; Tung-Sol, 25^ payable Feb. 1 to holders Jan. 15 — paid 50(‘ last August, $1.25 in November.

- 10 -

Topics & Trends of TV Trnde: Admiral bucks trend

to fewer models, showing line of 35 TVs and 12 new table radios — only 3 of TVs being carryovers — at opening of dis- tributors convention in Chicago Jan. 4. All TV chassis are virtually same, with 20 receiving tubes, and prices (excise tax included) hold quite close to those last quoted on comparable previous models (Vol. 6:44). In fact, low end of line, the 3 plastic table models carried over, re- tain same prices, namely. Models 14R12, 14-in., mahogany, ?199.95; 16R11, 16-in, ebony, $239.95; 16R12, 16-in. ma- hogany, $249.95.

Only other table models, both plastic and both new, are 17-in. — 17K11, ebony, $269.95; 17K12, mahogany, $279.95. Remainder of Admiral line are all 17 & 20-in., all wood save low-end console, main feature being new gold framing of picture tube to give illusion of bigger picture, and tilted to overcome glare. The line:

TV-only consoles, 17-in.: Model 27K12, plastic, ma- hogany finish, $299.95; 27K15, modem, open faced, walnut, $339.95; 27K16, same, mahogany, $349.95; 27K17, same, blonde, $359.95; 27K25, modern, half doors, walnut, $369.95; 27K26, same, mahogany, $389.95; 27K27, same, blonde, $409.95; 27K35, traditional, half doors, walnut, $379.95; 27K36, same, mahogany, $399.95; 27K46, period, long doors, mahogany, $419.95.

TV-only consoles, 20-in.: 221K16, semi-modem, open, mahogany, $439.95; 221K35, traditional, half doors, wal- nut, $469.95; 221K36, same, mahogany, $489.95; 221K26, period, full doors, mahogany, $509.95; 221K28, Provincial, maple with fruitwood finish, full doors, $525.

Combinations are all offered with AM and 3-speed phono, FM optional and obtainable in same cabinets but with added circuit in “Dynamagic” chassis at $30 more. The combinations are topped by three 20-in. receivers called “Tele-Bar” which incorporate a completely equipped built-in bar with shelves, glass racks, storage space, etc. It’s offered in mahogany, blonde or silver fox at $845, $895, $895, respectively, and its “publicity” value as a window item is regarded enormous. Admiral’s combinations are:

17-in.: 37K15, semi-traditional, 2 half doors, walnut, $449.95; 37K16, same, mahogany, $469.95; 37K27, modern, half doors, blonde, $499.95; 37K35, traditional, 4 doors, walnut, $499.95; 37K36, same, mahogany, $519.95; 37K38, French Provincial, fruitwood finish, $525.

20-in.: 321K35, semi-modern, 2 half doors, walnut, $599.50; 321K36, same, mahogany, $619.50; 321K15, tradi- tional, 4 doors, walnut, $695; 321K16, same, mahogany, $725; 321K27, modem, 2 long doors, blonde, $795; 321K18, period, long doors, fruitwood, $795; 321K46, mahogany Tele-Bar, $845; 321K47, same, blonde, $895; 321K49, same, silver fox, $895.

Admiral’s all-new line of radios was predicated, said v.p. Dick Graver, on conviction that “demand will be as strong as 1950, perhaps stronger, due to international news.” But no radio consoles were in line, which has five table models at $20, $23, $25, $28 & $30 ; two clock radios (first for Admiral) at $40 & $45; two table radio-phono- graphs at $80 & $90; 3 portables (not to be delivered until March) at $30, $33 & $37.

* ♦ ♦ ♦

Tele-tone moves to Bay way Terminal, Elizabeth, N. J., Jan. 31, but maintains sales offices at present New York address (540 W. 58th St.). New 250,000 sq. ft. plant will employ 2500 people at capacity, will have $1,000,000 worth of equipment, company states.

Featuring Hallicrafters’ trade meetings is clever parody on recent acrimonious Halligan-Coy exchange of correspondence on color TV (see Special Report, Vol. 6:44). Verses are sung to tune of Mr. Gallaher & Mr. Shean.

Motorola showed all-new 18-set line to distributors Jan. 4 at Congress Hotel, Chicago. Line comprises one 14-in., eleven 17-in., six 20-in., with prices on most sets $10-30 above comparable models in last year’s line after price rises last November (Vol. 6:44). Featured item is 20-in. table model with demountable legs at $379.95. Big sales gimmick is concave safety glass, said to reduce re- flections by 98%. Motorola officials had distributors hold- ing up lighted matches in darkened auditorium to prove worth of “Glare-Guard” device. Here are the sets (prices include excise tax):

14-in.: 14T3X1, mahogany plastic table, $219.95.

17-in.: 17T3X, mahogany plastic table, $259.95; 17T4, mahogany wood table, $289.95; 17K5, mahogany console, $329.95; 17K6, maple console, different cabinet, $399.95; 17K7, mahogany console, $379.95; 17K7B, blonde console, $399.95; 17F6, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $529.95; 17F6B, blonde console, AM-FM-phono, $549.95; 17F7B, blonde console, AM-FM-phono, different cabinet, $579.95; 17F8, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, different cabinet, $579.95; 17F9, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, different cabinet, $499.95.

20-in.: 20T1, mahogany table (demountable legs), $379.95; 20T1B, blonde table (demountable legs), $399.95; 20K1, mahogany console, $429.95; 20K1B, blonde console, $449.95; 20K2, mahogany console, different cabinet, $489.95; 20F2, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $700.

* * * ♦

Westinghouse showed new line of 7 sets, plus 3 held over from 1950 line, to Jan. 5 distributors meeting at Chicago’s Blackstone Hotel. Sets averaged $20-$90 more than comparable models after last price hike (Vol. 6:42). Here are the sets:

16- in. rect.: 643K16, mahogany console, $375.

17- in. rect.: 635T17 (Dorset), plastic mahogany table, $259.95; 640T17 (Andover), wood mahogany table, $279.95; 639T17 (Fenway), wood blonde table, $299.95; 641K17 (Brentwood), mahogany console, $369.95; 646K17 (Shel- ton), mahogany console, half doors, $399.95; 647K17 (Warwick), blonde console, half doors, $425; 633C17 (Manorcrest), mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $535; 634C17 (Lansdowne), blonde, AM-FM-phono, $560.

20-in.: 642K20 (Stratton), mahog. console, doors, $495.

Westinghouse holds next meeting Jan. 12 at New York’s Barbizon Plaza; Jan. 27 at Western Furniture Mart, San Francisco.

* * * *

Bendix’s 1951 line consists of 6 sets — 2 carried over from last year with $20 price increases. Sets, which in- clude excise tax, are: 17-in.: T170, plactic table, $239.95; 2070, mahogany wood table, $279.95; C174, mahogany con- sole, $299.95; 7001, mahogany console, doors, $339.95; C172, mahogany console, doors, French Provincial, $399.95. Models 2070 and 7001 were introduced last October (Vol. 6:43). 20-in.: C200, mahogany console, doors, $479.95.

Despite fact that TV excise tax was collected for first time. Govt, received $532,000 less in 10% manufacturers’ taxes on civilian electronic equipment and components in November ($5,359,960) than in October ($5,892,095). This is mainly because manufacturers have until Dec. 30 to file November’s tax, so large majority of TV tax collections won’t be reflected until December figures are released. Figure for November 1949 was $3,139,966.

Tele King chairman Louis I. Pokrass was reported in Jan. 5 dispatch from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, as an- nouncing his company has organized corporation there to make TV-radio receivers and other electronic devices.

No new Majestic sets for 1951, president Leonard Ashbach announces. Present line carries over unchanged.

11

New advertising standards have been added by Na- tional Better Business Bureau — result of first ad run by American Television Dealers & Mfrs. which roused storm of disapproval when it appeared pre-Xmas (Vol. 6:47). BBB says copy theme of ad was scoffed at by psychia- trists, condemned by educators, found to be more offensive to more pex’sons than any previous published advertising known to the Bureau. New BBB “commandments” are that advertising should not: (1) Undermine child-parent relations. (2) Imply neglect of family responsibilities, or that failure to buy a product contributes to maladjust- ments. (3) Make use of inaccurate assumptions regarding psychological problems. (4) Use themes tending to upset stability, unity of family life. (5) Be used irresponsibly.

Appliance manufacturers are cutting back production under shortage blow. Westinghouse laid off 350 workers in Springfield, Mass., plant (refrigerator units, vacuum cleaners, milk coolers, fans). GE’s vacuum cleaner divi- sion discharged 60 workers because of aluminum and other shortages. Apex Manufacturing (vacuum cleaners, wash- ers) has laid off 200 men, 7% of working force. Frig- idaire said it will have to lay off 500 temporary employes at Dayton plant next week.

Plant expansions: Utility Electronics Corp., engaged entirely in govt, contract work, has leased 90,000 sq. ft. of factory space at 900 Passaic St., Newark, tripling its present area at 240 Passaic St. . . . Stewart- Warner dur- ing March transferring Chicago TV-radio manufacturing operations to new 100,000 sq. ft. factory (former Apex Paper Box Co. plant) on city’s west side, housing all di- vision’s 1500 employes . . . CE buys 5 buildings, 3 one-story warehouses at Hudson Falls, N. Y., from Union Bag & Paper Corp., will use them for manufacture of capacitors.

November retail TV-radio sales plunged 26% below October in independent stores in 45 cities of more than 100,000 population, Commerce Dept, survey shows — graph- ically illustrating effect of Regulation W, combined with excise tax and color confusion. Sales were 8% below No- vember 1949 figure, with first 11 months’ sales 27% higher than same 1949 period.

B

Trade Personals: .John A. Kuneau, ex-J. Walter Thompson v.p. handling Eastman and Ford accounts, named Philco director of public relations, taking over part of duties of v.p. Courtnay Pitt . . . H. J. Allemang, senior partner of management consulting firm of Steven- son, Jordan & Harrison, elected Philco v.p. . . . Robert Brown, ex-Philco & RCA, new Capehart-Farnsworth direc- tor of purchases, succeeding E. S. Needier, resigned . . . Verne Roberts, Wilcox-Cay sales mgr., has resigned . . . Lynn Eaton, Andrea sales mgr., given added duty of mobilization director in charge of govt, contracts . . . Her- bert Rosengren promoted by DuMont to head newly created cabinet styling dept. . . . A. D. Plamondon III appointed Midwest sales mgr., Indiana Steel Products.

With RCA engineering products v.p. W. W. (Wally) Watts called to staff of DP A chief Cen. Harrison, as of Jan. 8 (see p. 4), it’s expected that his department’s gen. sales mgr. T. A. (Ted) Smith will take over his duties. This week, RCA Victor v.p.-gen. mgr. Walter A. Buck realigned other top personnel, setting up new mobilization planning dept, to handle govt, relations and production. As of Jan. 1, distribution v.p. Robert A. Seidel became special asst, to Admiral Buck; Harold M. Winters was as- signed to Joseph Elliott’s staff as director of consumer products distribution; H. V. Somerville joined v.p. L. W. Teegarden’s staff as director of technical products dis- tribution; added to duties of v.p. Charles M. Odorizzi was administration of regional offices; Ralston H. Coffin was assigned as director of consumer products advertising, Julius Haber as director of technical products advertising.

MobiliZBiion NoIgs: is it secret? Commerce Dept. Jan. 5 set up clearing house to help public “guard voluntarily against release of information which would endanger na- tional security.” Commerce Dept, cites examples of ques- tions already submitted to Covt., including this one: “A maker of electronics equipment asked whether a proposed radio broadcast on technological aspects of his products would be a security violation.” Inquiries should be ad- dressed to Office of Technical Services, U. S. Dept, of Com- merce, Washington 25, D. C. OTS will check them with proper govt, specialists and agencies, then forward an- swer to inquirer.

Maybe you’ve never heard of barium carbonate, but — like almost everything else — it’s in short supply and NPA is getting ready to slap limitations on its civilian use. Advisory committee from barium carbonate industry blamed shortage on rapid expansion of TV industry. It’s used to coat cathodes in almost all electron tubes. For this use there are no known substitutes. It was once used to bind flourescent screens to glass on picture tubes, but was supplanted by other compounds. Large quantities of the chemical were used in munitions during World War II, but Munitions Board spokesmen said formula changes would result in lower military demand.

Defense Minerals Administration has added more than 50 minerals to list covered by anti-hoarding and anti- profiteering provisions of Defense Production Act of 1950 (DMA order No. 1). For the most part they were the raw and ore forms of those materials listed by National Pro- duction Authority in similar action last week (Vol. 6:52). Included are iron ores and concentrates, cobalt, nickel, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, mica, etc. in crude form.

Civil defense communications aids, engineering and equipment will be provided communities by CE through committee headed by marketing manager E. H. Vogel and including representatives of all CE Electronics Dept.’s op- erating divisions. Named to new post of civil defense planning coordinator was Neal F. Harmon, former sales engineer in Atlanta. Backbone of civil defense communi- cations is expected to be 2-way equipment, which CE pro- poses to make in former tube plant at Utica, N. Y.

America’s civilian air transport system was author- ized by NPA Jan. 5 to use “DO” (defense order) top prior- ity ratings to procure equipment, including electronics, for maintenance and expansion of commercial airlines and Federal Airways System (NPA Delegation 6).

Labor relations and the mobilization economy is sub- ject of RTMA’s seventh annual Industrial Relations Con- ference scheduled for Jan. 17-18 at New York’s Statler Hotel. Speakers will be Ewan Clague, commissioner of labor statistics. Labor Dept.; William A. Comberg, man- agement engineering director. International Ladies Gar- ment Workers Union (AFL); Prof. George W. Taylor, U of Pennsylvania.

Hundreds of its technicians are on duty as civilian assistants to military in Korea and 16 other countries throughout world, reports RCA Service Co., through v.p. P. B. Reed, who recently returned from inspection tour of Pacific and Far East bases. He said company now has more men on military work in the field than at any time during World War II.

Govt, procurement and industrial mobilization machin- ery will come under scrutiny of Senate Small Business Committee in public hearings beginning Jan. 17. Top mobilization officials Charles E. Wilson, Wm. H. Harrison and W. Stuart Symington will be questioned whether Na- tional Production Authority regulations are hurting small business and encouraging grey or black markets.

12

Telecasting Notes: A few headlines and excerpts from

290-page 45th anniversary edition of Variety Jan. 3, which more or less set tone of its fulsome treatment of TV : “The TV Winter of Our Discontent. Some Reflections on the New Turbulence That’s Gripped Show Business in an Era W’hen ‘Radio Is Only Half Destroyed and TV Is Only Half Built’ ” — by Carroll Carroll . . . “RCA Prexy Envisions Radio’s Importance Anew in the 1951 War Effort; Tele’s Next Big Advance” — by Frank Folsom . . . “Despite Ex- hibs’ Gripes, the Nation’s Leading Theatre Execs Seek to Harness TV” . . . “Television’s Senile Celluloid, or Drag- ging Out Those Old Pix” — by Eugene Burr . . . Now it’s official: Soviet Tass News Agency, reporting on American “depravity, decadence, pessimism and escapism from life” in 1950, observes that TV is creating “a new threat to the already low level of culture in the United States” and creating a “generation of imbeciles” . . . Billboard reports 4-year contract between Burr Tillstrom and NBC-TV probably makes ci’eator of Kukla, Fran & Ollie the high- est paid puppeteer in the world — at $10,000 per week first

2 years, $11,000 third year, $12,600 fourth . . . New Tele- vision Authority (TV A) wage scale is reported by Bill- hoard to have added $2926 to Westinghouse’s weekly bill, formerly about $16,000, for Studio One on CBS-TV . . . NBC’s Los Angeles KNBH shortly will drop a.m. pro- grams, will sign on at 12 noon and run to midnight; it’s now operating 9:30-12:30 p.m., silent until 4 . . . CBS fired

3 announcers and 3 engineers of its Chicago AM station WBBM for letting profane remarks of one announcer get out over air during Rose Bowl game station-break . . . Howdy Doody has so impressed Wall Street that new firm, Kagran Corp., was formed, bought rights to all names and characters on program from co-owners Martin Stone and Bob Smith; new owner contracted to give NBC exclusive TV rights . . . First winner of Majestic’s “Mighty Mon- arch of the Air” award, based on poll of TV editors, is John Cameron Swayze for his Camel Caravan on NBC-TV ; monthly awards are backed up by Majestic ads in TV cities . . . Baltimore’s 3 TV stations will combine to carry inauguration of Maryland’s Governor-elect McKeldin from Annapolis Jan. 10; for WMAR-TV, key station, it’s 900th

First week of Phonevision evoked many laudatory comments on Zenith’s pay-as-you-look TV. Particularly praised was clarity of pictures, attributed to new prints being used. Public comments were summed up by remarks of Mrs. George M. White, of one of the 300 “guinea pig” families:

“Phonevision beats going to the movies the regular way. We like being able to relax at home while watching the show. I think we would be willing to pay $1 several times each week to see movies this way.”

But Zenith itself discounted early viewer enthusiasm. In application to FCC this week, asking for extension of 90-day test to March 31, chief engineer J. E. Brown care- fully explains that “little of significance” will be gained first month, since novelty effect will be high. However, after first month, after first bill for service comes in, “test families will tend to become more conservative.” There- fore, third month will be “the most significant and de- pendable” for evaluation purposes.

Each of the 300 test families got booklet for first Jan. 1-6 week, titled Zenith Presents Phonevision. It listed pic- tures and stars, contained also reproductions of advertis- ing previously used for exploitation when pictures were first shown in regular theatres.

Inside front cover contained statement emphasizing that tests are experimental, that FCC had not approved Fdionevision commercially, that there was no assurance FCC would approve system. Back cover carries KS2XBS

remote telecast . . . WOR-TV, New York, has filed plans with city authorities for 2-story TV studio and office build- ing at Columbus Ave. & 68th St., now parking lot, to re- place present studios at 28 W. 68th . . . CBS reports 36 employes, mostly reserves, have gone into military serv- ice since Aug. 4 . . . Cincinnati’s W'LW (Crosley) has com- pleted own studios in Washington’s Wardman Park Hotel.

More Jan. 1 rate rises: WLWT, Cincinnati, base hourly rate from $550 to $700, one-minute rate from $70 to $100 (with special new premium $250 rate); WLWC, Columbus, and WLWD, Dayton, $375 to $500 & $50 to $75 (with spe- cial new premium $200 rate) ; WKRC-TV, Cincinnati, $500 to $700 & $65 to $78; WCPO-TV, Cincinnati $500 to $700 & $70 to $77; WTCN-TV, Minneapolis-St. Paul, $500 to $650 & $100 to $130. [For digests of all station rate cards, and full network rate cards, see TV Factbook No. 12.'\

“Hoffman Plan” isn’t the answer. Pacific Coast Con- ference said in effect Jan. 5 when it banned televising of its 1951 football games. Hoffman plan (Vol. 6:35,51) guaranteed gate receipts of 30 games telecast last year, but conference commissioner Victor 0. Schmidt said “the conference is not so disturbed over financial losses as in the fact of half-filled stadia.”

Merrill (Red) Mueller, NBC newsman in San Fran- cisco, recently news chief in London and during war NBC’s correspondent with SHAEF, will shortly become personal aide to Gen. Eisenhower, handling public relations. His job, probably as an Army officer, will be comparable to that held by Comdr. Harry Butcher during war.

Jan. 1 sets-in-use reported since NBC Research’s “census” of Dec. 1 (Vol. 6:51): Memphis, 70,144, up 5744; Omaha, 56,789, up 8589; Dallas, 56,456, up 4756; Miami, 50,000, up 5000; Fort Worth, 44,088, up 3888; Utica, 33,000, up 2800. Correction: Dec. 1 San Francisco sets-in-use (Vol. 6:51) should have been 127,000, not 147,000 reported.

Ashtabula (O.) Star-Beacon’s WICA filed this week for Channel 8 in that city. Owners are R. B. & D. C. Row- ley, also publishers of Conneaut News-Herald, Geneva Free Press, Painesville Telegraph, all in Ohio.

test pattern (Channel 2), with this “sales” message: “Phonevision can bring you the best in low cost home entertainment.”

Pictures listed for first week, besides those reported last week (Vol. 6:52), were Eagle- Lion’s Lost Honeymoon, with Franchot Tone; Warner’s The Unsuspected, with Joan Caulfield & Claude Rains; Warner’s Silver River, with Errol Flynn & Ann Sheridan; Paramount’s Dear Ruth, with William Holden & Joan Caulfield; Paramount’s I Walk Alone, with Burt Lancaster & Lisbeth Scott.

New York Times Jan. 3 quoted several reactions. Motorola president Paul Galvin said he and his wife were delighted and added: “I think it is an added feature any TV set owner would appreciate and I hope it will be ap- proved by the FCC.” CBS Chicago v.p. H. Leslie Atlass said, “It’s fine, but I don’t think it fits our broadcasting system or that it can be accepted by the FCC.”

One father, non-subscriber, complained that his chil- dren watched the picture even though it “jiggled.” But Zenith says image can be hashed up much worse.

Washington Post editorialized Jan. 1: “TV programs are enormously expensive. This means that sponsors can scarcely afford to cater to minority interests. But, if listeners are willing to pay for programs, they can get w'hat they want. They can get symphony concerts, for example: they can get educational courses by top teachei's in their own living rooms; they can get forum discus- sions . . .”

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY RADIO NEWS BUREAU, 1S19 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W., WASHINGTON 6. D.C. TELEPHONE MICHIGAN 2020 • VOL. 7, NO. 2

January 13, 1951

/ $3 Billion TV-Radio Trade in 1950, page 1.

) How ‘Utility’ TVs Can Save Materials, page 2. In This Issue: ■ ‘Mountain-to-Mohammed’ Eases Freeze, 2^age 2.

I McDaniel Due to Be RTMA President, page 3.

Paley’s Govt. Job, Coy May Shift, page 3. Educational TV — Hopes But No Plans, page U- Wholesalers Urge Replacement Surety, page 6. No Recession in Output or Trade, page 6.

TV FACTBOOK No. 12 NOW IN MAILS: Good idea of stature of TV and related industries can be had from these recapitulations of contents of our Television Factbook No. 12. now in mails to all full-service subscribers; 107 telecasting stations with time rates ranging from S195 to $5250 per hour, 4 networks, 5 stations in Latin America, 575 applications for new stations pending (frozen), 98 TV receiver manufacturers.

37 cathode ray tube manufacturers, 10 receiving tube manufacturers, 450 film-program syndicators. These are only part of the contents of 72-page directory, which also includes present and proposed VHF-UHF channel allocations ; lists of station sales representatives, research firms, labor unions, etc. ; tables of TV-radio receiver production by months since 1946; latest count of TV sets-in-use by areas. Inserted is 34x22-in. map in color, showing TV areas and present projected network inter- connections. Cost of extra copies to subscribers is $2.50, to non-subscribers $5.

$3 BILLION TV-RADIO TRADE IN 1950: Recapitulating RTMA*s weekly and monthly estimates of TV-radio output during 1950, we come up with grand total of 7,408,690 TV sets, 14,554,972 radios. Accepting these preliminary RTMA figures, we calculate that the factory dollar volume of TV-radio receivers combined was $1,676,852,225 — meaning retail trade (including installations, service, warranties) of well over $5 billion.

TV receivers accounted for $1,517,635,516 (78.6%) of factory total, radios amounted to $559,216,709 (21.4%). These totals are derived by using average factory sales price of $177.85 per TV set, $24.68 per radio. Factory averages are those for first 10 months of 1950, derived from RCA licensee reports — probably would be somewhat higher if November-December figures were available.

Interesting facts about 1950 TV-radio production;

(a) One TV was sold for every 2 radios (including table, console, combina- tion, battery, portable and auto radios) — despite fact telecasting service is as yet available to only 63 areas embracing not much more than half U.S. population.

(b) December was highest production month (5 weeks), accounting for 879,075 TVs, 1,602,055 radios — final December week (post-Xmas) falling to low of 105,968 TVs, 201,482 radios.

(c) Average factory price of TV table models was $159.49, direct-view con- soles $189.50, direct-view TV-radio-phono combinations $271.72.

(d) Though they seemingly have all but disappeared from market, somewhere around 12,000 projection TV sets were sold by factories during year.

(e) Phonographs only, record players, AM-FM-TV apparatus without cabinets amount to rather substantial business, though not usually reported; for first 10 months of 1950, 95,824 such units valued at factory at $16,784,305 were shipped.

(f) Cumulative total of all TV receivers produced since 1946, when industry had its postwar rebirth, can roughly be estimated at about 11,600,000. [For yearly breakdowns, see TV Factbook No. 12.]

Note ; Foregoing 1950 unit production figures are subject to revisions by RTMA statistical committee, probably upward.

Copyright 1951 by Radio Newe Bureau

- 2 -

HOW 'UTILITY' TVs CAN SAVE MATERIALS: Just about every TV manufacturer with a lab- oratory has a "utility receiver" (Vol. 6:47) in the works — on drawing boards or ready for production. But, like Philco, which was first to tell about it (Vol. 7:1) no one wants to put out such a set if it can be helped. They say they'd rather cut output first — and indeed Crosley, Hallicraf ters . Motorola. Olympic . among others, have done this already.

But probability that defense requirements may make necessary such materials- conserving receivers has forewarned manufacturers. Their ingenuity has led them to such considerations as these:

(a) Selenium rectifier in lieu of transformer. Selenium rectifiers, still in good supply, are used as voltage doublers. Saving here would be copper and steel. Motorola, Emerson, et al, had transformerless sets several years ago.

(b) Electrostatic cathode ray tube in lieu of present magnetic-types (Vol. 7:1). This saves alnico (alximinum, nickel, cobalt). But circuit changes are neces- sary, so most want to hold out against electrostatic tube as long as possible. One manufacturing-engineering executive opined answer might be use of electrostatic tube in some sets, continuance of electromagnetic in others. Many early 7 & 8)4-in. tubes were electrostatic, so there's plenty of know-how.

(c) Loudspeakers with smaller magnets (Vol. 6:52). This, too, saves alnico.

(d) Reduction in number of tubes. This could be accomplished easily, with set still suitable for metropolitan area viewing (10-20 mi. from transmitter). It would, however, cut down sale of such sets for fringe viewing.

These are the tqa.jor changes in TV-radio's conservation program. There are others — elimination of built-in antenna, use of finer gauge wire, for example.

Philco 's president Wm. Balderston told Chicago distributor convention last week (Vol. 7:1) how his engineers' efforts make possible a receiver using 85% less cobalt & nickel. 67% less silicon steel, 25% less copper & aluminum.

Note ; "Utility" set should not be confused with "austerity" model. Latter would actually be a degraded set; former, theoretically at least, should be not less efficient than present sets.

'NOUNTAIN TO-MOHAMMED' EASES FREEZE: A sort of "antidote to the freeze" — limited, to be sure, but possessing intriguing possibilities — is the "community" receiving antenna. It received strong hypo this week.

Idea is quite simple; High-gain receiving antenna is installed on an ele- vated point in or near town located in valley or too far away to get good signals (fringe area). Signals are amplified, fed into homes via coaxial.

Nor is idea new; First installation we recall was that in Astoria, Ore. . where engineer E. L. Parsons picked up Seattle's KING-TV, 125 miles away (Vol. 5:33).

What is new is heavy weight being put behind projects. Philco is giving plan tremendous push, garnering reams of publicity (including big stories in Jan. 3 Wall Street Journal, Jan. 15 Newsweek, etc.) for itself and Philadelphia's Jerrold Electronics Corp. Latter makes the equipment ("Mul-TV"), also used for apartments, which is distributed by both companies.

Philco is publishing brochure giving details of representative installation in Lansford, Pa., 70 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Here's how it worked there;

Four radio dealers and an attorney formed Panther Valley TV Co. , cleared matters legal and political, conducted engineering tests, obtained bank loan.

They installed antenna on nearby Summit Hill, fed signals into town (string- ing cable on light and phone poles), began signing up subscribers who have choice of all 3 Philadelphia signals at all times. So far, about 100 sets have been connected, with installation charge of $100 plus $3 monthly service charge, at cost of $15,000. Entrepreneurs estimate "reasonable potential" of 750 homes can be hooked up within 6 months, at total expenditure of $30,000. But income would be $75,000 (for installa- tion) plus some $2500 monthly in service charges.

Other towns also equipped; Mahanoy City & Honesdale, Pa. ; Bellingham, Wash.

3

There may be more. Currently being surveyed by Jerrold are Wilkes-Barre & Scran- ton, Pa. ; Palm Springs, Cal. ; Glean, N.Y.

FCC is not involved — in fact gave go-ahead — because no radio transmis- sions are employed. State utility commission has said installations aren't public utilities. So legal barriers seem few.

Only 2 catches are suggested at moment, neither vital just now. First, equipment may soon be hard to get, although Jerrold president Milton Shapp is re- ported saying he has enough parts on hand to insure high production rate through June. Second, when and if new stations start operating, post-freeze, some of them may create intolerable interference and/or eliminate need for special installations. But new stations are long ways off, and re-engineering of community antennas may very well minimize interference.

Intense interest in new service is indicated by towns represented at recent meeting in Harrisburg sponsored by D. & H. Distributing Co. (RCA) ; Aquashicola, Bow- manstown, Centralia, Mahanoy City, Mauch Chunk, Palmerton, Selinsgrove, Shamokin,

St. Clair, Tamaqua, Wilkes-Barre. RCA also has multiple-feed distribution system.

HcDANIEL DUE TO BE RTNA PRESIDENT: Looks like presidency of RTMA, $50,000 job, will go to able, personable, 39-year-old attorney Glen McDaniel, RCA v.p. presently at- tached to staff of Chairman Sarnoff and president Folsom. He made such good impres- sion, while working on industry's case during excess profits bill hearings (Vol. 6:51), that interim president Robert C. Sprague and others working on bill were sold on his qualifications. RTMA reorganization committee headed by Sylvania's Max Balcom takes up matter in few days, then presumably will negotiate with McDaniel, subject to ratification of RTMA board meeting in Chicago Feb. 15.

Mr. McDaniel is a native of Seymour, Tex. , a 1932 graduate of Southern Meth- odist U, 1936 graduate of Columbia Law School. From 1936 to 1942, he was associated with New York law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell. In March 1942 he was named special coiinsel to then Undersecretary of Navy Forrestal, later that year being commissioned a Navy lieutenant, attached to general counsel of Navy. Promoted to Lieut. Comdr. in 1944, he worked on aircraft procurement in Bureau of Aeronautics, then was trans- ferred to inactive duty and appointed chairman of Navy Board of Contract Appeals.

He joined RCA Communications in 1946 as gen. coiinsel, was elected RCA v.p. in 1948.

PALEY'S GOVT. JOB, COY NAY SHIFT: Rumors were rife on Washington scene this week with respect to new posts for radio VIPs. Out of welter, these facts emerged;

(1) CBS chairman Wm. S. Paley is definitely slated for Presidential appoint- ment as head of new Commission on Metals Resources, similar to recent President's Air Policy Commission, headed by now Secretary of the Air Force Thomas K. Finletter. Sponsored by W. Stuart Symington, head of National Security Resources Board, and Secretary of Interior Oscar Chapman (under whom Bureau of Mines functions), new board will make exhaustive study of strategic metals, needs, substitutes, explora- tions, etc., and will recommend national policy. Task may take 6 months or more.

(2) FCC Chairman Wayne Coy's associates are freely discussing possibility that, as defense work renders FCC regulatory functions less significant, he will take new govt, post more intimately connected with mobilization. He denies any present intention of resigning, but it's reasonable to expect that in govt, reshuf- fling he may be ordered to new duties before his FCC term expires June 30. That seems to be basis for persistent reports that he's leaving soon. Meanwhile, he speaks before N.Y. State Publishers Assn, in Buffalo Jan. 16, mainly about TV.

(3) Govt, is going to require services of many more electronic-radio experts and executives, will call top figures to civilian posts as soon as defense agencies are fully organized and duties more definitely oriented. Some may have to serve on $1 a year basis. Preference for industry rather than "New Deal" men is already man- ifest — begining with appointments of Wilson, Harrison, et al (Vol, 7:1).

* * * 4:

Riomors of new Govt, communications agency, topping both FCC and Interdepart- ment Radio Advisory Committee, keep popping up. Each meeting of President Truman's

- 4 -

Communications Policy Board (Vol. 6:4,5,10,33), which met this week, seems to start new ones. But chairman Dr. Irvin Stewart, West Virginia U president and former FCC commissioner, says only this about names mentioned for posts for rumored organiza- tions: "We have not approached any individual for any job for any organization — and that doesn't even imply we're recommending formation of any new organization."

He said report will be handed President Truman Feb. 17, after two more meetings to be held Jan. 26-27 and Feb. 12-13.

EDUCATIONAL TV-HOPES BUT NO PLANS: Educators certainly have stirred up flurry of activity, among telecasters as well as in their own ranks — regardless of final outcome of their sweeping request for vhf and uhf TV channels (Vol. 6:48-49).

In spite of all the noise, though, cold historical fact remains that, with very few exceptions, educators have made pathetically small use of AM, FM or TV channels they have or had or could have had for the asking.

In TV, Iowa State College's pioneering WOI-TV, only school-owned station, is an outstanding exception — but it proves no rule.

One immediate question puzzling FCC is: How can a practical allocation plan be devised? Educators promised, through counsel Brig. Gen. Telford Taylor, onetime FCC general counsel, to bring their ambitious but nebulous yearnings down to earth when hearing resumes Jan. 22.

Telecasters finally became apprehensive about lack of opposition to educa- tors' ponderous presentation. NAB, TBA and, unexpectedly, CBS, petitioned FCC for permission to join hearing at resumption. All 3 were let in, presumably will oppose "wide-open" demands of educators for: (1) One vhf channel in each metropolitan center and in each major educational center. (2) 20% of uhf channels, as and when opened up to TV. (3) Shared time on commercial stations in cities where all vhf channels are now preempted.

* * ^ *

Schoolmen are beating drums — in speeches, articles, letters to editors, broadcasts, interviews, etc. — gaining considerable support, verbal at least. And the telecasters, made more conscious of their "educational responsibilities," are offering educators all kinds of time, program help, seminars, clinics, etc.

Sympathetic press coverage was garnered by publicity-conscious educators when they revealed monitoring activities conducted this week from New York's Wal- dorf-Astoria in preparation for hearing. Fifteen women watched all programs on all 7 stations, tabulating types of programs telecast. According to Jan. 11 New York Times, they considered it quite an ordeal, were particularly weary of daytime shows. Monitoring was supervised by Dr. Dallas Smythe, former FCC economist now at U of Illinois, and Dr. Donald Horton, U of Chicago.

Comr. Hennock, schools' standard-bearer, is obviously pleased with hubbub of activity and publicity, but doesn't consider telecasters' current offerings anything but token and temporary. "We don't want any sops," she says.

* ♦ ♦ ♦

Samples of telecaster activity:

NBC-TV plans "Operation Frontal Lobes," v.p. Pat Weaver saying: "We will address ourselves to the problems of selling the American people on the desirability and the necessity of attending the great cultural and informational events of our series." Network plans to take time from one advertiser per night, once per 44-week season, turn it over to fairly high-dome feature.

Detroit's WWJ-TV went to expense of paying coaxial cable tolls to Washington recently, just to give FCC commissioners and other VIPs a sample of its course-for- credit programs from U of Michigan. Some 700 people are now taking regular courses, offered in 20-minute segments of fixed Sunday 1-2 p.m. period.

Philadelphia's WFIL-TV annoiinced that 19 colleges are cooperating with it in daily "University of the Air" comprising regular college courses, started Jan. 2.

Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV was to start Jan. 6 with similar college-course series, tying up with Marquette U, Wisconsin U, and Mt. St. Mary, Milwaukee State Teachers, Downer colleges.

5

New York*s WPIX made flat offer to Board of Education of "facilities and time for the development of a regular educational program schedule."

Baltimore's WBAL-TV showed 2-way telecast, utilizing "split-screen" tech- nique, between studio and classroom, enabling teacher and pupils to see one another.

Baltimore's WAAM has scheduled Feb. 16-17 seminar on "Career Opportunities in TV," with cooperation of several universities and U.S. Office of Education. It's also the staging station for Johns Hopkins' excellent "Science Review" on DuMont.

Many well-established educational programs continue, of course, without any great publicity splashes.

Cynical columnist John Crosby calls spurt of activity on part of the tele- casters an attempt to "smother" educators' request for channels of their own.

Network Accounts: General Board of Evangelism of

the Methodist Church has approved new interdenomina- tional religious program that will start on ABC-TV March 5, Mon. 11-11:30 p.m.; sponsor will be separate corpora- tion probably called America for Christ Inc. . . . Bonafide Mills Inc. (Bonny Maid floor coverings) Jan. 28 starts un- named children’s variety show on CBS-TV, Sun. 11:30- noon . . . Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Co. will sponsor Hawkins Falls on NBC-TV, Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 3-3:15, starting in Feb- ruary; will probably add Tue. & Thu. 3-3:15 shortly after . . . Sam Smith Shoe Corp. (Little Yankee shoes) Feb. 14 starts sponsorship of Al Gannaway’ s Half -Pint Party, Wed. & Fri. 4:45-5 on ABC-TV . . . B. T. Babbitt Inc. (Bab-0 cleanser and Swerl Suds) will sponsor Two Girls Named Smith on ABC-TV, Sat. 12:30-1, starting Jan. 20 . . . Maiden Form Brassiere Co. Jan. 20 starts Faith Bald- win Theatre of Romance on ABC-TV, alt. Sat. 11-11:30 a.m. . . . Rosefield Packing Co. (Skippy peanut butter) Jan. 19 begins You Asked for It (kine) on DuMont, Fri. 8:30-9 . . . C. A. Swanson & Sons (poultry & margarine products) Feb. 25 starts sponsorship of first half hour of Ted Mack Family Hour on ABC-TV, alt. Sun. 6-6:30.

Sluiion Accounts: At November’s end, 4832 different

advertisers were using the networks and 98 reporting sta- tions (out of 107 total), according to Rorahaugh Report on TV Advertising, which monthly lists network and national regional spot sponsors and their agencies. This was 7.2% more than October, 120% ahead of November 1949. There were 170 network advertisers (ABC 40, CBS 73, DuMont 21, NBC 72), 939 national & regional spot, 3723 local- retail . . . New account on WABD, New York, is Flako Products Corp. (Flakies, Flakorn, Cuplets mixes), spon- soring Susan Adams Kitchen Tue. & Fri. 2-2:15, thru Platt-Forbes Inc., N. Y. . . . Socony-Vacuum replaces Stude- baker Dealers sponsoring Televiexvs of the News on WPIX Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 7-7:15, John K. M. McCaffery replacing Ed Thorgerson, thru Compton Adv. . . . Special 3-station hookup has been engaged by Keystone Macaroni Mfg. Co. (San Giorgio macaroni products) for Pietro’s Place, com- edy about Italian- American family, Thu. 12-12:30 p.m., thru Lamb & Keen, Philadelphia; stations linked are WPTZ, Philadelphia; WBAL-TV, Baltimore; WGAL-TV, Lancaster . . . Miles Laboratories (Alka-Seltzer, Bactine, Tabcin) started first TV spots this week in 12 markets, thru Wade Adv., Chicago . . . Unusual sponsorship on WGAL-TV, Lancaster, was Lebanon News Televiews Jan. 1, prepared by staff of Lebanon (Pa.) News, 25 mi. dis- tant, including interviews with local personalities; it’s planned as weekly feature . . . Among other advertisers currently reported using or planning to use TV: Canada Dry Ginger Ale Inc., thru J. M. Mathes Inc., N. Y.; Waitt & Bond Inc. (Blackstone & Yankee cigars), thru Harry B. Cohen Adv., N. Y.; West End Brewing Co. (Utica Club beer & ale), thru Harry B. Cohen Adv., N. Y.; Paramount Citrus Assn., San Fernando, Cal. (Cal-Fame frozen oi-ange

juice, etc.), thru Vick Knight Inc., Los Angeles; Fan Tan Gum Corp. (Fan Tan chewing gum), thru Walker & Down- ing, Pittsburgh; Rival Packing Co. (Rival dog food), thru Charles Silver & Co., Chicago; Leigh Foods Inc., New York (Flamingo frozen juice concentrate), direct; F. W. Evanger (Evanger’s Kennel Food), thru Kaufman & Asso- ciates Inc., Chicago; International Golf Products (Miracle adjustable golf club), thru Edgar Walter Fischer, Chicago; Howard Stores Corp. (Howard Clothes), thru Peck Adv.

Personal Notes: Brig. Gen. Edward Lyman Munson, USA ret., recently named director of NBC Film Division, appointed director of NBC-TV operations, reporting to v.p. Edward D. Madden . . . Merle S. Jones, gen. mgr. of KNX and CBS Pacific Network, named gen. mgr. of newly acquired KTSL (Vol. 6:52), whose call letters will shortly be changed to KNX-TV; Wilbur S. Edwards, ex- WEEI, Boston, becomes director of KNX and CBS Pacific operations, Charles Glett asst, to Mr. Jones . . . New board of KTTV, Los Angeles Times, following purchase of CBS’s 49% stock ownership for reported $450,000, will include L. D. Hotchkiss, editor of Times; Harry W. Bowers, treas., Times-Mirror Co.; Harrison M. Dunham, KTTV gen. mgr. . . . Wm. Templeton named TV-radio director of Kudner Agency, succeeding Ed Cashman, back with Foote, Cone & Belding . . . John DeMott quits CBS to join Wm. Esty & Co. as supervisory producer of TV-radio commercials; Charles Jelnicki replaces him at CBS-TV in charge of spe- cial effects . . . Fred Kilian, ABC-TV program chief in Chicago, elected president of Chicago Television Council, succeeding I. E. Showerman, ex-NBC v.p. now with Free & Peters . . . Clarence Hatch Jr., executive v.p., D. P. Brother & Co., elected 1951 president of Detroit Television Round Table . . . Dean Fitzer, managing director, an- nounces following promotions at WDAF-TV, Kansas City: Bill Bates, station mgr.; Vic Peck, asst, to mgr.; Randall Jessee, program director; Bob Dickhourt, film room super- visor . . . William Shadel, of CBS Washington news staff elected president of Radio Correspondents Assn. Jan. 10, succeeding NBC’s Wm. R. McAndrew; he will officiate at annual dinner attended by President Truman and other notables Feb. 3 . . . Douglas H. Humm named TV-radio timebuyer, Charles W. Hoyt Co. . . . Added to expanded TV-radio dept, of Henri, Hurst & McDonald, Chicago: Lee Randon, ex-Ruthrauff & Ryan; David Rogers, ex-RCA; James Conway, ex-CBS.

Named consultants to State Dept, committee, in prep- aration for August international radio conference in Ge- neva, Switzerland, were E. K. Jett, foi’mer FCC member, now radio director of Baltimore Sunpapers (WMAR-TV), and Hai’aden Pratt, v.p., American Cable and Radio Corp. FCC chairman Wayne Coy is member of overall policy committee; Comr. E. M. Webster is an alternate. Inter- national sessions are for purpose of implementing world- wide allocation adopted in 1947 Atlantic City conference.

WHOLESALERS URGE REPLACEMENT SURETY: Replacement parts for TVs, radios, appliances — will they be available during mobilization shortage period ahead? Yes, says NPA informally — but without spelling out details or taking action.

However, 7-man task group from NPA-appointed Radio, TV & Household Appliance Wholesale Advisory Committee (Vol. 6:51) feels that specific action is due. Meeting in Chicago Jan. 9, group headed by Washington-Baltimore distributor James H. Simon (Motorola TV- radios, GE appliances) urged NPA to take these steps:

(a) Limit distributors' inventories of maintenance and repair parts to normal 120-day supply.

(b) Allow manufacturers exemption from NPA material distribution orders to fill NPA-certif ied orders for repair and replacement parts, or to make sufficient quantity of replacement parts when discontinuing manufacture of any product.

NO RECESSION IN OUTPUT OR TRADE: "Selective buying” and "price buying" are pat phrases that probably best characterize current TV trade. Distributors of brand-name receivers are taking just about everything the factories will offer, with no assur- ances of full deliveries. Dealers are becoming more "picky and choosy" and stocking mainly best values. Public is buying on pre-November scale, but mostly low-end-of- the-line — models up to |300 moving best.

That’s the picture today, as it seems to prevail in most areas — but it's subject to quick change. From Chicago marts, which end this week, word is that most distributor-retail inventories range from moderate to heavy; that prices still trend upwards (see reports on new lines in Topics & Trends) ; that everyone's still playing by ear on day-to-day basis, hopeful that first quarter production and sales actu- ally are as good as fourth quarter 1950, as some think. Hopeful, too, that Govt, will not slap on price controls and rollbacks, still threatened.

Canvassing the major manufacturers again this week, we find no lengthy shut- downs at any plants, some "interruptions" due to shortages or inventory- taking, some employment rolls down from peak but no large-scale layoffs reported except for Crosley plant in Cincinnati (Vol. 7:1).

As for shortages, they seem to differ at different plants. One factory head calls copper items his No. 1 headache, another says it's receiving tubes, another says something else altogether — yokes, resistors, etc. All agree that time for components deliveries is decreasing, indicating that some of smaller manufacturers may have already cut back their production because, as one major producer put it, "We're getting some of the stuff that would otherwise go to others."

Military orders show signs of accelerating, but they're miniscule as yet and, even if large orders are placed, full-scale production isn't anticipated before mid-summer. Meanwhile, barring unexpected edicts from Washington, it looks like first 1951 quarter could approach fourth 1950 quarter's approximately 2,445,000 TVs, 4,320,000 radios — and there are some who think second 1951 quarter, normally light, could run 60-75% of that.

That's wishful thinking, though, which all depends upon (a) whether public continues to buy, regarded likely, and (b) what Washington decrees, at best an un- certain factor leavened by fact that the electronics-wise authorities are frankly eager to keep civilian lines rolling so as to maintain skilled employment rolls.

♦ * * ♦

Westinghouse ' s Vale Freeland, director of dept. & furniture store appliance sales, told National Retail Dry Goods Assn. Jan. 9 that the metals shortage is "more critical than most people know" and adjured retailers not to "turn down any offers of carload lots from regular suppliers even if it requires a special program to buy

- 6 -

7

ahead." By March or April, he thinks, there will be "a great many unsuccessful bidders" for refrigerators, washers, TVs.

In Washington Jan. 9 for conference with NPA Administrator Fleischmann, In- diana Steel Products' A. D. Plamondon Jr. , chairman of RTMA Electronics Parts Mobi- lization Committee, gave as his personal opinion that the industry this quarter can produce about 70% of average 1950 quarter — or between 1,200,000 and 1,400,000 TVs. Said he: "While amount of raw material which will be available to the industry in the first quarter will be restricted, the ingenuity of the industry can be depended upon to turn out a good proportion of sets and components." He cited Philco presi- dent Wm. Balderston's statement quoted in these columns last week (Vol. 7:1).

In press conference at Chicago Merchandise Mart Jan. 9, both Admiral v.p. Richard Graver and Capehart-Farnsworth president Fred Wilson said supply outlook for next 3 months looks "remarkably good" but cautioned that curtailments thereafter could result in a black market in TV-radio receivers. And Westinghouse appliance sales chief T. J. Newcomb saw no shortages for 5 months. Said he: "Our objective is not to cut back anything. It is instead to produce more of both defense and civilian goods. We can't support a war economy without a good civilian economy."

^ t * *

"Business as usual is out," RCA Victor consumer products v.p. Joe Elliott was scheduled to tell National Appliance & Radio Dealers Assn, at Chicago convention Jan. 15. Elliott urges dealers to prepare for shortages in near future, suggests these trends: (1) Standardization of picture tube sizes. (2) Increased demand for consoles and combination receivers. (3) Concentration on fewer models. He also promises RCA would make every effort to feed replacement market, warns it can only be done through diversion of materials from new production.

Hallicraf ters president Wm. J. Halligan. reporting company produced about 220,000 TVs and will show gross sales of about $37,500,000 in 1950, in interview with Retailing Daily Jan. 9 forecast "tough time in 1951" — with possibility of minor depression beginning in April or May if materials shortages force curtail- ments. He said retailers must "get used to carrying a normal inventory of one to 2 months supply of merchandise instead of the 2 or 3-day stocks so common when TV was expanding so rapidly. "

Admiral booked $100,000,000 worth of orders for TV- radio and white goods for first 1951 quarter during dis- tributors convention last week (Vol. 7:1) — just about dou- ble the $53,000,000 contracted in same 1950 period. In announcing this, sales v.p. Wallace C. Johnson said he expected only 70% to 80% of merchandise ordered would be manufactured due to materials shortages, hoped rest could be carried into second quarter. Admiral’s 1950 sales totaled more than $230,000,000, approximately 80% TV.

Report of black market in TV receiving and CR tubes comes from National TV Dealers Assn, director Edwin Dempsey who says dealers and repairmen are being vic- timized by speculators peddling scarce replacement tubes at high prices, offering them in the bulk packages in which tubes are normally sent to set manufacturers. Dempsey suspects tubes may come from stockrooms of small set-makers, is contacting tube manufacturei’s ask- ing tighter check to assure distribution of their products through normal channels.

January TV production for whole industry should be 500,000 sets, with gradual monthly tapering off there- after for grand industry total of 3,000,000 sets this year. That’s estimate of F. M. (Tod) Sloan, Westinghouse TV- radio division mgr. Sloan made this prediction while showing 1951 Westinghouse TV line (Vol. 7:1) to New York distributors Jan. 12.

November’s receiving tube sales, by RTMA members, totaled 39,326,641, just under October’s record 40,105,611 (Vol. 6:47). Eleven-month 1950 total was ' 344,236,998, compared with 198,753,295 for all 1949.

Top 10 TV brands in use in New York area, based on personal March 1949-Nov. 1950 survey of more than 12,500 homes by Advertest Research, New Brunswick, N. J.: RCA 29.2%, Philco 11.4%, DuMont 10.5%, GE 6.5%, Cros- ley 6.4%, Admiral 5.6%, Emerson 4.9%, Fada 4.7%, Motor- ola 4.5%, Stromberg-Carlson 2.2%. Altogether, 51 dif- ferent brands of TVs were found in these homes, remain- ing 41 accounting for only 14.1%. Ownership by types was: table models 56.1%, consoles 32.8%, consolettes 9.6%, projections 1.5%. Asked if they were satisfied with performance of present sets, 95.6% of top 10 and 93.6% of other 41 replied in affirmative.

Bullfights and jai alai are chief spectacles on XHTV, Mexico City’s first and as yet only TV outlet, which is on air only 3 hours nightly. Nevertheless, demand for sets, though costing twice as much as in U. S., has dealers overwhelmed, reports UP. Mexican Govt, recently lifted import ban to permit 10,000 sets from this country. Note: Only other Latin American TV outlets are two in Havana, one each in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil (for de- tails, see TV Factbook No. 12).

When member went bankrupt, Philadelphia Television Contractors Assn, assumed responsibility for its TV serv- ice contracts. Company was Weber’s, Bryn Mawr. Its failure led group to plan special fund to guarantee all its members’ service contracts. Fund would be amassed by special membership assessment.

National Assn, of Music Merchants (NAMM) has set next board meeting for Statler Hotel, Washington, Feb. 6-7, with directors hosting congressmen at dinner Feb. 5.

8

Topics & Trends of TV Trade: Paradoxical drop in

picture tube prices, while everything else is going up, went through industry this week. Sylvania led off, announcing “close to 5%” reduction on 90% of its output, giving as reason “lower costs resulting from new automatic equip- ment.” Most important drop was in 17-in. — down from $27 to $26 (to manufacturers) — while 20-in. went down from $49.75 to $47.50; 19-in. remains same.

Other tube makers followed rapidly, as they usually do. GE priced 17-in. at $26, as did National Union; latter also reduced 20-in. from $49.75 to $43.75. DuMont has announced no cuts, but indicates it will. RCA says nothing about any new pi’ices, points out that its new 17-in. metal- shell rectangular has been $25 since introduced last month.

Aside from production economies, strong reason be- hind cuts is simple fact that competition is fierce among tube makers, who have increased from 30 to 37 in last 6 months (see TV Factbook No. 12 for complete list).

* rti * *

GE’s new TV line is noteworthy for fact that (a) it has no combinations, except that the old 16K1 is still avail- able at $500, or $20 above old price, and (b) all but 3 of the 14 new models are 17-in. rectangulars. Prices average $10 to $135 more than comparable models in 1950 lines.

Two 20-in. models will go into production later this quarter: 20C150, mahogany console, $575; 20C151, blonde, $595. One 24-in. model, 24C101, mahogany console with doors at $775, is due for March production. Remainder of line, all 17-in. (prices include excise tax):

Model 17T1, cordovan lacquer finish table, $269.95; 17T2, mahogany table, $289.95; 17T3, blonde table, $299.95; 17C103, mahogany console, $319.95; 17C104, blonde con- sole, $339.95; 17C105, mahogany console, different cabinet, $349.95; 17C107, mahogany console, half doors, $379.95; 17C108, blonde console, half doors, $399.95; 17C109, ma- hogany console, doors, $399.95; 17C110, mahogany con- sole, half doors, different cabinet, $379.95; 17C111, blonde console, half doors, different cabinet, $399.95.

GE’s new radio line has 7 AM table models, one AM- FM table, 7 clock radios, 5 combinations. Prices range from $22.95 to $279.95. AM-FM model lists at $54.95.

J«c * * *

Hallicrafters has added 9 new sets to bring 1951 line to 21 models. Prices of retained dozen 1950 sets were hiked $10 to $25. Full line — prices including excise tax:

16- in. rect.: 17810C, leatherette table, $249.95.

17- in. tables: 17803, mahogany, $279.95; 17814, deluxe mahogany, $299.95; 17815H, deluxe mahogany, different cabinet, $319.95; 17812, deluxe mahogany, different cabinet, $329.95; 17813, same, blonde, $339.95; 17811H, mahogany, AM, $349.95; 17816, mahogany, different cabinet, AM, $359.95; 17817, same, blonde, $369.95.

17-in. consoles: 17828, mahogany, $359.95; 17838, ma- hogany, half-doors, $399.95; 17848, mahogany. Colonial, doors, $439.95; 17849, same, blonde, $449.95; 17850, same, maple, $449.95.

17-in. console-combinations (AM-phono) : 17860, ma- hogany, $550; 17861, same, blonde, $575.

19- in.: 20872, mahogany console, $399.95.

20- in.: 20882, mahogany console, half-doors, $479.50; 20990S, mahogany console, AM-phono, $695; 20990, same, maple, $695; 20994, same, mahogany, Sheraton, $695.

* ♦ * *

Correction: Westinghouse Model 643K16 is round 16-in. tube; price of 635K17 (Dorset), 17-in. plastic ma- hogany table, is $269.95; and of 633C17 (Manocrest), 17-in. mahogany console-combination, $530 — not as we reported last week (Vol. 7:1).

Emerson’s 12,000,000th radio was turned out this week, presented to president Ben Abrams at ceremonies Jan. 9.

Magnavox 1951 line has 16 different cabinet styles featuring 17 & 20-in. tubes, with prices $10-$30 higher than previous line. Here are the sets; prices now include excise tax, although Magnavox had previously announced tax-warranty separate (Vol. 6:44):

16- in. round: Windsor Bookcase, mahogany breakfront, $495.

17- in.: Metropolitan, mahogany table, $289.50 (in blonde, $298.50); Biltmore, mahogany console, $298.50; Playhouse, mahogany console, $359 (blonde, $369.50); Shoreham, mahogany console, $359; Cosmopolitan, mahog- any console, $395 (blonde, $415); Contemporary, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $498.50 (blonde, $520); Wedge- wood, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $525; Provincial, blonde or maple console, AM-FM-phono, $525.

20-in.: Hepplewhite, mahogany console, $525; Nor- mandy, blonde, console, $525; Modern Theatre, mahogany console, phono-jack, $525; American Modern, mahogany or blonde console, AM-FM-phono, $795; French Provincial, blonde console, AM-FM-phono, $795; American Traditional, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $795; Embassy, ma- hogany console, AM-FM-SW-phono, $795.

* * * *

Olympic holds over 6 basic sets, offers 5 new ones to make 1951 line of 20 models — low end being 16-in. rect. mahogany table at $249.95. Here are remaining sets (prices include excise tax) :

17-in.: 752 (Riviera), mahogany table, $269.95 (blonde, $279.95); 762 (Riviera), same with special chassis, $289.95; 753 (Monte Carlo), mahogany console, $319.95 (in blonde, $339.95); 764 (Broadmoor), mahogany console, half -doors, $369.95 (blonde, $389.95; Chinese, $449.95); 785 (Ver- sailles), French Provincial console, doors, $429.95; 766 (Catalina), mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $499.95 (blonde, $519.95); 769 (Prince George), mahogany con- sole, AM-FM-phono, $569.95 (blonde, $599.95).

20-in.: 970WB (Marlboro), mahogany table, $369.95 (wdth swivel base, $399.95) ; 967 (Windsor), mahogany con- sole, special chassis, $429.95 (blonde, $459.95); 968 (Lan- caster), mahogany console, special chassis, doors, $489.95 (blonde, $519.95).

* * * *

Tele-tone 1951 line has 12 sets — 8 new, 4 held over. They’re divided into 5 regular, 7 higher-priced “Imperial” group, prices ranging from $10 to $30 higher than com- parable 1950 models (Vol. 6:36). Here are the sets (prices include excise tax) :

16- in. rect.: Model 335, mahogany consolette, $259.95. 17-in.: 359, leatherette table, $229.95; 345, mahogany wood table, $249.95; 352, mahogany consolette, $279.95; 358, mahogany console, $289.95.

17- in.: 357, mahogany table, $269.95; 365, mahogany

table, different cabinet, $279.95; 355, mahogany console, $319.95; 331, Queen Anne, mahogany console, doors, $399.95; 332, French Provincial, $399.95; 333, Chinese Chippendale, $399.95. 20-in.: 360, mahogany console,

doors, $419.95.

Models held over are 335, up $10; 331, 332, 339, up $30.

# * * *

Stromberg-Carlson raised prices on 3 sets effective Jan. 8. These are new prices including excise tax (in- creases in parentheses being from last prices) : 17TM (Mercury), 17-in. table, $329.95 ($15); 17CM2 (Imperial), 17-in. console, $389.95 ($20); 119CM (Empire), 19-in. round console, $499.50 ($10).

Raytheon (Belmont) is adding 2 sets to old line (Vol. 6:27): 17-in. console with AM-phono and 20-in. console,

both $469.95.

Starrett 1951 line has 9 models ranging from 17-in. mahogany table, $249, to 20-in. console with doox*s, $439.

9

Sparton line for 1951 comprises 7 sets in 15 models — all 17-in. Prices are $40-$80 higher than those for com- parable sets in old line (Vol. G:35). Here are the sets (prices include excise tax):

Tables: 5104 (Berkeley), mahogany plastic, $259.95; 5101 (Whitney), mahogany wood, $289.95 (blonde $294.95, limed oak $299.95).

Consoles: 5152 (Gramercy), mahogany, $349.95

(blonde $359.95, limed oak $369.95); 5155 (Sheffield), ma- hogany, different cabinet, $379.95 (blonde $389.95, limed oak $399.95) ; 5158 (Rutledge), mahogany, different cabinet, $399.95.

Combinations: 5188 (Westmont), mahogany, AM-FM- phono, $499.95 (blonde $509.95); 5182 (Nassau), mahog- any, AM-FM-phono, $539.95 (blonde $549.95).

Air King 1951 line has seven 17-in. and two 20-in. sets, with prices $20-$70 higher than last year’s comparable models. Here are the sets (prices include excise tax):

17-in.: 17M1, metal table, $239.95; 17T1, mahogany wood table, $279.95; 17C7, mahogany console, $299.95; 17C5, mahogany console, different cabinet, $339.95 (In blonde, $354.95); 17C2, mahogany console, doors, $399.95; 17K1, mahogany console, AM-FM-phono, $499.95.

20-in.: 20C1, mahogany console, $399.95; 20C2, ma- hogany console, half dooi’S, $469.95.

* * * *

Hoffman has raised prices from $2 to $20 on its line to cover excise tax, and is planning to drop 14-in. produc- tion and replace 16 & 19-in. tubes with 17 & 20-in. R. J. McNeely, director of sales, estimates production of 40,000 units first quarter of 1951, increase of 15,000 over same period last year.

Philco has dropped Model 1871 from new line (Vol. 6:52). It was 17-in. TV-phono in mahogany at $399.95. Instead, Philco now has Model 1833 in same cabinet, TV console only, at $369.95.

Sentinel line for 1951 is reported to be 7 sets rang- ing from 17-in. table at $290 to 20-in. console with doors at $500. Prices include excise tax and ai'e said to be 2Vz%- 3%% higher than fonner models.

Trav-Ler reports adding 2 new 14-in. models to line — mahogany table at $179.95, consolette $199.95. Note- 'worthy is fact Trav-Ler dropped 14-in. from mid-1950 line (Vol. 6:24-26).

New Jackson line for 1951, to be shipped in February, comprises 6 sets in 12 models. Prices run from $220 for 14-in. mahogany table to $600 for 20-in. mahogany con- sole with AM-FM-phono.

Trans-Vue’s 1951 line consists of 3 sets in 9 different models with prices ranging from $270 for 17-in. mahogany table to $450 for 20-in. console with half-doors.

Pathe reports having 20-in. mahogany console at $320; with doors, $379.50; in blonde, $379.50.

Viewing after 11 p.m. goes on in 75% of New York area homes, at least one night weekly, according to Adver- test Research’s survey of 763 families. Poll indicates 50% of all TV sets are on 11-12 during average night. Before TV, 63% of these late viewers wei’e in bed at that time. Sports rank high in popularity, but programs with highest cumulative audience are: WNBT’s Broadway Open House 43.6%, WATV’s Stardust Theatre 23.7%, WPIX’s Night Owl Theatre 22.9%, WOR-TV’s Starlit Playhouse 22%.

FCC’s annual report for fiscal year ending June 30. 1950, I'eieased last week, is available (40^0 from U. S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington 25. It’s useful primarily as permanent I'eference on statistics of number of sta- tions, their income, etc.

I rade Personals: .Jame.s B. Conkling, e.\-Capitol Rec- ords v.p., named jnesident of Columbia Record; Inc., succeeding Edward Wallerstein, re-signing Feb. 1 . . . Gerald Light named Emerson sales promotion mgr., suc- ceeding Harold Deitz, resigned to head Emerson Mid-State Inc., Newburgh, N. Y. . . . A. E. Sinclair, ex-Zenith and Mallory, appointed industrial relations director, Federal Telephone & Radio . . . John R. Howland, ex-Zenith, now- heading newly created office of product research, Stewart- Warner . . . Curtis L. Peter.son, cx-Ecko Products Co., named Meek merchandising promotion director . . . J. I). Van der Veer named Tung-Sol sales mgr. for electron tube equipment . . . Sidney E. Warner leaves partnership in Aircraft Electronic Associates to become engineering and research director, LaPointe-Plasmocold . . . Donald B. Harris, ex-Collins, named technical asst, to president Hector R. Skifter, Airborne Instruments Laboratory . . . Leon C. Guest, from Picture Tube Div., named comptroller of Radio-TV Div., Sylvania . . . Aerovox appoints Frank Marshall director of manufacturer sales, succeeded by A. E. Quick, ex-Electrical Reactance Corp., as sales mgr.; Carl Bretz becomes sales mgr. of Electrical Reactance. In addition, J. Fraser Cocks Jr. becomes gen. comptroller of both Aerovox and Electrical Reactance, Carl Gulbranson succeeding him at Aerovox.

Veteran Wireless Operators Assn., comprising oldtime “brass pounders” or ship-shore operators, have reelected Wm. J. McGonigle, N. Y. Telephone Co., president; Wm. C. Simon, Tropical Radio, secretary; reelected FCC Comr. George E. Sterling to board; elected these other officers: A. J. Costigan, RCA, 1st v.p.; H. L. Cornell, Esso Shipping Co., 2nd v.p.; R. H. Pheysey, United Fruit, treas. ; R. J. Iverson, New York Times, asst. secy. Elected to board: C. D. Guthrie, U. S. Maritime Commission retired; George H. Clark, RCA retired; Capt. Fred Muller, USNR retired; Jack Poppele, WOR.

New tri-color tube, patented (No. 2,529,485) by Thorn- ton Chew, engineering v.p. of KFMB-TV, San Diego, is described by him as “a device employing a magnetic field in combination with a screen divided into discrete color emitting areas in such manner as to sequentially reproduce images in each of the component primary colors. Being a single-gun, single-raster tube with multiple color screen, it avoids difficulties with coincident scanning, keystoning, optical superposition and color wheels.” He reports making arrangements with unnamed tube manufacturer to produce experimental models, gives “educated guess” tube might retail for IVz times comparable black-and-white unit.

“Universal Color Scanner” is being advertised by DuMont. It reads, in part : “Operating on the principle of the flying spot scanner, [it provides] tri-color signals from any 35mm 2x2-in. color transparency. Available as outputs are an FCC-approved field sequential video color signal and 3 simultaneous video color signals which may be fed to any external sampling equipment for experimental work with line or dot sequential systems.”

“Televised microscopy” is new technique developed by RCA Labs for observation of objects difficult or impossible to examine through ordinary means. Industrial TV cam- era, employing Vidicons sensitive to either red or violet light, is focused through microscope on living organisms which might otherwise require killing and staining. Other advantages: TV camera woi’ks in w-eak light, permits magnifications of 15-20 times.

Jan. 1 sets-in-use reported since NBC Research’s “census” of Dec. 1 (Vol. 6:51): St. Louis, 239,000, up 17,000; Washington, 219,760, up 13,760; Pittsburgh, 212*- 000, up 22,000; Kansas City, 93,170, up 9670; Greensboro, 41,968, up 6068; Ames (Des Moines), 33,724 as of Dec. 15, up 3562 since Dec. 1.

- 10 -

Nobilizalioii Notes: To keep clear of anti-trust charges, NPA this week announced formal regulations governing industry advisory committees (Vol. 6:30,49,51). Attor- ney General is quoted as outlining these requirements: (1) Agendas are formulated by Govt. (2) Meetings are led by full-time govt, officials. (3) Minutes are kept on each meeting. (4) Committees are restricted to purely ad- visory functions.

NPA’s regulations make it clear that industry advisory committees are “the recognized, official instruments for maintaining contact between the NPA and industry on all matters relating to the defense program.” The order says, however, that individuals or groups may seek discussions with NPA officials whether members of advisory commit- tees or not. NPA said it tries to give representation on committees “to large, medium and small businesses, geo- graphical distribution, members and non-members of trade associations, and various segments of a given indus- try.” It assured industry that, wherever possible, “repre- sentatives of industries are consulted in preparation of NPA actions affecting them.”

Munitions Board meets Jan. 15 with Electronics Equip- ment Industry Committee, first full-scale meeting since last August (Vol. 6:33). Major subject is setting up of industry list showing electronics companies and products they make — to determine how product of each manufac- turer fits into list of military equipments. Also to be dis- cussed will be procurement and production policies, with subcontracting a major item. Western Electric’s Fred Lack and Munitions Board’s electronics division chief Mar- vin Hobbs are co-chairmen of committee.

Munitions Board was reorganized this week into 5 of- fices, each to be headed by vice chairman serving without compensation under Chairman John D. Small. The offices and vice-chairmen: Stockpile Management, Roscoe Seybold, Westinghouse v.p.; Staff Management, William T. Van Atten, Dun & Bradstreet v.p. (temporary). Not yet ap- pointed are vice-chairmen for Production, Requirements and Supply Management offices. Electronics Division is under Production Management.

“Shortage census” will be undertaken by RTMA’s Electronic Parts Mobilization Committee to provide com- prehensive evaluation of supply and demand for critical materials used in civilian electronics. Meeting in Wash- ington this week, committee laid plans for suiwey, visited new NPA Administrator Manly Fleischmann. Commit- tee’s membership: A. D. Plamondon (Indiana Steel Prod- ucts) and R. E. Laux (General Instrument), co-chairmen; Raymond G. Zender (Lenz Electric); Matt Little (Quam- Nichols); Harry A. Ehle (IRC); RTMA president Robert C. Sprague (Sprague Electric), ex-officio.

Severity of copper shortage was underscored this week by Defense Minerals Administrator James Boyd who said all known copper deposits available to U. S. would not meet American defense and civilian requirements. Zinc producers say Govt, will interrupt its stockpiling of that metal for 6 months, easing shortage situation. Zinc stock- pile is believed largest of any non-ferrous metal.

Tubes and resistors won’t come under govt, distribu- tion or allocation orders in foreseeable future, NPA men indicate. Despite shortage of these items, they feel manu- facturers are being scrupulously fair in distributing their output equitably among civilian users and coming to aid of users with emergency shortage problems.

President Truman’s reference to cost of $3,250,000 for each B-36 airplane in his “State of the Union” address to Congress Jan. 3 can be translated into $525,000 in elec- tronics for each B-36. That’s based on general estimate that 15% of cost of plane goes for electronics gear. Presi- dent Truman called for 50,000 planes a year.

Among unclassified military contracts for electronics and related equipment (more than $100,000) announced by Commerce Dept, for 2 weeks ending Jan. 10: Through Sig- nal Corps, Philadelphia — Federal Telephone & Radio, $11,485,239, radio receiver components; Johnson Service Co., Milwaukee, $3,041,250, radiosondes (75,000 units); ARF Products, $2,276,090, radio sets (516); Lewyt, $1,732,- 291, radio sets (1634); Mallory, $454,219, batteries (19,426). Through Navy Electronic Supply Office, Great Lakes, 111. — Litten Industries, San Carlos, Cal., $2,000,000, magnetron tubes (5000); GE, $653,400, tubes (150,000). Through Navy Bureau of Ships, Washington — Hoffman, $600,000, radio sets (591); Air Associates Inc., Teterboro, N. J., $405,600, receiving sets (381). Sylvania received $1,496,300 in contracts for 69,500 tubes, Raytheon $1,375,- 790 for 58,000 tubes, through Signal Corps and Navy.

Completion of Congressional assignments to Inter- state & Foreign Commerce committees, I'esponsible for TV-radio, brings this lineup: Senate Democrats — Johnson (Colo.), chairman; McFarland (Ariz.), Magnuson (Wash.), McMahon (Conn.), O’Conor (Md.), Johnson (Tex.), Hunt (Wyo.). Senate Republicans — Tobey (N. H.), Brewster (Me.), Capehart (Ind.), Bricker (0.), Williams (Del.), Kem (Mo.). House Democrats — Crosser (0.), chairman; Beckworth (Tex.), Priest (Tenn.), Harris (Ark.), Rogers (Fla.), Klein (N. Y.), Stanley (Va.), Sullivan (Mo.), Gran- ahan (Pa.), McGuire (Conn.), Underwood (Ky.), Carlyle (N. C.), Williams (Miss.), Mack (111.), Thoimberry (Tex.), Heller (N. Y.), Roberts (Ala.). House Republicans — Wolverton (N. J.), Hinshaw (Cal.), Hall (N. Y.), O’Hara (Minn.), Gillette (Pa.), Hale (Me.), Dolliver (Iowa), Heselton (Mass.), Hugh D. Scott (Pa.), Bennett (Mich.), Hoffman (111.), Chenoweth (Colo.), Beamer (Ind.). Worth noting is that Sen. McFarland now also has powerful job of majority leader, continues as chairman of communica- tions subcommittee; that Texas’ Sen. Johnson, who owns KTBC, Austin, is majority whip.

CBS and RCA plugged color — their respective brands — before convention of National Retail Dry Goods Assn, in New York Jan. 11. CBS president Frank Stanton, in addi- tion to emphasizing color’s sales appeal, stressed “no cost premium” for sponsoring color, saying the “electron-han- dling cost” is no greater than for black-and-white. RCA distribution v.p. Robert Seidel plugged for dual standards (Vol. 6:46, et seq), insisting that public should have right to determine system it wants “by its ballot in the market- place.” He emphasized RCA’s willingness to telecast color during good commercial hours — “ready to stake its re- sources, its dollars, and its reputation,” confident public “will make the right choice, as they always have.”

Newark’s WATV is seeking to join five other TV stations atop ideal Empire State Bldg, antenna (Vol. 6:48). Technically, it can be done, since structure w'as designed to take all 7 area TV stations, including WOR-TV. Design contemplates multiplexing WATV with WPIX. FCC ap- proval was sought this week, but few objections are seen, since station would maintain main studio in Newark and cover city with better sigmal than it does now. WOR-TV would also be delighted to join up, but is deterred by investment (reportedly near $1,000,000) in present plant.

Chronological record of facts, dates and people in TV-radio history is presented in Dunlap’s Radio & TV Almanac, published last week (Harper, 211 pp., $4) as 12th book by prolific RCA v.p. Orrin E. Dunlap Jr. Alma- nac’s first entry concerns discovery of static electricity in 640 B.C.; last one — Nov. 1, 1950 — notes there were “107 TV stations, 2160 radio broadcasting stations, 677 FM stations, 8,900,000 TV receivers and 86,000,000 radio sets.” Volume features over 60 nostalgic “then and now” photos, illustrating TV-radio progress.

11

Financial & Trade Notes: TV may help return pros-

perity to movie industry, according to financial analysis of 6 “most favorably situated” concerns (Columbia, Loew’s, Paramount, 20th Century, United Paramount, Warner Bros.) prepared by Gerstley, Sunstein & Co., Philadelphia, investments. Report makes these points:

(1) “Prospective use by TV industry of past film pro- ductions of motion pictures, cost of which has long since been recovered by amortization,” will be “found money” for film industry. (2) “As and when film production is divorced from the operation of theatres, the latter will undoubtedly be used for telecast of live programs, special events and for educational purposes.” (3) “The trend towards production of films for TV by experienced motion picture producers will probably be accelerated by the very rapid inci'ease in cost of televising live programs.” (4) “The prospective curtailment, if not elimination, of set manufacture for the duration . . . should lessen the com- petition from TV.”

^ :|c

Raytheon showed net profit of $1,278,079, or 67^ per share of common stock, on sales of $41,060,627 for 6 months ended Nov. 30, 1950, president Charles Francis Adams Jr. reported Jan. 12. This compared with loss of $621,701 on sales of $22,088,129 in same 1949 period. Op- erations for full 1950 fiscal year resulted in profit after taxes of $935,000. Volume of sales to military has not yet increased, Mr. Adams reported, but research and develop- ment has expanded and current orders have been ac- celerated; increase in inventories in last 6 months from $15,700,000 to $21,300,000 was attributed to expansion for goAd;. production.

Wilcox-Gay Corp. offered 600,000 new shares of com- mon at $1,625 a share this week, making 1,605,700 shares of $1 par value outstanding, 1,600,000 shares without par value, $247,500 in 5% convertible debentures due Dec. 31, 1965, and $749,330 of unsecured debt. New offering was through Gearhart, Kinnard & Otis Inc. and White & Co., and will be used for working capital.

Tung-Sol reports its outstanding cumulative converti- ble preference stock had been reduced to 53,494 by Dec. 30, resulting from conversion of 3815 shares into common on a share-for-share basis.

^ ^

Plant expansions: Kollsman Instrument Corp., wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Coil Products Inc., has ac- quired 2 factory buildings, each about 100,000 sq. ft., with large lot, on 47th Ave. in Elmhurst section of New York borough of Queens . . . Teletronics Laboratories Corp. in February will occupy new $200,000 factory in Los Angeles Airport industrial tract, tripling capacity.

Flareup against rising TV costs (Vol. 7:1) comes from Kudner Agency president James H. S. Ellis, address- ing Detroit Adcraft Club Jan. 12. He charged networks, through control of TV packages, have bid up talent prices to point where “TV is getting too rich for the average ad- vertiser’s purse, no matter how good it is.”

Three years ago, said Ellis, top weekly hour-long TV show cost $10,000 ($2000 for time, $800 talent); today same show costs $100,000 ($36,000 time, more than $60,000 talent). That means a $4,000,000 ad budget for TV alone, he declared.

Competition between networks has reached point of outright “audiance stealing,” he said, “with networks bid- ding fabulous prices which few sponsors can justifiably pay. With individual stars getting as much as $40,000 for a single performance, a lot of harm has been done.”

Warning of “monopolistic .control of the editorial con- tent of the air,”- through netwoi'k control of shows* (CBS

Second week’s Phonevision tests in Chicago (Vol. 7:1) have led proponent E. F. McDonald, Zenith president, to claim that it’s movie industry’s way of recapturing “lost audience”. He said 180 of the 300 test families reported they had never seen first film shown, Apr/7 Showers, with Bing Crosby, reported he’s even considering showing Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1939 RKO horror hit starring Lon Chaney, to enable oldsters and youngsters to see top show they’ve missed. Movies’ vital interest in tests was indicated this week in Paramount’s hiring A. E. Sindlinger (Radox) to check public reaction. Second week’s pictures were: MGM’s Song of Love, with Katherine Hepburn, Paul Henreid, Robert Walker; Warner’s Voice of the Turtle, with Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Parker; KRO’s Enchanted Cottage, with Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young; MGM’s Tenth Avenue Angel, with Margaret O’Brien; RKO’s Murder My Sweet, with Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, Anne Shirley; Paramount’s Golden Earrings, with Marlene Die- trich, Ray Milland; MGM’s Song of the Thin Man, with Myrna Loy, William Powell.

Theatre-TV interests claimed discrimination in state- ment to FCC this week, saying they weren’t getting look- in on AT&T intercity TV circuits because networks had preempted all choice times. Statement cites inability of United Paramount Theatres to interconnect Detroit and Chicago theatres Nov. 4 & 11 for U of Michigan football games, asks that AT&T be forced to consider threatre-TV claimants when allocating circuits. New factor might throw monkey wrench into network’s carefully worked out “stagger” system, which obviated need for FCC hear- ing on ABC and DuMont complaints (Vol. 6:49, 50). There are now reported to be 15 theatres in 10 cities with TV installations, latest being Pittsburgh’s Fulton Theatre (using General Precision Laboratory equipment, Vol. 6:47) and Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre (RCA). Paramount Theatres, reporting this week on its theatre-TV experi- ments, told FCC: (1) Company confirmed belief 525-line, 6-mc monochrome is inadequate for theatre-TV. (2) It plans experimentation with 525-line, 18-mc color. (3) It surveyed all 100 New York theatres with 2000 or more seats, found 70 of them within line-of-sight of central transmission point, plans to test transmissions from sev- eral such points.

If NAB chooses new general manager from own staff, mantle may fall on Robert K. Richards, Richard P. Doherty or Ralph W. Hardy. Richards is public affairs director; Doherty, employe-employer relations; Hardy, government relations. Decision on successor to William B. Ryan, named BAB president last week (Vol. 7:1) is expected at NAB board meeting Feb. 1-2 at Belleview- Biltmore Hotel, Clearwater, Fla.

owns 70% of all its commercial shows, NBC 50%, he said), Ellis continued: “It is time for the people responsible for the destiny of TV to stop, look and listen ... At least we can call a halt and give the independent sources a chance to find if there isn’t some way to keep talent costs from going out of the reach of everyone — and thereby hurting TV, talent, TV owners and the industi*y as a whole.”

4: ^

TV talent cost $84,229,600 for 1950 sponsored evening network programs, according to figures compiled by George M. Burbach Jr., New York advertising man, son of director of St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s KSD & KSD-TV. Added to $45,000,000 TV network time cost estimate for* 1950 (Vol. 6:52), this would make total of around $129,000,000 spent for network time and talent. Mr. Burbach notes his com- pilation. “does not include special features such as World Series, football games and summer replacements.”

12

Telecasting Notes: Network radio sales are booming,

variously attributed to new excess profits tax and scarcity of TV time . . . Gulf Oil is dropping radio version of We the People on NBC, while retaining TV version, taking on new sponsorship of Counter-Spy on NBC-AM Sunday p.m.

. . . Tintair’s CBS-TV hit, Somerset Maughmn Theatre, will have radio version on CBS starting Jan. 20, Sat. 11:30- 12 noon . . . Add New York stations boosting rates: ABC’s WJZ-TV, which Feb. 1 raises base Class A hour rate from $2200 to $3100, one-minute from $500 to $650; 20-second rate will be $550, 8-second, $350 (see Vol. 7:1 for other New York rate hikes) . . . Variety reports both WLWT & WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, now operating in the black, with WKRC-TV “making rapid strides to get beyond the red line” . . . Showman Billy Rose engaged by NBC under 2-year contract as consultant on TV shows . . . Kine-record- ings of top TV shows, which can be screened on standard 16mm projectors, may be circulated abroad, where GIs are stationed, under plan attributed to producer Leland Hay- ward, RCA president Frank Folsom, RCA v.p. Manny Sacks . . . Now wholly owned by Los Angeles Times (Vol. 6:52), KTTV has switched representation to Blair TV Inc.; CBS’s KTSL (soon to be KNX-TV) is represented by Radio Sales . . . Donald Cooke Inc., station rep, has formed separate TV dept. . . . CBS has released Robert Q. Lewis from exclusive contract, dropped his Mon. 2:45-3:30 TV sustainer — but he’ll continue American Safety Razor Corp.’s Show Goes On and will substitute for Arthur God- frey on Wed. Chesterfield show when Godfrey begins 2-week Navy duty Jan. 18; Godfrey also considering 3 weeks in Europe to study Eisenhower mission for “con- versational” material . . . Color TV is subject of evening classes for advertising personnel starting at New York U Feb. 6, conducted by Tele-Tech’s John Battison with lec- tures by CBS’s Peter Goldmark, Paramount’s Richard Hodgson, et al. . . . CBS Radio Sales announces exclusive representation of new TV film series, 26 half hours, titled The Range Rider, produced by Flying A Pictures under same direction as CBS-TV’s Gene Autry Show . . . Decline in attendance has forced suspension Jan. 12 of Crosley- promoted wrestling matches, carried on hookup of WLWT, WLWD, WLWC . . . Current Pageant Magazine carries 8-page feature titled “Howdy Doody, Mr. Smith!” and featuring the NBC-TV kid show . . . Gillette sponsored Ezzard Charles-Lee Oma heavyweight title fight Jan. 12 on NBC-TV as a highlight of its Fri. 10 p.m. Cavalcade of Sports . . . Pabst will sponsor Jake LaMotta-Ray Robinson middleweight title bout on CBS-TV as a feature of its regular Wed. 10 p.m. boxing series . . . KMTV, Omaha, has prepared concise Guide to Layout & Reproduction of Art for TV, listing “do’s & don’ts”; available on request.

New TV station in Cedar Rapids, la., is sought in ap- plication filed with FCC this week by WMT (Wm. B. Dolph). It seeks Channel No. 9. Previously, Cedar Rapids Gazette (KCRG) had filed for No. 7. Petition to dis- miss Don Lee application for Channel 2 in San Francisco, reserved by FCC for more than 2 years for Don Lee, has been filed by Edwin Pauley’s Television California. Pauley claims Don Lee is now owned by new stockholders, there- fore not same company FCC favored previously (Vol. 6:50). [For details about WMT application, see TV Ad- denda 12-A.'\

United Television Programs Inc. has been formed as program distributing concern by Edward Petry & Co., sta- tion reps; Standard Radio Transcription Services Inc.; Century Artists. Officers are Jerry King, Standard, presi- dent; Richard J. Dorso, Century, executive v.p.; Milton Blink, Standard, secy-treas.

Federal Communications Bar Assn, holds annual lunch- eon meeting Jan. 26 at Willard Hotel, Washington, annual dinner same evening in Mayflower Hotel.

CBS color piped to Chicago drew highly favorable reaction during demonstrations which began this week. Even Judge Walter LaBuy, who dissented vigorously in decision upholding FCC authority (Vol. 6:51), attended showings, said: “The commercial possibilities of color TV ai-e tremendous. The entertainment value is self-evident.” Press was uniformly enthusiastic. Said Chicago Tribune radio editor Larry Walters: “Colors came through in bright, true tones with amazing detail . . . Whatever the final outcome of the color TV battle, [it is] something wonderful to see.” Bill Irvin, Sun-Times: “Clarity and brilliance of the colors drew enthusiastic comment.” Jack Mabley, Daily News: “Virtually perfect pictures.” William Leonard, Journal of Commerce : “Every single picture was so amazingly clear in detail, so thrillingly deep in dimen- sion, so pleasantly devoid of those horizontal TV wriggles and squirms, that standard black-and-white video seemed instantaneously as far behind the times as the crystal set . . . and the crank-up phonograph.” Closed-circuit pic- tures, received from New York via coaxial at studios of WBBM in Wrigley Bldg., were shown on 12-in. (magnified) set with Webster-Chicago converter and 12-in. (magnified) Muntz slave unit, in addition to 12(^-in. industrial set and 17-in. color-drum console.

Broadcasters got assurances this week from FCC chairman Coy and Air Force communication chief Maj. Gen. F. L. Ankenbrandt that there’s no intention of tak- ing control of radio and TV stations away from o^vner3 except in real emergency. Reference was to Defense Dept, request for legislation from Congress giving President control over “electromagnetic” radiation devices (Vol. 6:51). Assurances were given at second meeting of Broad- cast Advisory Council Jan. 8 in Washington. Requests for additional membership were tabled until functions of Council are more clearly defined. There have been com- plaints (even to White House) that BAC doesn’t fully represent TV-radio media. They’ve been made by non- NAB broadcasters, educational and farm groups, labor and other organizations (such as National Assn, of Radio- TV News Directors).

Petrillo will take up question of music on kinescope recordings at later date, personally, a union official said after Jan. 12 meeting of AFM Local 802 and networks on new contracts. Biggest demand was for elimination of all canned music between 8 a.m. and midnight. Other de- mands: (1) About 50% hike in pay scale. (2) Welfare fund based on 3% of payroll, to be paid by networks. (3) Minimum number of musicians for each program cate- gory. (4) Run-of-show contracts for musicians hired for a show. Present union contract with networks (and WOR) expires Jan. 31. Negotiators meet again Jan. 16.

“One-year moratorium” on live telecasts of college football games was voted, 161-7, by National Collegiate Athletic Assn., meeting in Dallas Jan. 12. Resolution, said to be “morally binding,” is not outright ban and no provision for enforcement was made. Ruling provides for live TV only on “controlled experimental basis,” permits delayed telecasts, and instantaneous theatre and Phone- vision telecasts. Officials of pro-TV Notre Dame said they regard moratorium as moral obligation.

Ban on network telecasts of baseball games, but not local telecasts, was voted by National League, which also decided to set up supervising agency to govern National League broadcasts outside major league areas. Action was taken as result of plea by minor leagues for relief from major league radio competition. Amei’ican League is expected to follow suit. Meanwhile, Washington Senators cut to 21 number of its games to be televised in Wash- ington. Last summer all home games were televised. Na- tional Basketball Assn, banned telecasting in Minneapolis, leaving New York only city televising pro cagers.

4

MARTIN COOEL's

AUTHORITATIVE NEWS SERVICE OF THE

VISUAL BROADCASTING ARTS AND INDUSTRY

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY RADIO NEWS BUREAU, 1519 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W., WASHINGTON 6, D.C. TELEPHONE MICHIGAN 2020 • VOL. 1, NO. 3

January 20, 1951

[ New Yardstick for TV Coverage, page 1.

) Stations Exempt From Building Ban, page 2. in This issue: yy NAB As Autonomous Entity, page 2.

I Coy Hopes for Freeze-End & Color, page 3.

Civilian Production Must Go On, page 6. How Govt. Will Control Materials, page 7. NPA Helping Maintain Production, page 8. ‘Scare Buying’ Only Part of Story, page 10.

(For Special Reports on Week’s Electronics Mobilization Activities, see pages 6-9)

NEW YARDSTICK FOR TV COVERAGE: What is a TV station's coverage area?

This simplest, basic question of the telecasting business, curiously enough, seems to have most complex answers of all — with many time-buyers still mistakenly obsessed with "wattage" as a principal criterion, a hangover from AM.

Issuance of revised sets-in-use and "family" figures by NBC Research this week (p. 12) is very good illustration of how concepts change.

Network is launching new coverage concept next week — with elaborate pres- entation, including maps, retail sales, effective buying income, etc. (Vol. 6:48).

New criterion is .1 millivolt-per-meter contour, replacing .5 Mv/m used heretofore. Recognizing that these figures are almost meaningless to laymen. NBC Research translates them — with reservations — into rough, rule-of-thumb mileage radii. In effect, average station’s coverage radius has been widened from 40 to 60 miles, though areas are by no means perfect circles.

Overlap in family figures has been eliminated. Through a "strongest signal" formula, overlap areas are generally split equally among stations involved.

Some stations are bound to be unhappy about this, of course. Families cred- ited to Providence, for example, are cut by over 50%. In addition, family count is brought up-to-date through use of Sales Management's 1950 survey of buying power.

* * ♦ *

Considerable sweating went into new yardstick. It was arrived at after con- sultation among networks and between networks and manufacturers. CBS will use same figure, and its overall computations are within about 1% of NBC's. ABC and DuMont are understood to have agreed to revision. Preponderance of industry considers new coverage realistic. In fact, NBC says many sponsors urged networks into it, report- ing their retail outlets, in the .1 Mv/m sticks, demanding to join in on participa- tion shows in order to reach local viewers.

Individual stations have far greater claims, frequently, and some even urged that contour be moved out to .025 Mv/m (25 microvolts).

Here's how new factor was arrived at :

(1) Performance of receivers and antennas — how they fvmction in the "back country" — was calculated by manufacturers, service companies.

(2) Actual measured .5 Mv/m contours were supplied by about half of NBC affiliates, extrapolated out to .1 Mv/m.

(3) Mail from viewer owners was analyzed, found to correspond very closely to actual distribution of population — 4-5% beyond .1 Mv/m. 17-20% between .1 &

.5 Mv/m. balance within .5 Mv/m.

(4) "Holes" in coverage within .1 Mv/m were weighed against reception be- yond, determined to be about equal.

New coverage appears optimistic, when compared with FCC's existing or pro-

Copyrlght 1951 by Radio News Bureau

posed engineering standards. But network engineers insist that new figure is based on actual reception experience ; that FCC is necessarily conservative in drawing up standards; that offset carrier (Vol. 6:42-48) is a powerful "bonus" factor; that people do go to great trouble to get a picture ; that viewers do accept considerably less than optimum quality when nothing else is available.

But technical men readily admit that more stations post-freeze, meaning crowded channels, will undoubtedly change situation, as it did in AM.

Time-buyers who still interpret "power!* to mean^ "coverage" are gradually learning that many other factors have greater importance — height . terrain, co- channel interference, etc. Also to be remembered is that FCC has endeavored to give all stations in same city equal potential coverage. Joint use of Empire State Bldg, in New York (Vol. 7:2) is perfect example.

What do FCC engineers say, when asked how far a station reaches? They used to answer "roughly .5 Mv/m. " Their current answer sounds facetious, but it's really quite apt; "As far as it can be received."

STATIONS EXEMPT FROM BUILDING BAN: There's no ban on construction or alteration of TV-radio stations — yet.

Despite some headlines in trade press, new restrictions on com'mercial con- struction (NPA Order M-4 amended) will have no effect on building of studio or transmitter installations — but it's good bet that station construction will even- tually be controlled.

Most commercial construction is banned until Feb. 15 by NPA order. After that time, building will be authorized only if it furthers defense effort, is essen- tial to health, welfare or safety, or relieves community hardship.

TV-radio station construction is exempt from order, NPA attorneys say. They hasten to point out, however, that broadcasters can't build office buildings without NPA authorization.

"We're going slow in restricting anything that involves communications," an NPA official told us, "but undoubtedly the time will come when building of broad- casting facilities will have to be restricted."

So anyone can build a station now — if he can get the materials.

TV INTO NAB AS AUTONOMOUS ENTITY: Willing and eager to join — but demanding abso- lute autonomy on all matters TV. That epitomizes attitude and decision of the 138 registrants representing top-level ownership-management of some 80 of nation's 107 telecasting stations who met in Chicago Jan. 19 to consider whether to ally with NAB. abandon TBA. Oft-broached one-big-tent idea stuck, and this is what conferees did:

(1) Agreed to join in separate TV division within NAB, with own management, own staff, responsible only to own board of directors.

(2) Elected 9 members of projected 15-man board, agreed 4 others should be designated one each by the networks ; 57 of the 80 stations cast ballots.

(3) Decided 2 board members must always represent TV-only interests.

(4) Signed up members tentatively, leaving formalization of organization, membership fees, etc. to board whose elected members are: Eugene Thomas. WOR-TV, chairman; Robert Swezey, WDSU-TV, vice chairman; Clair McCollough, WGAL-TV & WDEL- TV; George Storer, WJBK-TV, WSPD-TV & WAGA-TV ; Harold Hough. WBAP-TV ; Campbell Arnoux, WTAR-TV ; Harry Bannister, WWJ-TV ; Paul Rai bourn, KTLA (Paramount); W. D. Rogers, KEYL, San Antonio.

Messrs. Raibourn and Rogers are the non-AM members. Former has long been a prime mover in TBA, exerts great influence in that organization.

Need for organization, importance of autonomy, were stressed in discussions of such current problems as educational demands for channels, ASCAP fees, sports bans, excess profits tax — in none of which has TV been adequately represented.

Presence of so many non-members of NAB & TBA. general recognition of need for stronger TV industry leadership, enthusiasm of many, augurs well for proposed setup — NBC president Joe McConnell arising to give it his blessing, ABC's Joe

3

McDonald and DuMont's Chris Witting approving, CBS's Larry Lowman indicating his company may go along. Neither ABC nor CBS is member of NAB, though all networks belong to TBA.

Board steering committee meets to work out details sometime before NAB's next board meeting in Clearwater, Fla., Jan. 31, Feb. 1 & 2. Steering committee comprises Messrs. Thomas, Swezey, Storer. NAB board must, of course, approve — and there's some sentiment in that dominantly AM organization to avoid any "support" to TV. It's noteworthy, though, that Thomas and Swezey are members of NAB board.

COY'S HOPES FOR FREEZE-END & COLOR: Though it's no longer winning headlines, argu-

ment-as-usual continues over color TV issue — with FCC and CBS still flailing in a virtual vacuum, mainly mobilization-created. This week, FCC Chairman Wayne Coy made another speech, talking mostly about color, while CBS continued color demonstrations on receivers not only in its Chicago Wrigley Bldg, studios but in United Paramount's Chicago Theatre and in big Carson Pirie Scott dept, store.

More significant than v/hat he said about color. Coy took another look at his dog-eared end-of-f reeze timetable, speaking before New York State Publishers Assn.

Carefully hedging this time (his last guess was between April 1 & July 1) , he again pushed his prediction into the defense-shrouded future — this time to "third anniversary of the freeze," namely, next Sept. 30. Admitting he had made many wrong predictions in past, he told Buffalo convention;

"I do hope and expect and predict that we will be out of the freeze and granting applications before the third anniversary of the freeze. . .unless the mobi- lization program is so large by late summer it will not be possible to utilize raw materials in the building equipment and construction necessary to get TV stations on the air."

Just what end-of-freeze will mean, when and if it does come, is still good question (Vol. 6:52). TV-radio stations are exempt from this week's NPA ban on new construction (see p. 2) — but it's no secret they're under consideration, too.

And except for the few transmitters still in crates or on assembly lines, it’s idle to assume equipment-as-usual will be available this fall or next winter. Not, at least, in quantities sufficient to accommodate or even make good start toward Mr. Coy's prediction that; "It is not unreasonable to expect that a matured competitive TV service for this country will have more than 1000 stations and that the annual volume of business done by these stations will exceed |1 billion."

* * * *

Reviewing TV's phenomenal growth. Coy warned the publishers of its impact on their medium, inf erentially at least urged them to get into the TV swim, recounted reasons behind the freeze, progress of hearing, etc.

But attempt to "sell" FCC's color decision occupied most of his talk. As he did in recent Variety article (Vol. 7;1), he opined; "Any progress we can make in color will greatly magnify effectiveness of TV's contribution [to defense effort]."

Coy again expressed confidence courts will sustain FCC decision, seemed to think that court order is all that keeps CBS system from being put across — despite mobilization uncertainties, compatible system progress, probable post-litigation re- quest to reopen hearing, antipathy of virtually entire industry toward FCC decree.

He lit into RCA for attacking decision, called attention to recent NRDGA speech of RCA v.p. Robert Seidel (Vol. 7;2) suggesting dual standards and public choice of systems "by its ballot in the market place." Flatly rejecting RCA's pres- ent demands for dual standards. Coy added;

"This same fellow says that the Commission is now placing a ceiling on scientific development. Of all the balderdash! Even since the Commission approved the standards, the proponents of the field-sequential system [CBS] have announced the development of a 17-in. tube, thus meeting the criticism that their picture size was limited to 12)'2-in. The speaker conveniently ignores this development."

But Coy made no mention of developments in dot-sequential system [RCA] which have met most, if not all, basic criticisms — even those of FCC. Incidentally,

4 -

NTSC "Ad Hoc" committee (Vol. 7:1), weighing contributions of all companies to com- patible system, met in Washington Jan. 11 to view and discuss RCA system.

That "Joe DiMaggio" letter on tri-color tube, sent to FCC by RCA president Frank Folsom (Vol. 6:45), still rankles Coy. He noted that RCA now calls tube the "Joe DiMaggio," said:

"Putting the name of Joe DiMaggio on this tube is somewhat unfortunate be- cause it shows a certain amount of disrespect for DiMaggio 's ability. Joe has never refused to play the game, but the tube now bearing his name is side-lined and is as inactive , so far as its potential public is concerned, as a retired ballplayer or as though the tube had suffered an attack of anemia. "

While color is now considered academic by virtually entire industry. Coy makes only this concession:

"Of course, all types of broadcasting, including color TV broadcasting, will be affected by the defense effort. The exact extent cannot now be foreseen. The future of our defense mobilization effort may well hold the answer to whether color TV broadcasting makes a small or large beginning within the year in becoming the prevailing TV system of this country."

^ ^ ^ *

Free competition between color systems was urged Jan. 16 by Illinois' new Republican Senator Everett M. Dirksen in address to NARDA Chicago convention (see Trade Reports). Charging that unlimited govt, restrictions could destroy free enterprise , Sen. Dirksen cited FCC color decision as example. "My inclination is to let them [CBS & RCA] fight it out," said he, "and let the best of the lot win."

CBS reports great success with its Chicago color demonstrations, states they will be extended to other cities shortly. Since equipment and personnel of current New York & Chicago demonstrations will be needed for other cities, Chicago showings will be concluded Jan. 24, New York Jan. 26.

Telecasting Notes: whereas we “guesstimated,” on

basis of reported $45,000,000 worth of network time sold, that over-all 1950 TV time sales soared to around $100,000,- 000 (Vol. 6:52), Broadcasting Magazine reports its year- book will estimate $83,000,000. Whereas NAB estimates radio broadcasting gross revenues for 1950 at $448,198,000 (Vol. 6:52), yearbook places figure at $453,000,000, up more than 6% from 1949. NAB’s TV figure is estimated at between $70-$80,000,000 . . . DuMont Network has pur- chased old Central Opera House, 205 E. 67th St., New York, will convert it into TV Center, embracing 8 studios, one of them 180x70 ft.; plan is for all New York produc- tions eventually to emanate from center, construction plans depending on NPA restrictions . . . Free & Peters, station reps (including 8 TV outlets; see TV Factbook No. 12, p. 38) is out with 7-city survey showing radio pre- ferred over all other media for news, outstripping news- papers by 38%, TV by 268% . . . Horace N. Stovin Co., Toronto, appointed Canadian sales reps for ABC’s 5 owned & operated TV stations . . . Radio Correspondents Assn, has cancelled Feb. 3 dinner in honor of President Truman . . . United Television Programs Inc., formed by Petry, Standard, Century Artists (Vol. 7:2) to syndicate TV films, announces it will be sales rep for Bing Crosby Enterprises Inc., including its Fireside Theater curi-ently sponsored on NBC-TV by Procter & Gamble . . . American Book- sellers Assn., surveying 340 leading booksellers in both TV and non-TV areas, reports effect of TV on book reading and buying “absolutely nil,” cites October sales 1% ahead of same 1949 month in TV areas, 4.4% up in non-TV, No- vember 1.8% up in TV, 2.6% up in non-TV . . . University of Miami has begun “Telecourses” via WTVJ, Tue. & Thu. 2:30-3 p.m., enrollment fee $5, with final tests winning- certificates of credit for those who pass; first subjects are public speaking and personal finance.

Personal Notes: CBS chairman Wm. S. Paley, heading

new President’s Commission on Metals Resources (Vol. 7:2), is taking up residence in Washington for next few months . . . Edgar Kobak, ex-MBS president, now con- sultant, and J. Harold Ryan, Storer stations, have been added to Secy, of Commerce Sawyer’s 21-man Advertising Advisory Committee . . . Paul A. deMars, ex-Washington consultant, now chief engineer of Pickard & Burns, Need- ham, Mass. . . . Charles C. Bevis Jr., onetime mgr. of WNBK, Cleveland, recently director of NBC-TV stations, named mgr. of KOA, Denver, succeeding Lloyd Yoder, now heading KNBC, San Francisco . . . Lewis Allen Weiss, ex-Don Lee, ex-MBS chairman, on loan from Hughes Air- craft Co., is sei-ving on dollar-a-year basis as special con- sultant to National Production Authority’s Office of Civil- ian Requirements.

Chapter on color TV in annual report of Senate Small Business Committee created slight stir when Jan. 16 Radio Daily report left impi’ession that committee had endorsed FCC decision. Actually, committee directed staff to study situation after it had received many complaints from dealers and distributors. But all staff has done is to digest FCC decision and report on subsequent litigation. As staff member puts it: “It would probably take 7 or 8 engi- neers to do a real study, so we’re waiting for next commit- tee meeting [Feb. 1] to see what they want. This report was supposed to be for background only, not to imply opinion of the committee one way or the other.” Specula- tion about DuMont-CBS tieup on color in Jan. 17 Variety, based on recent meetings between Dr. Allen DuMont and CBS piesident Frank Stanton, is dismissed by Dr. DuMont who says “nothing to it.” He says that meetings had nothing to do with color, that “we have some problems in common — labor, etc.”

- 5 -

Station Accounts: Baltimore builders A. H. Carrigan & Co., offering $19,800 stone ranch houses on Jan. 12 Dream House Time on WAAM, 6:40-6:55 p.m., reported 20 phone responses, 20 live prospects — leading adman Marx Kauf- man, of Kaufman-Strouse, to release this enthusiastic statement: “I’m convinced anything can be sold on TV. It’s equal to having 10,000,000 Fuller Brush men putting their feet in the front doors of homes all over America, giving demonstrations” . . . TV, films and radio reported contemplated in $800,000 New York Stock Exchange’s “public education” budget for 1951 . . . Washington Sena- tors have sold rights to telecasts of 21 home games, radio broadcasts of 154 (WTTG WWDC, respectively), to Christian Heurich Brewing Co. (Old Georgetown beer), thru Henry J. Kaufman & Associates, Washington . . . Parx Products Corp. (plastic finger-nail cover), headed by Herbert L. Pettey, ex-mgr. of New York’s WMGM, plan- ning campaign using TV & radio, thru Hem’y J. Kaufman & Associates . . . Greyhound Bus Lines sponsoring sports roundup on KSTP-TV, St. Paul, Mon. thru Fri. 10:20-10:30 p.m. . . . General Service Publishing Co., in conjunction with Grand Union Co., sponsoring Fun with Food, cooking show, on WJZ-TV, New York, Fri. 2-2:30, thru French & Preston, N. Y. . . . New spot business on WCBS-TV, New York, includes: Standard Brands (Blue Bonnet marga- rine), thru Ted Bates & Co., N. Y.; Purity Bakeries (Gi’en- nan Cakes), thru Young & Rubicam, N. Y.; Liebmann Breweries (Rheingold beer), thru Foote, Cone & Belding, N. Y.; Plough Inc. (aspirin), thru Lake, Spiro & Sherman, Memphis . . . New account on WABD, New York, is Cort- ley Frosted Foods, sponsoring You’re On Your Own, Sun. 2-2:30, thru Fairfax Adv., new spots on WABD include Ward Baking Co. (Ward’s Tip-Top bread), thru J. Wal- ter Thompson; Harry Doehla Co. (greeting cai'ds), thru Schwab & Beatty; California Packing Corp. (Del Monte canned foods), thi-u McCann-Erickson . . . Among other advertisei-s currently reported using or preparing to use TV: Richard, S. A. Merges, Switzerland (watches, electric shavers), thru Weiss & Geller, N. Y.; Stardust Inc. (slips & bras), thru Norman D. Watters & Associates, N. Y.; Chunk-E-Nut Products Co. (peanut butter, etc.), thi'u C. J. LaRochc, N. Y.; American Home Products Corp. (Bur- nett’s pudding), thru Earl Bothwell, N. Y.; Sealy Inc. (mat- tresses), thru Olian Adv., Chicago; Hy grade Food Prod- ucts Corp., thru Brooke, Smith, French & Dorrance, N. Y.; Miller Brewing Co. (Miller High Life Beer), thru Mathies- son & Associates, Milwaukee; Zippy Products Inc. (Zippy liquid starch), thru W. B. Geissinger & Co., Los Angeles; S. C. Johnson & Sons (Pride liquid furniture polish), thru Needham, Louis & Brorby, Chicago.

Stations Planning & Advisory Committee of NBC radio and TV networks holds first meeting, since new elections, Feb. 14-15 in New York. TV members are: Mar- tin Campbell, WFAA-TV; E. R. Vandeboncoeur, WSYR- TV; John Murphy, Crosley; Dean Fitzer, WDAF-TV. Radio members: Richard 0. Dunning, KHQ; B. T. Whitmire, WFBC; Milton L. Greenebaum, WSAM; Howard E. Pill, WSFA; Ralph Evans, WHO; Robert Thompson, WBEN; Jack Harris, KPRC; S. S. Fox, KDYL. Latter 3 also operate TV stations.

TV time and talent charges must be related to effec- tiveness of medium, have no standing by themselves. That’s consensus of TV network and station executives contacted in connection with Kudner Agency president James H. S. Ellis’ warnings that TV costs wei'e getting out of hand (Vol. 7:2). None intend any public rebuttal of Ellis’ Detroit speech, on grounds that it doesn’t matter how much a show costs, if it sells the goods. Even Variety Jan. 17 editorial makes that jtoint, adds: “. . . there is perhaps no ceiling on talent’s real worth to sponsors for merchandising values.”

Network TV-Radio Billings

December IB.'iO & 12 .Months 1950

.Network TV time billing.s of $6,684,363 in December (exclusive of non-reporting DuMont) brought total for 1950 to $40,453,878 — but DuMont has reported sej)arately that its 1950 billings were $4,500,000. December figure is up from November’s record $6,524,858 (Vol. 6:51) and from December 1949’s $1,921,166, and 12 months billings are more than thi ice 1949’s $12,294,513. Network radio time sales for December were $15,673,016, down from December 1949’s $16,408,884; for all 1950, the 4 AM networks reported $183,358,922 as against $187,800,329 for 1949. The TV-radio figures, as reported by Publishers Information Bureau:

NBC

CBS

ABC

DuMont

Total

NETWORK TELEVISION December December Jan.-Dee.

1950 1949 1950

$ 3,274,877 $ 1,026,366 $ 21,185,812

2,269,022 568,713 12,797,556

1,140,464 219,337 6,470,510

* 106,750 •

$ 6,684,363 $ 1,921,166 $ 40,453,878

Jan. -Dec. 1949

$ 6,500,104 3,446,893 1,391,991 955,525

$ 12,294,513

CBS

NBC

ABC

MBS

Total

NETWORK RADIO $ 5,774,939

$ 6,544,490 5,063,845 2,752,288 1,312,393

$15,673,016

5,631,643

3,656,492

1,345,810

$16,408,884

$ 70,744,669 61,397,651 35,124,625 16,091,977

$183,358,922

$ 63,403,583 64,013,296 42,342,854 18,040,596

$187,800,329

* Not available, but DuMont has officially announced total 1950 network revenues as $4,500,000.

Network Accounts: United States Shoe Corp. and its

Red Cross Shoe dealers March 4 will sponsor one-time America Applauds, An Evening for Richard Rodgers on N3C-TV, Sun. 9-10; testimonial show preempts Philco’s Television Playhouse . . . Hollywood Candy Co. (Milk Shake candy bar) Jan. 27 begins unnamed children’s show on CBS-TV, Sat. ll:30-noon . . . Pabst Sales Co. (Pabst Blue Ribbon beer) Jan. 21 will sponsor film condensation of All-Star Professional Bowl football game on CBS-TV, Sun. 4-4:30; game was played in Los Angeles Jan. 14 . . . Sales Builders Inc. (Max Factor cosmetics) Jan. 20 starts Sheila Graham Program (kine) on NBC-TV, Sat. 11-11:15 p.m. . .