Fall Start in Rochester, N.Y., La Inched on Schedule at 5 P.M

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906Z0 30N3GIAM AT PRESS TIME IS IN31CIA3N38 B9 wA-nlivm snwINVAH NAMOI Big 3, studios talk D1706fAV6E680013TO LEttrbZOOT Los ANGELEsRepresentatives of the Holly- ' wood production community and the major TV networks met here Sept. 20 to discuss efforts to relax financial interest and syndication rules, agreeing to meet again next month. Sources on IMI=1/01. Thursday said the studios pressed to have INTV President Preston Padden included in the talks, but they are said to have backed down because they feared the networks would break off talks if they kept pushing for Mr. Padden's inclusion. Nonetheless, MPAA President Jack Valenti said he believed the meeting had "progressed usefully." Composer buys TV outlet Published weekly by NEw ORLEANS ---Composer and record producer Quincy Jones purchased WNOL-TV, the TVX Crain Communications Broadcasting Group -owned independent here, for an undisclosed sum last week. TVX purchased the Entire contents copyright 1989 by Crain Communications Inc. station in April 1986 for $13 million. The station $1.50 A COPY; $49 A YEAR All rights reserved. SEPTEMBER 25, 1989 (Continued on Page 39) INTV, NAB Networks battle N.Y. cable station get strong By ADAM BUCKM AN Stall reporter A controversial new cal.le "station" fall start in Rochester, N.Y., la inched on schedule at 5 p.m. last Th irsday with By WILLIAM MAHONEY an episode of "Knight R der" while Los Angeles bureau chiet its foes were attacking the very idea of the channel on Capitol HiL. LosANGELES The fall season started Both the Association of Indepen- strong for ABC, CBS and NBC last week, de- dent Television Stations and the Na- spite new competition on Monday night from tional Association of Broadcasters the Fox Broadcasting Co. lineup. last week sent strongly wo cicd letters The debut of new series last week drew to legislators on Capitol Hill protest- strong viewer sampling for the networks, paring the transformation of the Roches- ticularly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs- day, but earned only modest gains against See editorial, Page 12. Fox on Monday. Here's a breakdown of how 15 new series ter cable channel into a vi Thal inde- fared last week: pendent TV station. Seven new programs won their time peri- The cable station, opera..ing under ods last week: NBC's "The Nutt House," the call letters WGRC, ha: bought a "Sister Kate" and "Hardball"; CBS's "Major number of evergreen and r ewer syn- Dad," "The People Next Door" and "Island dicated shows, including "ALF" and Son"; and ABC's "Doogie Howser, M.D." "Perfect Strangers," to fill its 6 a.m. Two new series placed second in their to post midnight program schedule. time periods: ABC's "Chicken Soup" and In its letter to legislators, INTV "The Young Riders." argues that the cable system , which is Six new programs placed third: the CBS owned by Time Warner subsidiary series "A Peaceable Kingdom," "Wolf," "Res- American Television & Co:nmunica- Former FCC chief Dick Wiley isexpanding his influence in Washington. cue 911," "Top of the Hill" and "The Famous lions Corp., has positioned Aself as a Teddy Z"; and FBC's "Alien Nation." competitor to Rochester's On)adcast In individual night results from last week, stations, yet doesn't fall t nder the CBS won Monday with its slate of six come- jurisdiction of Federal Corimunica- Wiley still mighty dies, including three new programs. tions Commission regulations. (Continued on Page 39) "The Time Warner 'spin doctors' positioned their merger as America's INSIDE: chance to stride boldly across the after all theseyears world stage," says the letter from U.K. firm faces MTM losses By DOUG HALONEN TVS Entertainment'sJames Gatward INTV President Preston Padden, Washington bureau chief which was mailed to 16 U.S. senators says MTM is headed for cutbacks. and 25 U.S. representatives. WASHINGTON During July's Sovran Bank Tennis Classic at "Instead, this vertically integrated the Washington Tennis Center's posh new stadium here, the programing and cable giant seems to action of most interest to broadcasting and cable industry TCI improving people skills have set its sights on conquering a insiders was taking place off the court. 8 Tele-Communications Inc.'s new target closer to home-namely, Roch- Watching the match from a private box was Al Sikes, who strategy targets customer service. ester, N.Y." would soon be sworn in as chairman of the Federal The letter warns that cable systems Communications Commission, and Sherrie Marshall, nominee that operate their own stations would for an FCC seat. Working on common goals move broadcasters to unfavorable From time to time, luminaries from in and around the 16 channel positions, and that cable's (Continued on Page 37) Broadcasters and cable operators (Continued on Page 3S) discuss their mutual problems. 2 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989

NEWS SUMMARY A controversial new cable "station" launched on schedule Sept. 21 in Rochester, N.Y., while INTV and NAB were vi- Britain's TVSmoves gorously attacking the idea on Capitol Hill, warning that broadcast stations would suffer through channel placement. (Page 1) The fall season started strong for ABC, CBS and NBC last week, despite tough new competition on Monday night from the Fox Broadcasting Co. lineup. New series debuts saw strong sampling, to stop MTM losses particularly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. (Page 1) By SEAN KELLY sure how much the turndown is. We've taken steps to Dick Wiley, a former Federal Communications Commission Contributing editor make sure deficits don't get out of hand." chairman and a key player in Washington's communications arena, is Mr. Gatward also confirmed that there would be lay- expanding his influence. (Page 1) LONDON-TVS Entertainment has admitted its MTM offs, but he declined to give numbers. Entertainment has suffered losses in the area of $45 mil- "I'm afraid it does (mean layoffs)," he said. "That is Fox Television Stations has agreed to sell its owned -and - lion and that belt -tightening must follow. being dealt with at the operated WFXT-TV in Boston to the Boston Celtics, a move that solved However, TVS, one of Britain's largest independent moment, but I'm not going a cross -ownership conflict for Fox and triggered personnel changes in broadcast companies, insists there will be no "for sale" to say anything more. As the Boston market. (Page 3) sign on the American programing subsidiary. you are aware, a lot of TVS purchased MTM for $320 million last year in sensitivities are involved." Paramount Domestic Television and MCA TV last what was the largest U.S. TV acquisition ever made by a Sources indicated that a week came together to form a new barter alliance, Premier Ad- British TV company. full decision will be made vertiser Sales, which sources say will be the fifth -largest national TV After last week's word of the losses, which were on the matter within the advertising source in the nation. (Page 3) blamed on poor TV show sales, TVS shares fell 26 per- next 10 days. cent on the London stock market. Mr. Gatward said he Syndicators are boosting their efforts to help local British analysts believe the news could cause company was confident about the broadcasters promote off -network comedies in order to increase na- profits to drop from $41 million to an estimated $17.2 future of MTM and in tional ratings and encourage stations to do business with them. (Page million. MTM shows such as "FM" 3) "The position at MTM is serious but not terminal by and "Capital News," both any means," James Gatward, founder and chief execu- of which are likely to air The National Cable Television Association has tive officer of TVS Entertainment, told ELECTRONIC as mid -season replace- produced a TV spot that cable operators can use to explain syndicated MEDIA. JAMES GATWARD ments on the major U.S. exclusivity to viewers in an effort to dampen any consumer backlash "We have suffered there along with all other com- TVS chief predicts layoffs networks. from program blackouts. (Page 3) panies prominent in the secondary syndication mar- MTM, named after co- ket. However, the assets will remain intact-there is no founder Mary Tyler CBS confirmed last week that it is breaking away from the for -sale sign up around MTM," he said. Moore, also distributes such shows as "The Mary Tyler traditional network program development schedule of December But Mr. Gatward confirmed that cutbacks will be Moore Show," "Hill Street Blues" and "St. Elsewhere." through March and designing a year-round system to create new made. "It's a helluva turndown-I won't hide that for a mo- shows. (Page 4) "As far as MTM is concerned, we're taking some econ- ment," he said of the losses. "But I am convinced the omy measures," he said. "We're reducing our commit- strategy is as right today as it was a year ago." WKCH-TV, a Knoxville, Tenn., Media Central station involved ments to development for the coming year until we mea- (Continued on Page 39) in bankruptcy proceedings, was left with its fate up in the air when its would-be owner was arrested last week on charges of laundering money gained from illegal activities. (Page 4) Donald Wear, who has headed CBS Broadcast International `Hard Copy' leadsnewfare here for the past three years, is leaving the network at the end of the year to join the Washington communications law firm of Wiley, Rein & By GARY ALAN ROSEN ident and director of programing Television, said "Hard Copy" got off Fielding. (Page 4) Staff reporter at Katz Continental Television, said to a "pretty decent start." that "Hard Copy's" early numbers Meanwhile, newcomers "Chip 'N' The Television Bureau of Advertising lost a presi- NEW YORK --Hard Copy" from were encouraging. Dale," "Jim Henson's Muppet dent and WNBC-TV in New York gained a new general manager as Bill Paramount Domestic Television and In Los Angeles, "Hard Copy," on Babies" and "Maxie's World" pre- Moll announced that he was switching jobs last week. (Page 4) "Chip 'N' Dale's Rescue Rangers" KNBC-TV at 7:30 p.m., averaged a miered to some good numbers, fol- from Buena Vista Television showed 10.3 rating (percentage of TV house- lowing a strong start a week earlier Warner Cable and WLWT-TV in Cincinnati are teaming good early ratings as they premiered holds) and a 16 share (percentage of for Viacom Enterprises' "Super up to provide local high schools with a five-minute daily news capsule, in syndication last week. sets in use) for its first airings Sept. Mario Bros. Super Show." the first cooperative effort of its kind between a cable operator and a But the new game show block 18 to 20, according to Nielsen Media In Minneapolis, "Chip 'N' Dale" local station. (Page 8) premiering on the Fox Television Research. aired on independent KMSP-TV at 4 Stations had a rocky start. "Hard Copy" also did well on p.m. and averaged a 7.8/24 for the As Hurricane Hugo swept across the Caribbean last week, Syndicators and program direc- NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV in Chi- three-day period. it damaged cable systems and knocked out broadcast stations. TCI East tors were quick to point out that it cago, where it averaged a 6.7/12 for "Maxie's World," distributed by lost two dishes and as many as 200 miles of aerial cable plant. (Page 8) was still too early to make long- the three-day period. Claster Television, aired on inde- term projections for the shows. Dick Kurlander, vice president pendent WPHL-TV in Philadelphia Tele-Communications Inc. last week announced a new Still, Mitchell Prayer, vice pres- and director of programing at Petry at 3 p.m. and averaged a 2.1/6, com- campaign aimed at improving its relationship with its customers in an peting against "Woody Woodpecker effort to boost subscriber levels. (Page 8) & Friends" and "Denver, the Last Dinosaur." The Library of Congress last week issued a list of 25 Claster Television's "Jim Hen - classic movies that the federal government intends to protect as "na- son's Muppet Babies" averaged a tional treasures," a move intended largely to discourage colorization. N.Y. weathercaster 5.6/16 in its first three days on New (Page 16) York independent WNYW-TV. Fox's new game show block- Billionaire Donald Trump and Time Warner finally an- consisting of "Jackpot," "Talka- nounced their partnership in the first -run game show "Trump Card," gets live taste of Hugo bout" and "The Last Word"-didn't after Mr. Trump gained approval from the New Jersey Gaming Com- post better than 2 ratings points in mission to telecast the show from Trump's Castle Hotel. (Page 16) By MARIANNE PASKOWSKI TRONIC MEDIA after the seven - most markets. It airs in the after- New York bureau chief hour plane ride Thursday night. noons on the Fox -owned stations. A NATPE seminar in San Francisco brought a group of Cameramen from WSVN-TV The new late -night strip "After station managers and cable operators together to discuss common NEW YORK-Weekend weath-and WTVJ-TV, both in Miami, Hours," distributed by Worldvision problems related to the reimposition of the syndicated exclusivity ercaster John Bolaris of WCBS-were also on board, he said. Enterprises, premiered with mixed rules. (Page 16) TV here had a rare opportunity Mr. Bolaris had been in the results, but some markets, including to cover Hurricane Hugo lastplane for nearly six hours when Atlanta and Los Angeles, main- Fox Broadcasting Co. continued to build its ratings for the week by literally riding throughthe eye of the hurricane ap- tained their lead-in share. Emmy Awards telecast. This year's program showed a 10 percent im- the eye of the storm. proached landfall late Thursday In New York, "After Hours" aired provement in ratings over last year's, with an 11.4/19. (Page 16) Mr. Bolaris and a cameraman evening off the coast of Charles- on WNYW-TV at 11:30 p.m. and from WCBS were among the few ton, S.C., after its sweep through averaged a 4.0/8. TV crews allowed aboard thethe Caribbean (see related story, On the talk show front, "Everyday "Hurricane Hunters" aircraft, Page 8). With Joan Lunden" from Michael manned by the scientists who WCBS-TV, in its late evening Krauss Syndication premiered on CONTENTS track the course of the storm by newscast, provided dramatic live ABC affiliate KTVI-TV in St. Louis, flying through it. audio from Mr. Bolaris, who was where it averaged a 3.7/16, up from Briefly Noted 37 Letters to the Editor 12 The Hurricane Hunters oper-bouncing around in the con- its lead-in. On Denver ABC affiliate Business Beat 18 News of Record 31 ate under the auspices of the Na- verted cargo plane as it battered KUSA-TV, it averaged a 4.5/20, sec- Calendar 30 Quick Takes 12 tional Oceanic and Atmospheric its way through the storm. ond in its time period.# Classified Advertising 34 Off -Season Ratings 36 Administration. By that time, the plane had Finance 18 Technology 70 They supply data to the Na-penetrated the eye of the hurri- The Insider 8 Viewpoint 12 tional Weather Service and thecane five times, and many of the CORRECTION Jobs 32 Who's News 26 National Hurricane Center. crew members had experienced A limited number of journal-bouts of nausea, he said. In the Sept. 18 issue, a Page 3 ists are allowed on board these Mr. Bolaris described his plane story listing ratings for new syndi- Vol. 8, No. 39-EtEcraoilic MEDIA (ISSN 0745-0311) is published weekly by Crain Communications cated shows incorrectly identified Inc., 740 Rush St., Chicago, III. 60611. Second -Class postage is paid at Chicago, M., and additional missions and few know of theride as "the career thrill" of his riming offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ELECTRONIC MEDIA, Circulation Depart- opportunity, said Mr. Bolaris,life, second only to getting his Dick Kurlander. He is vice president ment, 965 E. Jefferson Ave.. Detroit, MI 48207. who spoke with ELEC-job at WCBS two yearsago.# and director of programing at Petry Television.# ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 3 NCTA towarnviewers of blackouts By DOUG HALONEN company to black out some of your favorite Steve Effros, president of the cable indus- "We have the same goal as the cable com- Washington bureau chief TV programs on regional or other out-of-town try's Community Antenna Television Associa- panies of educating Americans as to what is stations if a local broadcast station has re- tion, said cable operators want their custom- happening and why," Mr. Wurfel said. WASHINGTON-Hoping to dampen any con- quested exclusive program rights." ers to understand that the cable industry is The cable TV spot will be relayed to cable sumer backlash from program blackouts, the "We don't like the thought of any program- not to blame for the regulatory changes. systems over satellites as early as today. National Cable Television Association has ing blackouts," the message continues. "But "It's the broadcasters that did it; it's the Tapes are also supposed to be available in produced a TV spot that cable operators can we must, by law, comply with these rules." federal government that did it," Mr. Effros late October from state cable TV associations, use to explain syndicated exclusivity rules to NCTA spokeswoman Lynn McReynolds said said. "We don't want it to come as a shock." according to NCTA. viewers. the association expected "a lot of consumer Meanwhile, Walt Wurfel, senior vice presi- In addition, NCTA said it has developed In the 60 -second message, an actor explains confusion" once the regulations go into effect, dent of public affairs for the National As- "comprehensive information kits, which in- that beginning Jan. 1, the Federal Communi- "and we want to explain it as best we can." sociation of Broadcasters, said NAB is pre- clude materials to help local cable systems cations Commission's new syndicated exclu- She said NCTA is not trying to whip up con- paring informational packages for use by TV communicate syndex to consumers, local sivity regulations "may force your local cable sumer opposition to the regulations. stations. elected officials and the media."# Syndicators Paramount boost local joins MCA promotions for barter By WILLIAM MAHONEY Los Ange es bureau chief By WILLIAM MAHONEY Los Angeles bureau chief Los ANGELES-With statbns ponying up millions of dollars for off -network comedies, syndicators are boosting Los ANGELES-Paramount Domestic Television and MCA TV their efforts to help local br )adcasters promote the shows. last week came together to form a new barter alliance called The distributors realize taat the effort can not only pay Premier Advertiser Sales. off by increasing national ratings, it may also encourage Company officials say the entity will be the fifth -largest a station to do business w th the company when its next national TV advertising source in the nation, behind the three series comes on the block. broadcast networks and Fox Broadcasting Co. Among the new efforts are campaigns for three major Of the $1 billion in annual barter sales for syndicated fare, off -network comedies premiering in syndication this month: Premier is expected to account for 25 percent of that, or $250 "Who's the Boss?" from Columbia Pictures Television; million a year, Paramount and MCA TV officials said. "Growing Pains" from Warner Bros. Domestic Television For Paramount, the entity will take the place of International Distribution; and "Mr. Belvedere" from Twentieth Century Advertiser Sales, which teamed the distributor with Orbis Com- Fox Television. munications. Originally, Columbia Pictures Television had been Each campaign has elements that are indicative of the the third partner in IAS, which is now defunct. growing sophistication of of: -network promotion. Orbis will not act as a partner in Premier Advertiser Sales, "The stations and the syndicators are both much more but Premier will sell time in Orbis product "for the immediate sophisticated about promotinn," says Fred Bierman, senior future," says Shelly Schwab, president of MCA TV. vice president of marketing for Fox, "and that's a real Lucie Salhany, president of Paramount Domestic Television, good thing because it means that less money is wasted and insists that Paramount is still on good terms with Orbis, but she more resources are targeted at strategies that work." noted that Orbis doesn't currently have enough product to war- "The price of playing ba 1 has gone up," says Michael rant its being a partner. Zucker, CPT's senior vice president of marketing. Orbis' main products are the just -launched weekly first -run CPT's campaign for "Whc's the Boss?" includes a co-op series "Smash Hits," its movie packages and the special "Rais- marketing plan that's offeret to every station that signed up ing Good Kids in Bad Times." for the show-an unusual element for an all -cash show, "Who's theBoss?"is backed by "millions" in co-op dollars, In the new barter alliance, Marc Hirsch, former executive vice since normally only stations in the overnight markets are says Columbia Pictures Television's Barry Thurston. president of IAS, will act as president, and David Brenner, offered co-op support. senior vice president of MCA TV, will act as executive vice Under the plan, all statiors signed up for "Boss" receive president. $1 from CPT for every $3 the./ spend on outside media up to "To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever put to- MCA TV and Paramount Pictures, which will each get three an allotted maximum, which greatly increases CPT's pro-gether a co-op campaign that every station on the lineup of the six seats on Premier's board, have previously teamed up motional investment for the show. can participate in, ' Mr. Thurston says. on two other major joint ventures. "There's no comparison to the cost of this," Barry Thur- Fox is also pushing a co-op element of its campaign for The two companies are 50-50 owners of cable's USA Net- ston, president of syndication for CPT, says when asked how "Mr. Belvedere," one that's tailored to the younger audience work, and they co-own a chain of theaters called CIC. the effort stacks up agains- the campaigns of the many that stations are targeting with their early fringe airings of In the barter alliance partnership, Paramount and MCA TV other CPT off -network sitcoms. the series. will combine a wealth of complementary product. Of the campaign in general he says, "We spent millions of The syndicator is urging stations to participate in the "We are the leaders for sitcoms and family programing" in dollars on the execution of it and the production and the "Mr. Belvedere Fan Club" by agreeing to provide, for the first -run syndication, MCA TV's Mr. Schwab said, "and they creative aspects, and we spent millions of dollars on the first two months, a 30 -second spot in the lead-in of the (Paramount) are the leaders in action -adventure hours." co-op." sitcom and another one during the program to encourage "We have been talking to them for a couple of years," Para - In return, the stations are giving "Boss" more exposure viewers to join the club. mount's Ms. Salhany said. "They really balance us out." since there is more encourag 'ment to buy radio time, bill- Fox organizes and funds the club, which sends members Paramount will contribute its new first -run strip "Hard boards and bus and subway a 1vertising. (Continued on Page 38) Copy" and the six -day -a -week "The Arsenio Hall Show," in (Continued on Page 38) Fox sells Boston station to Celtics By GARY ALAN ROSEN The sale of WFXT resolves a longstanding Fed- would most likely announce his plans this week. Staff reporter eral Communications Commission cross -owner- It has been speculated that Mr. Walsh would ship conflict regarding Mr. Murdoch's ownership end up at WFXT, but he refused to comment. Fox Television Stations has agreed to sell its of the station and The Boston Herald newspaper. WFXT's current general manager, Joe Robin- owned -and -operated WFXT-TV in Boston to the Under FCC rules, a single owner can't hold aowitz, said he will step down from his post when Boston Celtics Limited Partnership. newspaper and a television station in the same the sale is consummated. The announcement was made by Bob Kreek, market. Mr. Robinowitz said he will remain with Mr. president of Fox Television Stations, and Don Jan Voltz, executive vice president and general Murdoch's organization, though he didn't know in Gaston, chairman of the Celtics, Boston's profes- manager of the Celtics, said WFXT will remain a what area or capacity. sional basketball team. Fox affiliate as part of the deal. Mr. Robinowitz would not confirm or deny that Neither party would comment on financial Last week's announcement triggered some per- Mr. Walsh would take his place at WFXT. terms of the deal, but sources in the Boston mar- sonnel shifts in the Boston market. WLVI has aired Celtics games for several years ket estimated the price to be between $30 million One was the abrupt resignation of WLVI-TVand has a prior relationship with Mr. Walsh. and $50 million. Vice President and General Manager Gerald WLVI's contract with the Celtics runs out at Fox owner Rupert Murdoch bought the station Walsh on the day of the WFXT announcement. the end of the 1989-90 season. from the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1986 Mr. Walsh, who was with WLVI in Boston for At that time, it is expected that Celtics games RUPERT MURDOCH for $28 million. 20 years, confirmed that he had resigned and will switch to WFXT.# Sale solves cross -ownership issue 4 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 CBS sets year-roundTvB's Moll production schedulemakes switch By WILLIAM MAHONEY Los Angeles bureau chief Los ANGELES-CBS confirmed last week that it is breaking away from the traditional program de- `What this is going to do to WNBC-TV velopment schedule and designing is give, for the first time, a year-round system to create new By MARIANNE PASKOWSKI shows. Hollywood a chance at Until now, all three networks New York bureau chief have traditionally developed their 52 -week production.' NEW YORK-The Television Bu- new shows during the same pe- reau of Advertising lost a president riod, which runs roughly from De- -Kim LeMasters and WNBC-TV here gained a new cember through March. president, CBS Entertainment general manager as Bill Moll an- The networks buy scripts from nounced that he was switching jobs June until December, then order last week. pilots from the best scripts in De- WNBC-TV, the flagship of the cember and January. The shows NBC Television Stations, had been are produced through April and looking for a general manager since then narrowed down for selection June, when Bud Carey resigned to for a spot on the fall schedule overdue. One thing that's certain is that become president of Times Mirror that's announced in mid -May. "I think, in general, it is a verythe change will affect when and Broadcasting. The crunch of producing nearly good idea," said Scott Siegler,how a lot of money is spent on Al Jerome, president of the NBC 100 pilots for the networks at one president of network production production. Television Stations, said that Mr. time causes a logjam of produc- for Columbia Pictures Television. Mr. LeMasters estimated that in Moll was the best candidate for the tion in Hollywood from January "The instincts are right and thethe traditional spring pilot derby, job. through March. A scramble ensues time is right." the networks spend more than "He is competitive, but demon- for writing, acting and production "My initial reaction is that I $200 million on pilots. strates grace under pressure. He BILL MOLL talent, as well as production and think it makes a lot of sense," Pilots are nearly twice as expen- handles people well," said Mr. TvB's troubles didn't spur move post -production facilities. added Leslie Moonves, executive sive to produce as the average epi- Jerome. Under the CBS plan, the devel- vice president of creative affairs sode of a series. A half-hour pilot Mr. Moll, whose two-year con- Mr. Moll brought Mr. Joyella on opment season will be split into at Lorimar Television. can cost as much as $1 million and tract with TvB expires at the end board 11/2 years ago from CBS, three trimesters, with the sessions Programers at ABC and NBCan hour-long pilot can cost up to of October, said he was "ambiva- where he had served in many posi- lasting from September to Decem- have indicated that they intend to $2 million. lent" about leaving the organizations, most recently in new business ber, January to April and May continue to spread the develop- CBS may be able to cut down on tion, but the opportunity at WNBC and market development. to August. ment process over the year, butthe cost of producing pilots by was too good to pass up. Mr. Moll, who starts at WNBC In each trimester, CBS intends they have not announced anygearing them up during the late Mr. Moll said hard times at NB Oct. 30, said it was important that to commission a ninimum of 15 wholesale changes. Last week they spring and early summer, when were not a factor in his decision to the executive search not take too comedy and 15 drama scripts, declined comment on CBS's an- most TV production is shut down. change jobs. long. with plans to produce five comedy nouncement. Barbara Corday, executive vice Reflective of the tight TV ad sales "We have at least one experienced pilots and four drama pilots from "My guess is that it's going topresident of prime time for CBS marketplace, NB has seen its mem- candidate on hand, but we want to the best scripts. put a lot of pressure on ABC andEntertainment and a former pro- bership decrease by 50 as stations invite other candidates to step At the end of the cycle, CBS will NBC to come around to the newducer, noted that the network may dropped out to save money. forward," he said. choose projects from the nine system," CPT's Mr. Siegler said. realize some efficiencies from Meanwhile, the TvB board con- With his latest job change, Mr. pilots to commit to series orders. But Lorimar's Mr. Moonves dis- using production and post -pro- vened last week to form a search Moll returns to his roots as a broad- "What this is going to do is give, agreed. "I don't think so," he said. duction facilities at a time when committee for a new president. caster. for the first time, Hollywood a "It's coming out of a network that there is usually very little work Paul Hughes, president of King Prior to joining TvB two years chance at 52 -week production, has a lot more needs than the for those companies. World Broadcasting, a division of ago, he had been president of something that really hasn't been other two networks." The need to change the develop- King World Productions, is chairing Harte-Hanks Television from 1979 occurring before," said Kim Le - CBS hopes the year-round, ment process was discussed at the the search committee, which ex- through 1987. Masters, president of CBS Enter- open-door policy will give them summer press tour by CBS Broad- pects to name a new president by Previously, Mr. Moll had been tainment. an advantage by encouragingcast Group President Howard Oct. 20. president and general manager of Producers last week welcomed some producers to work with their Stringer, and talks within the net- Sources say that Jim Joyella, KENS-TV, San Antonio, Texas, and the move, saying an overhaul in network while development is work led to creation of the trimes- TvB's senior vice president of na- before that, vice president and gen- the development process was long shut down at NBC and ABC. (Continued on Page 38) tional sales, has the inside track for eral manager of WSMW-TV, Mr. Moll's job. Worcester, Mass.# TV broadcaster chargedCBS international withmoneylaundering chief resigning By DIANE MERMIGAS circumstances could jeopardize regulatory approval of Senior reporter his application to own and operate WKCH. By MARIANNE PASKOWSKI Those sources said Mr. Brumlik had agreed to pay $7.7 The would-be owner of WKCH-TV, a Knoxville,million for WKCH, and that the station might sell for New York bureau chief Tenn., Media Central station involved in bankruptcy more than $8 million in another round of bidding. NEW YoRK-Donald Wear, who proceedings, was arrested last week on charges of laun- WKCH, the only independent in Knoxville, claims has headed CBS Broadcast In- dering money gained from illegal activities. about 10 percent of the market's total television reve- ternational here for the past The charges against Timothy Brumlik, an Orlando, nues. three years, is leaving the net- Fla., businessman, have left the fate of the station, a It could take at least three months for the court to work at the end of the year. Fox Broadcasting Co. affiliate, up in the air. award the license to a new owner and another nine Mr. Wear, senior vice president Mr. Brumlik had been awarded ownership of WKCHmonths before regulatory and other clearances can be and general manager of CBI, will by a bankruptcy court of Chattanooga, Tenn., as a resultobtained, sources said. join the Washington -based law of proceedings involving Media Central. "The station was never more healthy-in ratings or firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding, Last week, a committee of Media Central creditorsrevenues-as it has been under the court's trusteeship headed by former FCC Chairman asked the court in Chattanooga, where Media Central since being taken from Media Central in May," said Dick Wiley. is based, to consider reassigning WKCH's operating Jason Elkin, WKCH general manager. Mr. Wear said he will help the license to another party. Florida law enforcement officials said Mr. Brumlik, law firm establish an interna- Morton Kent, Media Central chairman, also filed a43, a millionaire with ties to several industries, was tional communications arm to similar request with the court. being held without bail pending a hearing and the filing provide legal advice on interna- Sources close to the situation said Chase Broadcasting, of additional charges regarding the importation of nar- tional deals. DONALD WEAR Clear Channel Communications and broadcaster Milt cotics and money laundering. News of Mr. Wear's resigna- Joining Washington law firm Grant, who is himself a Chapter 11 survivor, are among Mr. Brumlik operates or has been granted licenses to tion triggered questions over the the group owners interested in acquiring WKCH. operate television stations in the United States and status of CBI, which recently lost The Federal Communications Commission has not yet Puerto Rico. two other key executives. rope, leftto join MTM Interna- approved the transfer of WKCH's operating license to However, Florida law enforcement authorities said Weeks earlier, Greg Phillips, tional in London. Mr. Brumlik. they still are investigating whether any of his broadcast CBI's managing director in Eu- (Continued on Page 38) Sources close to the situation said Mr. Brumlik's legal (Continued on Page 38) .011P 11bl.

Televh;ir.in Makingyourratings

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©Henson Associates, Inc., 1989 Muppet Babies is a Trademark of Henson Associates, Inc. "NSI Tuesday, September 19, 1989 dreamscome true.

TELEVISION INCORPORATED ELECTRONIC MEDIASeptember 25, 1989 Cablerepfirm to sign major deal

Look for Boston -based National Cable Ad- the world's largest single cable system is the one vertising. one of the nation's leading cable rep THE INSIDER in Long Island, N.Y., owned by Cablevision Sys- firms, to announce this week that it has reached tems Corp., which boasts 472,000 subscribers, ac- national representation agreements with cable cording to the National Cable Television Associa- TV systems in about 10 markets in western New tion. York State. That will enable the rep firm to offer *** national advertisers access to nearly 1 million Are there really alligators in the alligator pit? cable TV households in the region. The mar- There were in the two-hour premiere of Qintex kets include Albany. Buffalo, Rochester, Syra- Entertainment's "RollerGames," according to cuse, Corning, Plattshurg, Jamestown and others, eft Qintex Senior Vice President Rob Word. He re- says NCA's Bob Warner. ports that, yes, one contestant was pushed into *** the alligator pit and barely escaped injury as an New York City's Traffic Violations Bureau alligator bit off his rollerskate. Mr. Word also as- workers are notoriously tough, but Joan Rivers sured The Insider that Qintex is insured for that is apparently tougher. Ms. Rivers recently came sort of thing. across psychologist Judy Kuriansky, who hosts *** shows on CNBC and ABC Radio, pleading in Is a mass attack of turtlemania about to break vain for her rental car to be released by a Traffic out? Not only is Group W Productions' "Teenage Violations Bureau tow truck in Manhattan. Ms. Mutant Ninja Turtles" syndicated cartoon show Kuriansky told The Insider she was getting no- becoming a strip this week, production of a $12 where with the tow truck's driver when sud- million "Ninja Turtle" theatrical film is currently denly Ms. Rivers ran up to the truck and under way. The movie is set to be released March screamed, "Give the lady her car back!" Recog- 30 and, if it's successful, a sequel will likely fol- nizing the comedian, the driver did something low, sources say. As if the turtles' film and video unheard of in New York: He unhooked Dr. exploits aren't enough, next month's Life maga- Kuriansky's car and returned it to her. zine will proclaim "Ninja Turtle" toys as the hot- *** Inan effort to create added sensation,"RollerGames" used real alligators initstest toys of 1989. RJR Nabisco has so far found no takers in- premiere last week. *** terested in purchasing the company's 20 percent Reporters and industry members in New York stake in ESPN, RJR spokesman Dave Kalis said will get a chance to meet FCC Chairman Al Sikes last week. "If you've been reading the business pages, you'll has been asked to find executives to manage a new cable TV this week when he visits the Big Apple to address an Inter- see we're busy with other things," said Mr. Kalis, referring to system being built in Hong Kong that is expected to be the national Radio and Television Society luncheon on RJR's efforts to sell off its Del Monte canned foods subsidi- world's largest with a potential 1 million subscribers, says Wednesday. In addition to conducting a news conference be- ary-an effort that was getting revamped last week. RJR Steve Unger, a managing director of Korn/Ferry's Worldwide fore the luncheon, the newly anointed FCC boss is scheduled would like to sell its ESPN stake for about $300 million. Entertainment Division. The cable system is being developed to be interviewed Tuesday morning by Kathleen Sullivan on *** by a consortium of investors that includes US West, one of "CBS This Morning."# The executive search firm of Korn/Ferry International the largest Bell telephone operating companies. Currently, -Written by Adam Buckman from bureau reports Local TV, cableTCI launches campaign offer schoolsnewsto aid customerrelations By DOUG HALONEN and service hours. By KATHY CLAYTON videocassette recorders at the In addition, TCI systems are sup- Washington bureau chief `I'm getting sick and posed to call customers after service Staff reporter schools and ready for use when school starts the next day, Ms. WASHINGTON-Inan effort to tired of the goddamn and installation visits to make sure The local cable operator and McDonald said. boost its subscriber levels and cable bashing going on they were satisfactory. the NBC affiliate in the Cincin- Students will participate in the counter cable TV industry critics, "It's not a PR campaign; it's not nati market are teaming up to editing, production and news - Tele-Communications Inc. last week in Washington.' something we're taking lightly," Mr. provide local high schools with a gathering functions of the five- announced a new campaign aimed J.C. Sparkman Sparkman said. five-minute daily news capsule. minute program. at improving its relationship with executive vice president and He said the new effort, in large Although several cable pro- The program is part of its customers. chief operating officer, TCI part, is aimed at increasing the com- graming services are workingWarner's Cable in the Classroom At a press conference, the nation's pany's subscriber penetration. with cable operators to provide project involving several cable largest cable multiple system opera- "With happier customers, we'll schools with educational fare in services, including C -SPAN, tor also announced that it is plan- provements. add more subscribers," he said. the classroom, this is the first co- CNN, The Discovery Channel ning to start bringing its regional Those improvements include an Yet he also says the program is operative effort between a cable and others. and state executives here regularly upgrade in the training of TCI's cus- intended to counter some of the neg- operator and a local station, offi- Guides will be provided to to lobby lawmakers on industry tomer service representatives-the ative publicity the industry has been cials said. teachers for the various pro- issues. employees in the trenches who ac- getting over service. WLWT-TV and Warner Cablegrams, including "Take Five for "I'm getting sick and tired of the tually field telephone calls from TCI's press conference on Sept. 19 in Cincinnati will initially pro- News," Ms. McDonald said. goddamn cable bashing going on in sometimes -irate subscribers. was attended by some 50 TCI execu- vide "Take Five for News," a According to WLWT Station Washington," J.C. Sparkman, TCI "We are going to train our people tives who planned to also visit their five-minute, commercial -freeManager Cliff Abromats, the sta- executive vice president and chief and then give them the authority to congressmen while they were here. daily program, to about 12 high tion's involvement in the pro- operating officer, told reporters. do their job," Mr. Sparkman said. "We decided to tell everybody schools beginning Oct. 2. gram is an extension of "The The cable television industry has Among other things, TCI officials what we're doing," Mr. Sparkman The remaining 47 high schoolsMore You Know," a program de- come under fire on Capitol Hill re- said all of the company's systems said. in Warner's service area shouldsigned by NBC to promote edu- cently because some voters have would, by the end of this year, re- He also said the company plans to be able to receive the program by cation, drug awareness and other been complaining about poor cable spond to service outages within 24 turn such visits into a regular part the end of the school year, ac-socially relevant issues. service and rising rates for sub- hours. of TCI's program. cording to Jennifer McDonald, "After meeting with represen- scription. The company, according to TCI "As you're aware, the senators Warner Cable's director of com- tatives of some school districts in Yet under its new campaign, TCI officials, plans to give new custom- and congressmen would rather see munity affairs. our service areas, we found that officials said they're committed to a ers a 30 -day, money -back service someone from their home states," The program is being produced there is significant interest in number of customer relations im- guarantee. It will also expand office Mr. Sparkman said.# by WLWT, and station anchor- this project," said Warner Cable man Jerry Springer-a formerPresident and General Manager Cincinnati mayor and Ohio gu- Virgil Reed. "Five minutes of bernatorial candidate-will hostdaily news, without commer- Hugo hampers Caribbean TV the program, which will be shotcials, can be another useful tool nightly after WLWT's 11 p.m.to educate students. We are glad By KATHY CLAYTON said, as many as 90 percent of the poles may be on newscast. to join Channel 5 in this joint Staff reporter the ground, but the system's microwave tower on the The program will present so- venture." island may not be damaged. cial studies classes with five mi- Ms. McDonald said while the As Hurricane Hugo swept across the Caribbean last However, he added, these reports were preliminary. nutes of local news followed by program is currently designed week, it damaged cable systems and knocked out broad- Bill Phillips, Northeast operations manager for Cen- questions to spur critical think- for high school students, some cast stations. tury Communications, said preliminary reports indi- ing. junior high schools are interested Al Giannotti, vice president, TCI East, said the Tele- cated that headends and towers for Century's San Juan The program will be mi- in the program. Communications Inc. systems on San Juan Island, serv- systems, which serve some 111,000 subscribers, weren't crowaved to Warner's headend She also did not rule out an ing about 42,000 subscribers, sustained extensive dam- heavily damaged. and transmitted to participating elementary school version in the age, losing two 7 -meter dishes and perhaps as many Meanwhile, stations and operators late last week were schools. It will then be taped on future.# as 200 miles of aerial cable plant. preparing for Hugo's grand appearance on the Eastern In some of TCI's damaged service area, Mr. Giannotti Seaboard.# Right To The Bottom Line. NEW SEASON PREMIERE WEEK Los Angeles M -F 7:00-7:30pm Rating Share The Cosby Show KCOP 5.9 11 Charles in Charge KTLA 5.7 10 Family Ties KTTV 5.4 10 NSI: September 11-15, 1989 Smart business. KTLA's striprun of Charles is giving those high priced off -network sitcoms arun for theirmoney. Charles In Charge. The strip thatgoes right to the bottom line.

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ORBIS COMMUNICATIONS 1989 VIEWPOINT 12 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989

Wagingwarin Rochester Eitc_str The people who represent independent TV stations Arguments about a Time Warner cable outlet buy- ni are hopping mad about developments in Rochester,ing Time Warner programing fall a little flat once N.Y., where a Time Warner cable system has createdyou realize that the TV stations in Rochester had its own cable "station" to compete with the local already passed on the shows involved. My._?_,01 UHF independent. The point about FCC oversight would be more Frankly, this is one of those developments thatcompelling if the agency exercised much oversight Editor -In -chief Rance Crain (Chicago) Vice President, seem inevitable in retrospect. We've predicted for over TV stations, which in recent years it hasn't. Editor & Publisher Ron Alridge (Chicago) years that one day a cable company would finally Certainly the cable system won't have to worry Executive editor David Klein (Chicago) figure out that it could program a channel exactly as about license renewal challenges. But on the other News editor Craig Leddy (Chicago) a TV station would. hand, TV stations don't have to worry about angry Bureau chiefs Marianne Paskowski (New York) Now that the day has finally arrived, the Associa- city councils threatening to revoke their franchises Doug Halonen (Washington) tion of Independent Television Stations is mobilizing at renewal time. William Mahoney (Los Angeles) Special projects its forces in Washington. While cable systems do have a dual income from editor Karen Egolf (Chicago) In a letter to Capitol Hill, INTV officials lay out advertising and subscriber fees, many broadcasters Senior reporter Diane Mermigas (Chicago) their case against local cable stations. Their argu-also make money from outside ventures, such as Reporters Adam Buckman (New York) Kathy Clayton (Denver) ment is essentially based on cable's status as a rela- commercial production. Laura Malt (Washington) tively unregulated monopoly. Finally, issues of channel placement are clearly of Thomas Tyrer (Los Angeles) They say cable companies aren't subject to theparamount importance to broadcasters, but it's the Gary Alan Rosen (New York) same Federal Communications Commission rulesfederal courts that have overturned those-not Con- Copy editors Betsy Edgerton (Chicago) Sarah Karon (Chicago) that govern broadcasters and can favor their own gress or the FCC. Elyssa Rosen (Chicago) stations with choice channel positions while down- Still, INTV scores points here. Cable's ability to Graphics editor Jack McCarthy (Chicago) grading local broadcasters. relegate local broadcasters to the equivalent of tele- Art editor Susan Graening (Chicago) They point out that some of the syndicated showsvision Siberia makes this an issue of real concern. Editorial assistant Kymi Armour (Chicago) Administrative sold to the cable system, such as "ALF" and "Perfect Smart cable operators who want to make their assistant Robbie Ehrhardt (Chicago) Strangers," came from a Time Warner company,money while avoiding new regulation would be wise Contributing claiming the company has "sold itself its best pro- to keep the playing field as level as possible. INTV's editor Sean Kelly (London) grams." arguments will take on more weight if cable opera- Advertising tors begin routinely banishing local broadcasters. director Marc White (New York) They also argue that cable systems have two Advertising sales sources of income, one from advertising and one Ultimately, though, when we weigh all the pros representatives Millie Chiavelli (New York) from subscriber fees, theoretically giving cablecas-and cons, it seems to us a shrewd and valid move by Karla Keyser (Los Angeles) ters a larger pool of revenue for buying programs. the cable system to create its own channel. It serves Gary Rubin (Los Angeles) Tina A. Sposato (New York) Some of INTV's points are telling. But when all isthe purposes of competition: It offers syndicators a Jim Moldow (New York) said and done, we just can't bring ourselves to seenew place to sell, and it offers viewers alternative Sales assistant Lisa Padilla (Los Angeles) this as unfair competition-necessarily. programing to watch.# Administrative assistant Candace Mesner (New York) Ad production LETTERS TO THE EDITOR manager Fran Prybylo (Chicago) Marketing director Gloria Naurocki (Chicago) `Fairness,' editorials can coexist Circulation Joe Meier's detailed refutation of the ingredient in fulfilling that obligation. Tell us what manager Dave Kelley (Detroit) fairness doctrine (Sept.4Viewpoint, Page In the 1964 revised fairness doctrine primer (29 Fed. Reg. 10416), the FCC noted you're thinking Vice President, 10) was impassioned, but incorrect. While Group Publisher Joe Cappo (Chicago) itis certainly fair game to argue againstthat "The Editorializing Report and the ELECTRONICMEDIA welcomes let- the doctrine, such arguments should not be 1960 Programing Statement, while stating ters to the editor. If you want to TELEPHONE NUMBERS that the licensee is not required to editori- based on false premises. Mr. Meier wrote speak out, write to Viewpoint, ELEC- Editorial Chicago: 312-649-5293 that the fairness doctrine was "specificallyalize, make clear that he (sic) is free to do TRONIC MEDIA, 740 N. Rush St., Chi- Los Angeles: 213-651-3710 designed to prevent owners and operatorsso." Mr. Meier is incorrect when he blames cago, Ill. 60611. of broadcast properties from 'imposing the fairness doctrine for the lack of strong All letters are subject to publica- New York: 212-210-0233 their opinions' on the public. Editorials broadcast journalism. Such a failing on the tion provided they are signed and Washington: 202-662-7208 were strictly and specifically forbidden." part of broadcasters, to the extent that it neither defame nor libel individuals Denver: 303-756-4301 That is not subject to differing opinion. It exists, may have its roots in the economics or organizations. Advertising New York: 212-210-0217 is incorrect. of not offending anyone, or perhaps the Letters may be shortened and Los Angeles: 213-651-3710 The FCC's 1949 Report. "In the Matter of FCC could be faulted for not enforcing the grammatical errors may be cor- Circulation Detroit: 800-992-9970 Editorializing by Broadcast Licensees" (13 affirmative obligation the fairness doctrine rected. FCC 1246), often cited as the original ex-spells out. But no reading of the fairness As a matter of policy, writers' Published by Crain Communications Inc., Chicago planation of the fairness doctrine, makes doctrine can find a suggestion in it that names are published. MRS. G.D. CRAIN . is controversy or strong journalism is to be in chairman clear that "licensee editorialization . However, exceptions to this policy KEITH E. CRAIN RANCE CRAIN not contrary to the public interest." any way avoided. may be granted upon request of the vice chairman president Indeed, the FCC noted that broadcasters writer if, in the opinion of the edi- MARY KAY CRAIN S.R. BERNSTEIN had an affirmative obligation, under the Harvey Jassem, Ph.D. tors, the reason is sufficiently com- treasurer chairman/executive committee associate professor WILLIAM A. MORROW MERRILEE P. CRAIN fairness doctrine, to present differing sides pelling.# secretary of important controversial issues, and that University of Hartford senior vp/operations ROBERT C. ADAMS JAMES FRANKLIN licensee editorials would be an appropriate West Hartford, Conn. vp/production vp/finance and administration PENELOPE A. GEISMAR H.L. STEVENSON corporate communications manager corporate editor

FRANK WOLF QUICK TAKES West Coast consultant ELECTRONICMEDIAa published weekly by Crain Communications Inc. at 740 N. RushSt. Chicago60611 (312649-5200). Offices at 220 E. 42nd St., New York 10017(212-210-0100);814 National Press Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20045 (202- Philip 662-7200);965 E.Jefferson Ave., Detroit 48207 (313-446-0497); 6404 Wilshire Richard Blvd.,Los Angeles90048 (213-651-3710); 5327 N. Central Expwy., Suite 200, Do you think Balboni Mort Dallas75205 (214-521-6650);P.O. Box 6372. Denver, Cob. (303) 756-4301. vicepresident, Meisner Reingold Chicagocable address:CRAINCOM. Telex number: 687-1241. CNN's new news news director news director FAXnumbers: Chicago(312) 649-5465, New York (212) 867-9716. (212) 210- WMAQ-TV 0799;Los Angelesp13) 655-8157; Washington, D.C. (202) 638-3155: London WCVB-TV WJBK-TV 011-44-1-831-8611. (NBC) evening (ABC) (CBS) $1.50a copy. $49a year and $83 for two year subscription in U.S. Canada Boston Detroit Chicago andall other foreigncountries, $87 per year for surtace delivery. In Europe and newscast will theMiddle East$125 for expedited air delivery. Special Air Mail to Canada "It may have an impact. "People are getting out of their"CNN produces good news $102per year. SpecialAir Mail to U.S. $91.00. Call 1-800-992-9970 to uub- scribe. affect your Competition for news is an cars at about 5:50 and right programing and this program WILLIAM STRONG,vp-circulation. Four weeks' notice required for change before dinner I think they wantwill offer another option for ofaddress. Addressall subscription correspondence to circulation department, inevitable reality. There's ELECTRONIC MEDIA,965 Jefssrson Ave., Detroit, MI 48207. audience share?nothing we can do but make to catch local news. I don't viewers. Fortunately, viewers Portionsof the °clitoralcontent of this issue are available for reprint or reproduc- tion.For informationand rates b reproduce in other media, contact: ART MERTZ, our local news as meaningful think it (CNN's newscast) will show strong interest in local CrainSyndicate,740 Rush St.. Chicago, IL 60611, 312-649-5303. For reprints or have a significant impact on news, which should put us in a reprintpermissioncontact: Reprint Dept., ELECTRONIC MEDIA, 740 Rush St., and attractive to our audience Chicago, IL 60611,312-649-5293. as we can. CNN is a us." good position to do well in the significant competitor but also face of new competition." ANPA an ally; we're continuing to ABP43 Ea work with them as an affiliate." Announcing The Formation Of An Historic Programming Venture. Donald Trump Pr The Crown Jewe 'TR TEAsri.c4 HOTEL Debutin & Warner Bros. ent

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WARNERBROS. Fall 1990 DOMESTIC TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION '.Warner l ommunkations C ompan, 16 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 FBC boosts its ratingsBroadcasters, for Emmys telecastcable discuss

By WILLIAM MAHONEY Los Angeles bureau chief common woes LOS ANGELES-FOX Broadcast- ing Co. continued to build its rat- By BOB FOSTER and assignment of channels." ings for the Emmy Awards tele- Special to ELECTRONIC MEDIA John Siegel, president of KBHK- cast, with this year's program TV, San Francisco, who has worked showing a 10 percent improve- SAN FRANCISCO-Faced with a with Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, D - ment in ratings over last year's. confusing regulatory relationship, a Ohio, on cable problems, said he For the "41st Annual Primetime group of station managers and cable was pleasantly surprised about Mr. Emmy Awards" on Sept. 17, FBC operators discussed common prob- Goddard's stand. scored an 11.4 Nielsen Media Re- lems during a seminar here spon- "His position is much more rea- search rating (percentage of TV sored by the National Association of sonable than a lot of his colleagues households) and a 19 share (per- Television Program Executives. in the cable industry. It is a wel- centage of sets in use). The seminar, "Broadcasting and come position," Mr. Siegel said. That marked a 10 percent im- Cable Together Into the 1990s," However, Mr. Siegel complained provement from the 10.4/18 the conducted by the NATPE Educa- that his station, Channel 44, often service scored last year, when it tional Foundation and moderated can't be picked up through cable televised the event in August. by Tom Meek, station operation because the in -home converter This year's performance for the manager of WOFL-TV, Orlando, boxes distributed to the area's program placed FBC second for Fla., was met with enthusiasm by homes have only 32 channels. the night behind CBS. the audience, most of whom were "Unless those cables are hooked In 1987, the first year FBC aired from northern California television to a 'cable -ready receiver,' it is im- the Emmy Awards. the service stations. possible for a viewer to even get our earned an 8.8/14 with the event. The seminar focused primarily on channel without using a conven- But even with a 30 percent im- the Jan. 1 reimposition of syndi- tional antenna," he said. provement over the course of three cated exclusivity rules. Under those Mr. Siegel went on to explain one years, FBC's airing of this year's rules, cable operators could be re- of the problems facing some UHF ceremony fell well below what the quired to black out certain pro- stations. telecast had been earning on the grams on distant signals if a local "Some cable companies have Big 3 networks. station has acquired exclusive what they call a marketing practice In 1986, NBC earned a 23.1/36 rights to the same shows. where they offer to hook up a sec- with the event; in 1985, ABC Station managers were urged to ond set without a converter box at earned an 18.6/29. act quickly to notify cable systems no fee." he said. But besides increasing its rat- within 60 days after they sign con- "Most sets cannot receive signals ings this year, FBC did manage to tracts for any exclusive syndicated above Channel 13 without converter cut down the length of the show, programing. boxes. This is the latest competitive with the ceremony ending seven Another topic of discussion was device." minutes short of the three-hour the elimination of must -carry rules, There were predictions by panel goal the service had set. which required cable systems to members that new must -carry rules, Two years ago, FBC earned it- carry certain local stations. if adopted, probably would be cause self an infamous spot in TV his- John Goddard, president of Via - for legal action by some cable sys- tory by broadcasting the longest corn Cable, Pleasanton, Calif., sur- tems and that any new legislation Emmy Awards ceremony in his- prised the panel and those in atten- might be set aside to give cable an tory when the event went one mi- dance when he took a moderate even freer hand. nute short of four hours. stand on negotiations and pending James Dunstan, of the Washing- This year's telecast marked theCandice Bergen won an Emmy Award for her lead role in CBS's legislation to reinstate must -carry ton communications law firm of last of three that FBC had con- "Murphy Brown." rules. Haley, Bader and Potts, warned that tracted for with the Academy of "Cable programers, on a First while the National Cable Television Television Arts & Sciences. Amendment basis, have as much Association has agreed not to take FBC has the right of first refusal on a rotation basis that may orCBS's "Murphy Brown," ABC's right to have access to cable chan- action against new must -carry laws, on future rights for the Emmys may not include FBC. "thirtysomething," FBC's "The nels as broadcasters, and they can other cable industry members might through January, but there has In this year's contest, "Cheers"Tracey Ullman Show," NBC's sit down and work out a cooperative still take legal action, a move that also been some indication from won the most on -air awards with "L.A. Law" and the NBC mini- solution," Mr. Goddard said. could cloud the future of cable oper- ABC, CBS and NBC that they may three. Five other programs re- series "Roe vs. Wade." "Cable operators have to be sensi- ations and policies. try to win back the event, possibly ceived two on -air awards each: (Continued on Page 35) tive and not be arbitrary and capri- A second panel on the topic was cious on how they handle relocation slated for Sept. 22 in Washington.# Trump, Time Warner get Government acts go-ahead forgameshow to protect films

By GARY ALAN ROSEN will have three contestants that an- By DOUG HALONEN by Hollywood's creative commu- Staff reporter swer "rapid fire" questions over a Washington bureau chief nity, originally would have period of three rounds, while filling barred broadcasters from airing NEW YORK-Billionaire Donald in blank boxes in a bingo -like for- WASHINGTON-The Library of colorizations and even some rou- Trump and Time Warner finally mat on their Trump cards. Congress last week issued a list tine edits of films on the pro- held a press conference here to an- Mr. Salzman also said that home of 25 classic movies that the fed- tected list. nounce their partnership in the viewers will be able to play along eral government intends to pro- The films in this first round first -run game show "Trump Card," with the contestants-with their tect as "national treasures," aare "The Best Years of Our scheduled for the 1990-91 season. own nationally distributed Trump move intended largely to dis-Lives," "Casablanca," "Citizen An earlier -scheduled press con- Cards-to win cash and prizes. courage colorization. Kane," "The Crowd," "Dr. ference had been called off because The show will experiment with Under recently adopted legis-Strangelove," "The General," Mr. Trump needed to get approval home participation in several test lation, broadcasters who co-"Gone With the Wind," "The from the New Jersey Gaming Com- markets, yet to be determined, dur- lorize, edit or otherwise "materi- Grapes of Wrath," "High Noon," mission in order to telecast the show ing its first season before adding ally alter" the films for"Intolerance," "The Learning from Trump's Castle Hotel and Ca- the play -along feature nationwide. broadcast are supposed to dis-Tree," "The Maltese Falcon," sino in Atlantic City, N.J. Mr. Salzman said the play -along close on air that the changes"Mr. Smith Goes to Washing- According to a Warner Bros. cards would be tied in to a package have been made without the per-ton," "Modern Times," "Nanook spokesman, the approval was goods or national retail company. mission of the creators. of the North," "On the Water- granted. Mr. Trump announced that all the DONALD TRUMP According to the Nationalfront," "The Searchers," "Sin - Lorimar Television, a division of profits from the show, his first foray Show's profits will go to charity Film Preservation Act, the li-gin' in the Rain," "Snow White Time Warner, will develop "Trump into TV programing, will be donated brary is supposed to select a total and the Seven Dwarfs," "Some Card" for prime access on a cash to charity. of 75 films over the next couple Like it Hot," "Star Wars," "Sun- and barter basis. Mr. Salzman estimated that a expected to be announced. of years for similar protection. rise," "Sunset Boulevard," "Ver- David Salzman, president of pilot will be ready in approximately Fielder/Berlin will produce The protection effort, spurred tigo" and "The Wizard of Oz."# Lorimar Television, said the game 4 to 6 weeks, at which time a host is "Trump Card."# Tecttnics Convetot Dist Plover AL -P1300

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ELECTRONIC MEDIAstock index for the week ended Sept. 15 Behind the battle for MGM/UA No one was more surprised than Rupert So it was not surprising last week when Murdoch when his Fox. Inc. failed to walk several bizarre rumors surfaced: Mr. away the victor of an eleventh -hour scuffle Kerkorian had secretly agreed to help for MGM/UA Communications Co. a couple Qintex finance its revised acquisition (which EM Index of weeks ago. totals $1.9 billion with the assumption of Qintex Group of Australia, a friendly $400 million in debt), and that Paramount nil,.... . BUSINESS 5667.26 Australian rival, got the nod by bettering its II Communications Corp. is preparing a hostile initial offer to $25 a share for all of BEAT bid for MGM/UA. Down139.26points MGM/UA in a transaction valued at $1.5 Sources close to Qintex insist Mr. billion. Diane Kerkorian has no role other than a binding With most industry experts agreeing that agreement under which he will sell his 82 the deal, even at $25 a share, is fully and Mermigas percent interest to Qintex (valued at about fairly valued, attention has turned from the $1.2 billion), virtually locking out other price to the politicking that went on behind suitors. the scenes. MGM/UA (initially Qintex was to sell back In the final analysis, something was lost The events that led to one of Mr. most MGM assets to Mr. Kerkorian) was and gained by each player. Murdoch's rare public defeats are a designed as a "pre-emptive bid." Qintex may be paying more, but it's testament to doing business in a free "We didn't want to engage in a bidding getting MGM/UA assets that weren't in the marketplace where the highest bidder takes war for the studio, especially with someone initial proposal. The film and television all and the bidding seemingly never ends. like Fox," a source close to Qintex said. assets will strengthen Qintex's already Sellers prefer to call it "maximizing However, it was on principle, and not for prominent stature in both businesses. shareholder value." Losing suitors complain lack of resources, that Fox withdrew from MGM/UA's second -time nod was a vote of it is sheer manipulative greed. the bidding. confidence that Qintex can muster the bank Mr. Murdoch, a savvy businessman who Sources close to the deal say Mr. Murdoch and equity resources necessary to complete Dow Jones Avg. usually only bets on sure things, emerged told Mr. Kerkorian by telephone from the transaction by year's end, defying understandably angry from a bidding war London that he would not go to $26 a share. persistant industry rumors to the contrary. 2674.58 that he was assured would not occur. "No, this is not the way we prefer to do Just to make sure, Qintex is delivering an Down34.96points Qintex Chairman Christopher Skase was business," a Fox source said. "But, you can't irrevocable $50 million letter of credit. in the process of finalizing the equity systematically change your approach to Sources close to the situation say bank financing for his purchase of MGM/UA doing deals just because one situation goes and equity finance sources already in place when Kirk Kerkorian, MGM/UA's largest sour. It's all a question of who you are remain committed to the acquisition. shareholder, invited Fox Inc. back to the dealing with, what you want and the risks However, bigger -than -expected debt could bargining table. you are willing to take." limit Qintex's TV and film production plans. The invitation to Fox was a violation of a None of the three companies involved in If Qintex doesn't sell MGM/UA's preliminary agreement between MGM/UA the deal would comment officially. television unit, it will be merged with and Qintex. However, executives close to the Qintex's television operations, which "If we had lost, it would have been negotiations say Qintex and Fox were ultimately could mean consolidation and the Winners grounds for a lawsuit," said a Qintex chagrined about being dragged into a loss of some jobs. Change from executive who asked not to be identified. standoff that will make their dealings with MGM/UA and Mr. Kerkorian presumably Sept. 15 Sept. 8 High-level sources close to the situation each other more difficult, though not will walk away with just what they want. General Instrument $33.88 +$2.75 say Mr. Murdoch and his executives were impossible. Fox officials say they will continue to be King World $32.50 +$1.00 told by MGM/UA officials that they could Messrs. Murdoch and Skase, who have aggressive, opportunitistic buyers of other A.H. Belo $38.50 +$1.00 snatch up the studio if they offered $23.50 built their international telecommunications studios and film libraries, although the General Electric $57.25 +$0.75 per share, or $1.4 billion, which also covered empires the hard way, know that business is company may turn more resources and Playboy Enterprises $17.62 +$0.62 an $18 million cancellation fee to Qintex. A business. attention to increasing internal production. Fox already has conducted discussions Scientific-Atlanta 48 -hour time limit was placed on the offer, They both also knew what they were $20.00 +$0.25 which was promptly made. getting into with MGM/UA and Mr. with the likes of MCA Inc. and Columbia Home Shopping $3.75 +$0.12 But during that period, Mr. Kerkorian Kerkorian, whose convoluted, erratic Pictures about transactions that would give Jones Intercable $19.25 +$0.12 informed Qintex of the situation and invited attempts to sell the company during the past Fox the product it needs for a European the company to better the Fox offer. two years were chronicled in a recent proxy direct -to -home satellite service and TV Qintex's $25 -per-share offer for all of to shareholders. stations in the United States and Australia.# Losers INSIDE TRANSACTIONS Change from Sept. 15 Sept. 8 A.H. Belo Wavetek $5.00 -$0.12 Paramount expands Robert Decherd, chairman, FNN $7.00 -$0.38 sold and disposed of by gift Century Comm. $21.38 -$0.38 84,700 shares of class A common stock between an Itel $27.62 -$0.38 unreported price and Media General $38.62 -$0.38 $39.50 per share on Aug. 7 Cablevision $46.00 -$0.50 its broadcasting role and now indirectly and Coca-Cola $63.25 -$0.50 By DIANE MERMIGAS clear indication that the company is prepared to directly holds 627,146. ATC $48.75 -$0.75 James Sheehan, president, Senior reporter spend some of its money on broadcasting to become United Artists $22.25 -$1.00 an owner and operator of stations," said one Wall exercised an option for Comcast $26.62 -$1.00 Many industry analysts expect Paramount Com- Street analyst who asked not to be identified. 6,900 shares of class A TCI $37.12 -$1.12 munications to emerge as a more formidable broad- The complete acquisition of TVX was anticipated common stock between $17 Viacom $57.38 -$1.12 casting player now that it has agreed to acquire thein light of Paramount's recently announced sale of and $19.75 per share on rest of TVX Broadcast Group. its financial subsidiary, the Associates, to Ford Aug. 11 and now directly Zenith $14.25 -$1.50 holds 25,310. Mr. Sheehan Times Mirror $39.62 -$1.62 They're just not sure what the plan is -and Para- Motor Co. for $3.35 billion. mount isn't telling. The abundance of cash from the sale only in- also exercised an option for Warner $62.88 -$1.62 The company's recent announcement that it will creases Paramount's appeal as a choice takeover 5,100 shares of class B MCA $60.00 -$2.00 exercise an option to acquire the 79 percent of target in the aftermath of its failed $14 billion bid common stock at $19.75 per Scripps Howard $75.00 -$2.00 TVX Broadcast Group that it doesn't already ownto acquire Time Inc., which is in the process of share on Aug. 11 and now Gannett $44.88 -$2.12 was a strong signal that Paramount intends to be merging with Warner Communications. directly holds 18,350. Paramount Comm. $54.12 -$2.38 a broadcaster, and not just a producer of TV pro- While the complete takeover of the TVX inde- Comcast Corp. Knight-Ridder $53.38 -$2.50 grams. pendent stations gives Paramount a long-awaited Julian Brodsky, director, Cap Cities/ABC $505.50 -$2.50 Paramount has agreed to pay Salomon Bros. $140 foothold in TV station ownership, it is not enough exercised an option for million for the 79 percent stake, which will restore to assure the Hollywood studio a leading role as an 66,626 shares of class A TBS $49.88 -$2.62 common at $0.67 per share Tribune Co. $56.25 -$3.38 to the investment banking firm all but $30 million ad hoc programing network. in equity that it had wrapped up in TVX. Paramount officials declined comment on from Aug. 9 to 23 and McGraw-Hill $72.38 -$3.88 Paramount secured the option on TVX earlierwhether they are contemplating such a move or if directly holds 241,189. Multimedia $98.50 -$5.00 this year when it spent $10 million to acquire 10 they have determined that there is room for five Ralph Roberts, president, Washington Post $283.00 -$5.50 percent of the company, which owns seven in- networks in commercial broadcasting. exercised an option for CBS $205.38 -$5.88 dependent TV stations, two of which are in the pro- However, many Wall Street analysts and sources 49,500 shares of class A Disney $113.75 -$6.25 cess of being sold. close to the company last week said Paramount is common stock at $2.35 per Time Inc. $127.50 -$8.50 The option to buy the remainder of the company on the prowl for larger independent TV stations to share on Aug. 9 and now would have been good for another 31/2 years. expand its group, heightening longtime rumors indirectly and directly Under the terms of the new agreement with Sa- that it eventually will make a move on Tribune holds 52,057. lomon, Paramount will pay $110 million for the Co.'s broadcasting and production operations. TBS Unchanged TVX holdings, consisting primarily of convertible Both Paramount and Tribune officials have de- Paul Beckham, vice presi- preferred stock and $30 million in debt obligations. clined comment on the reports. dent, sold 3,000 shares of The remaining stations in the TVX Group are However, because 40 percent of Tribune is held class A common stock at Sept. 15 WTXF-TV in Philadelphia; WDCA-TV in Washing- by managers, directors and employees, any trans- $38 per share on May 11 CVN Cos. $20.00 ton; KTXH-TV in Houston; KTXA-TV in Dallas action would have to be a friendly one. Tribune and now directly holds and WLFL-TV in Raleigh/Durham, N.C. officials have said they are determined to remain 272.# Note: Closing figures are price per share. "This is a relatively small acquisition given the independent. Source: Invest/Net Source: Nordby International vast financial resources Paramount has, but it's a (Continued on Page 35) Top timebrokershi PAUL Cookehigh.... Ell Over agrees k;LO:KAGAN Senior tc UAE-financing L. ASSOCIATES, Analyst:Analyst: merger uRNIAPLACE INC. /BROKER Pricey Associate Paul Rates 93923-8734 Judd Kagan movetransact! Analyst: (408) PaulaOstrom down. Greer (408)624-1536 (313)624-1536 operators 949-1502 ona Escalatingto buy values, July headingto 31 Our passeverybody friendly - mid 1988'selse's lenders and-0- -year $8. subs and have the expected :;vn.9. survey bil. put to 30 of the close of cable'sbenchmark insatiable $4._ top cable before k41 tctalof broke' of December brokers cicsed Broker 31. found - anoth,-- trI. 23 ustry Depals who mcnths Clogod-- bil. Morgan 1986 ended 1987 6/30 WallerStanley 1988 4 2.989 ShearsonCapital First Lehman n/a Total n/a 6 Dollar CEA Boston 3 1986 months 5 2 volume n/a 10 1987ended -- Goldman n/a :4 6/30 Sachs 3 (17221.; 1988 Daniels& n/a 3 26 n/a niz Johnson, Asvor. 1 2 (1111.) :989 Cable 26 45.3 nia Crowley 12 27 n/a n/a 3106.051,097.0 Hardesty,Investments 14 2 Jones t, n/a 474.0$2.080.Z GroupPuckett 28 ?rail 7 4 421.8 n/a 3 9 735.5 934.7 Martz 7 170.0 720.0 11 7 n/a Denver 443.7 78/.7 605.0 2 12 Comm. Group 291030 264.3 n/a 391.2 Mktg. 5 3 Pat -- 6 15.6 147.3 539.8 Group 5 12 Thompson 5 11.1 10.6 18.5 177.8 Leland, 1 Kent 1 45.9 42.0 26.0 79.0 Clifton 1 Comm. 10 4.1 15.2 60.0 62.8 Res.Gardiner __ 4 / Frank 16 3.0 225.0 Unitd. , 38.5 Boyle / 12 Co. -; -nia 21.5 17.0 28.4 Meridian 1 '.BL 2 12 Inc.Comm. 12.0 20.0 ill& n/a 44 1 17.3 Assoc. NS SC ell ill V NU V., 'V. NCI 13.6 NN8C Ps.13LE TV 131\NOAZ. /131-&01(F,'R,1.11; 31, ii.-041.,stie. 'ineWebber 1 0 12.2 __ 1.4 4.5 nia 7.5 i n/a n/a 7.2 27.G 6.6 n,/ a 2.1 6.3 -- 9.8 5.5 at a timewhen parenting is a subject of widespread interest. Top Pediatrician Wins Kudos "What Every Baby Knows: The First Three Years," hosted by T. Berry Brazelton M.D., begins its fifth season on Lifetime this fall. The unique series is a hit with new parents and television critics since it's theonly parenting program to focus on the first three yearsof infancy. A world-renownedpediatrician, Dr. Brazelton is swiftly becoming known as this generation's Dr. Spock. He was recently the subject of a "Newsweek" cover story, and was named "the nation's preeminent baby doctor" by "Time" magazine. Dr. Brazelton hasalso appeared on an Emmy-nominated episode of "Bill Moyers' Journal." "What Every Baby Knows" has gained both audience and critical recognition by offeringno nonsenseadviceonissues of concern totoday's parents. Bonding, separation and child care are some of the topics coveredonthe show. Scientific Approach By capitalizingonfiberoptic technology,a recent programfeatured unique footage ofaforty -day -old embryo inside TECHNOLOGY 22 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 Dynair offering switcher Dynair Electronics is introducing the Dyna Mite routing switcher for TV broadcast and post -production facilities. The 40 MHz switcher is designed to handle NTSC, PAL and SECAM as well as all proposed advanced television and high -definition television signals. The routing switcher, used to route video and/or audio electronic signals from equipment that creates the signals, can be controlled from a built-in control panel or from as many as 30 remote -control panels. Dyna Mite will be available in October. The 10 -by -10 video switcher is priced at $4,495; the 10 -by -10 audio switcher Pickingupsignals PRODUCT UPDATE starts at $3,895; and the 10 -by -10 Firm simplifies multiple satellite dish operations audio/video switcher costs $6,285, including a built-in control panel. A By DANA BLANKENHORN puter are now the same RS -422 serial connec- computer -control version will be Special to ELECTRONIC MEDIA tors used by many PCs. available by year's end. Dynair Many competitors use parallel plugs, which Electronics, 5275 Market St., San Controlling a flock of dish antennas is sup- are shaped differently, so the new SatCom con- Diego, Calif. 92114. posed to require heavy-duty engineering, but a troller may not work on all of its competitors' *** Georgia company has made it child's play. dishes, Mr. Landreth says. JVC Professional Products Co. is That's ironic, because the SatCom Technolo- In its approach, the control software operates offering the 11 Series of profes- gies division of Radiation Systems Inc., a dish a lot like the communications packages that are sional S -VHS production and antenna maker in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth, used with many PC modems, Mr. Landreth post -production equipment. The Ga., is also Philips Consumer Electronics Co.'s says. new series, which JVC says has major subcontractor for Whittle Communica- The software uses pop-up windows with one - greater versatility and better pic- tions' Channel One project. button commands and a variety of colors-such ture quality, includes a full -fea- SatCom has come up with a personal com- as red, to indicate an alarm. tured editor, edit feeder, docking puter -based system for controlling satellite The System 5000 also lets the user do things portable recorder and time -base dishes, called the Series 5000 Multiple Antenna such as automatically log onto a series of satel- corrector/noise reducer. Among the Control System. lites overnight to tape programs. features of the series are chroma en- By building the control system around a per- The system is designed to eliminate that bane hancement circuits that eliminate sonal computer instead of a computer designed of every program director's existence, missed chroma-spreading after repeated to control individual satellite dishes, SatCom feeds, Mr. Landreth says. dubs and proprietary crosstalk re- can set up a system to control a number of Passwords protect the system, and all activity duction circuits that reduce vertical dishes that automatically pick up programing is logged for later review. color -blurring. JVC Professional from different satellites, says Dan Landreth, The Series 5000 is not being used for Channel Products Co., 41 Slater Drive, Elm- marketing manager for the company. One, but SatCom's automatic nighttime oper- wood Park, N.J. 07407. SatCom first showed its solutions for dish ation feature on the 5000 is important to Whit- *** farms last spring, says Mr. Landreth, and tle's concept, Mr. Landreth says. Rebo Research is featuring Re - they're available for installation now. "Late at night, when transponder time is less Store, a computer -based While stations used to need an engineer on costly, a 15 -minute program will be delivered to high -definition dual frame store. duty around the clock to make sure their dishesSatCom has developed a PC -based system schools. The programs are taped automatically, ReStore offers storage, retrieval and were maintained at the correct angles and pick- for controlling multiple satellite dishes. and a lesson plan is distributed." manipulation of high -definition ing up programing at the right time, now a sin- Under the Channel One plan, SatCom will images and is currently designed to gle IBM PC AT with a color monitor can control supply dish antennas and connections for a operate with a Macintosh II com- up to four SatCom antennas for a one-time cost miles away. projected 8,000 high schools nationwide, which puter. Images can be viewed on a of about $20,000. To make all this happen, SatCom did some will receive both Whittle's sponsored programs high -definition monitor or on the By using a modem and standard cables, an work on its dishes. The plugs at the base of its and competitive products such as CNN Mac color screen and are stored in operator can even control an antenna farm from newest dishes connecting them to the com- Newsroom. # two buffers. Rebo Research, 530 W. 25th St., New York, N.Y. 10001.# ITS convention finds teleproduction niche By WILLIAM MAHONEY ideas. Los Angeles bureau chief To boost attendance at the seminars, ITS Equipment manufacturers say the ITS Annual Forum, while closed the exhibition floor during other con- Los ANGELES-The ITS Annual Forum, a vention events. convention for equipment manufacturers and still a small convention in comparison to others, gives them "The value of the seminars was quite high to production and post -production facility man- us as a two-way exchange," Grass Valley's Mr. agers, has apparently carved out a niche for access to a prime group of facility managers. Natwick said. itself. ITS will be issuing a position paper on The New York -based International Telepro- HDTV production formats in the coming duction Society held its second annual meet- more so than any other show we do," said Corp., the Melville, N.Y.-based equipment weeks, which it's developing from the conven- ing here last week at the Century Plaza Hotel Bob Natwick, director of Sales Americas for manufacturer, echoed Mr. Natwick's senti- tion's seminars and round -table sessions. downtown. Grass Valley Group, the Grass Valley, Calif. - ments. Mr. Natwick said this year's convention was About 1,700 people, roughly the same num- based equipment manufacturer. "It's the quality of the people that attend "far better" than ITS's first effort last year. ber as last year, attended the Sept. 16-19 He compared the event to the National As- the show," she said. "Being under one roof was a terrific help," event. sociation of Broadcasters convention and the "They're our customers. We get a chance to he said, noting ITS's consolidation of all the About 50 manufacturers were represented Society of Motion Picture and Television En- talk to them. It's not as crowded, and we can events at the Century Plaza Hotel. Last year, on the exhibit floor. Attendees were offered 28 gineers meeting, considered by many as the give them more time and answer their ques- ITS conducted events at several different seminars and 24 round -table sessions on such main equipment conventions in the United tions," she added. hotels. key topics as high -definition television, digital States. "If I ranked it purely as a show, it's cer- Although the first ITS convention was held technology and computerization. "Even though the booth traffic was not tainly in the top 10," Mr. Natwick said. "But in June 1988, it was moved to September this Equipment manufacturers say the ITS An- what you would get at an NAB or a SMPTE, it as a client base, I'd rank it very high. I would year to set it apart from NAB. nual Forum, while still a small convention was good quality," Mr. Natwick said. rank it probably just under NAB as a way to Next year, the ITS Annual Forum will be in comparison to others, gives them access to a The NAB convention took place in Las reach the teleproduction, post -production held in New York at the Hilton Hotel Sept. 9 prime group of facility managers. Vegas from April 29 through May 2; SMPTE market." to 11. "This clientele is very important to us, and will be held in Los Angeles from Oct. 21 ITS stresses the importance of using the "It looks like we'll have better traffic next the convention gave us an opportunity to through 25. convention as a forum so that manufacturers year, a better location and a denser client really get close to a lot of those people, much Pat Noble, marketing manager for Chyron and facility managers can exchange their base," Mr. Natwick observed.# The night Tony Dorsett left 0.J., Bo, Earl and The Refrigerator in the dust.

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WARNER BROS. DOMESTIC TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION ALF Head of the Class The Hogan Family Perfect Strangers Warner Communications Cornpan, 26 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989

WHO'S NEWS

ton, from chief counsel, National Broadcast TV Telecommunications and Informa- tion Administration, Department of Jeanie Bradley to vice president Commerce, Washington. of current programs, Columbia Pic- tures Television, Los Angeles, from Ruth Armstrong to associate director of current programs. director, marketing and operations, PBS Enterprises, Alexandria, Va., William Harmond to vice presi- from product marketing manager, dent of Eastern sales, ABC Televi- Source Telecomputing Corp., sion Network Group, New York, McLean, Va. from vice president of Western sales, ABC, Los Angeles. Leslie Hollingsworth to vice president and managing director, John Sloan to president and gen- Brad Marks International, Los An- eral manager, KWQC-TV, Daven- geles, from managing associate and port, Iowa, from station manager. WENDY MILES JACK PETRIK NANCY REYNOLDS HOWARD MENDELSON principal, Worldwide Entertain- KDLT-TV TBS KOY-AM/FM Guber-Peters Television ment Division, Korn/Ferry Interna- Ed Piette to station manager, tional, Los Angeles. KSDK-TV, St. Louis, from director of broadcast operations. Michael Spitalnik to Eastern division manager of television station Paul Saltin to general sales man- services, Arbitron Ratings Co., New ager, KOKH-TV, Oklahoma City, York, from vice president and gen- from president, MV Capital, At- eral sales manager, Independent lanta. Television Sales, New York. Kevin O'Kane to national sales F. David Harris to director, spe- manager, WXAA-TV, Albany, N.Y., cial projects, Science and Technol- from director of regional sales, ogy Department, National Associa- WTEN-TV, Albany. tion of Broadcasters, Washington, from department head, Electrical Dennis Dowdle to local sales Engineering and Technology De- manager, WLVI-TV, Boston, from partment, Purdue University Calu- national sales manager. Also, Ken met, Hammond, Ind. Zuckerman to children's market- LEE RUDNICK JOHN WEISER MEL LAYTON VANESSA HAYES ing manager from national sales Guber-Peters Television Guber-Peters Television Republic Pictures Corp. C.B. Distribution Co. Robert Burke to executive vice manager/director of marketing, president, WTN Productions, Lon- Sinclair Marketing, Baltimore. don, from vice president, news, ington, from publicist, Cablevision New York, from senior producer for WABC-AM, New York, from air London. Bohdan Zachary to producer, Systems Corp., Woodbury, N.Y. regional news cooperatives, CBS personality, WMCA-AM, New York. Fox Broadcasting Co., Los Angeles, Newsnet, Washington. Karen Strickholm to vice presi- from producer, Gold Mountain John Ford to vice president of Warren Lada to senior vice president, corporate entertainment divi- Films, Los Angeles. corporate program partnerships, Dave Nixon to news director, dent, Forrest Broadcasting, New sion, Rogers & Cowan, Los Angeles, The Discovery Channel, Landover, KEYC-TV, Mankato, Minn., from York, from vice president and gen- from director, corporate entertain- Eric Dausman to director, engi- Md., from vice president for com- news director, KPAX-TV, Missoula, eral manager, WJAZ-FM, Stamford, ment division. neering and operations, WNBC-TV, munity development, WHYY-TV, Mont. Conn. New York, from director of network Wilmington, Del., and Philadelphia. Gilbert Kuang to vice president, distribution and core projects, NBC Leslie Carde to anchor, "Media corporate planning, IDB Communi- Network O&TS' broadcast systems Peter Moran to senior vice presi- Beat," CNBC, Fort Lee, N.J., from Syndication cations Group, Los Angeles, from engineering department. dent, Cable Networks, New York, anchor, "The Money Wheel." executive director, IDB Digital Ser- from vice president and director of Greg Miller to vice president of vices, New York. Wendy Miles to general sales sales. Also, Stacie Colbeth to East- Steve Newman to weekend program development, Tribune En- manager, KDLT-TV, Sioux Falls, ern director of sales from New York weather anchor, KRON-TV, San tertainment Co., Chicago, from vice Fred Nichols, executive vice S.D., from local sales manager. national sales manager. Francisco, from weather anchor, president of television operations, president of TCA Cable TV, Tyler, KGO-TV. Great American Broadcasting, Cin- Texas, to director, district No. 5, Julie Collins to local sales man- Karen Zollman to vice presi- cinnati. Community Antenna Television As- ager, KBHK-TV, San Francisco, dent, Eastern region advertising Jim Kelly, quarterback for the sociation, Washington. Also, James from account executive. sales, MTV and VH-1, New York, Buffalo Bills, to co -host, "Bills Hi- Howard Mendelson to executive DeSorrento, chairman of Triax from director. Also, Linda Alex- lites With Jim Kelly," WKBW-TV, vice president, advertising sales, Communications Corp., Denver, to ander to West Coast director of cor- Buffalo, N.Y. Guber-Peters Television, New York, vice director, district No. 7., CATA, Cable TV porate communications, MTV Net- from senior vice president. Also, Washington. works, Los Angeles, from director of Syndie Kohara to anchor and re- Lee Rudnick to senior vice presi- Jack Petrik, Turner Broadcast- program publicity, Nickelodeon/ porter, KGO-TV, San Francisco, dent/East Coast sales and general Frank Higney to chief operating ing System's corporate vice presi- Nick at Nite, New York. from chief of communications for sales manager, New York, from vice officer, Broadcast Investment Ana- dent of syndication, Atlanta, has the department of alcohol and drug president/Eastern region sales; and lysts/Frazier, Gross & Kadlec, been named to the board of direc- Mary Eldridge to Northeast re- programs, State of California, San John Weiser to senior vice presi- Washington, from vice president, tors. Also, Eileen Murphy to man- gional marketing manager, The Francisco. dent/West Coast sales, Los Angeles, valuations. Also, William Redpath ager of public relations, TBS, Wash - Learning Channel, New York, from from vice president of program to vice president, financial analysis, account executive, National Cable Dan Blackburn to correspon- sales. from manager, tax appraisals. Advertising, New York. dent, CNN, Los Angeles, from free- lance correspondent. Mel Layton to vice president, ac- Cynthia Huffman to group sales Send us your Robert Gold to vice president of quisitions, Republic Pictures Corp., manager, TeleRep, Los Angeles, public relations, Prime Ticket Net- Los Angeles, from vice president, from account executive. work, Inglewood, Calif., from man- Radio acquisitions, Vidmark Entertain- `Who's News' ager of affiliate public relations, ment, Los Angeles. David Toma to vice president HBO, Los Angeles. Gloria Kostyrka to Eastern sales and film services division head, "Who's News" is an edito- manager, CBS Radio Networks, Marvinia Anderson to vice pres- Complete Post, Hollywood, from rial feature compiled weekly Peter Macaluso to vice presi- New York, from Eastern sales man- ident of worldwide sales, World In- sales executive, Pacific Video, Los by our Chicago staff. Submit dent -operations, Century Cellular ager, CBS Radio Representatives. ternational Network, Beverly Hills, Angeles. items to Sarah Karon, ELEC- Corp., New Canaan, Conn., from Calif., from director of worldwide TRONIC MEDIA, 740 N. Rush chief financial officer, Metro Mo- Therese Crowley to vice presi- cable/cassette marketing, ABC Dis- Dave Brewer to senior vice pres- St., Chicago, Ill., 60611. Fax: bile, Greenwich, Conn. dent of news and sports, Unistar tribution Co., Los Angeles. ident, Pollack Media Group, Pacific 312-649-5465. Radio Networks, New York, from Palisades, Calif., from vice presi- On all submissions, please Jim Deveraux, general manager acting news director. Ami Hope Witt to central divi- dent, programing. Also, Carol Holt include the following infor- of United Cable Television of Wyo- sion manager, syndication division, to vice president, operations, from mation for both the new posi- ming, Casper, Wyo., has retired Nancy Reynolds to vice presi- DLT Entertainment, Chicago, from operations director. tion and the immediate past after 35 years with the company. He dent and general manager, KOY- vice president, central division, Sil- position: full title, company, is succeeded by Bob Carnahan, AM/FM, Phoenix, Ariz., from vice verbach-Lazarus Group, Chicago. base location. formerly assistant manager of the president and general manager, Obituaries Failure to provide the cor- Wyoming system. KFSD-FM, San Diego. Vanessa Hayes to operations rect information will delay manager, C.B. Distribution Co., Be- Michael Rice, 47, a former gen- our ability to print the item. George Bodenheimer to vice Russ Haberle to vice president verly Hills, Calif., from associate eral manager of WGBH-TV, Boston, Notices should also include a president, affiliate sales and mar- and general manager, KFSD-FM, producer and post -production su- died Sept. 6 at his home in Truro, telephone number in case keting, Eastern division, ESPN, San Diego, from sales manager. pervisor, The Steve Tisch Co./Ves- Mass., of complications related to clarification is needed. Bristol, Conn., from director, affili- tron Entertainment, Los Angeles. AIDS. He was most recently a senior Black and white photo- ate sales and marketing. Steve Huntington to operations fellow at the Aspen Institute. graphs are welcome. Deci- manager, The WAVE Network, Chi- sions on wording, selection cago, from program director and Other Jay Stewart, 71, former an- and substance are made en- Journalism music director, KIFM-FM, San nouncer of "Let's Make a Deal," tirely by the ELECTRONIC Diego. Richard Firestone to chief, com- died Sept. 17 of a self-inflicted gun- MEDIA editorial staff. Jerry Ridling to executive pro- mon carrier bureau, Federal Com- shot wound at his home in Holly- ducer of station services, CBS News, Barry Farber to air personality, munications Commission, Washing- wood.# 7 Lassie's Not In Laredo

/ I 0 (;1 ciTj'10 Vs`- ( 1}nnnn Larcdo,Te.x.S ley)A 123/ 3" t; ^.74,174N fi 144 1.1"7.Ak,t/A-4 rt":1-1":51 _LT f\--A tv-i' A /N tVt. Nfi ki-L4/ k Nct\A Irs'A

.*But she is in 160 other markets. 98% of the U.S. 1\1 MCATV First in first run.

Q1989 MCA TV All Rights Reserved. IASSLE. is a registered copyright of Palladium Media Enterprises Inc A Co venture of MCA TV and Palladium Entertainmentinc. An Al Burton Production Sponsored in part by Ralston Purina Co " , A TRI-STAR SHOWCASE! PEGASUS II has it all...

Award -winning titles with mass appeal. Popular movies such as "Suspect," "The Principal," "Like Father, Like Son," "BAT 21," "See No Evil, Hear No Evil,' and 16 other major theatrical films! Captivating, popular, promotable stars including Michael Keaton, Bruce Willis, Kim Basinger, Gene Hackman, Danny Glover and Cher! The tidesarethe stars...together they're just the right formula to light up your station! Famous names, famous faces.. acommanding arsenal of box office starpower!

ft1 ELEVENThRES LOS ANGELES (21:3) 755-011I NEW YORK (212) 5W1-0010 CHICAGO (:3-2) 2804,606 SOUTHEAST 0;09) 36 ELECTRONICMEDIA September 25, 1989

OFF-SEASON RATINGS (AVERAGES) WEEKS 1-21: APRIL 17 THROUGH SEPT. 17

NETWORK PRIME TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT 25 The first Emmies (9.9) (10.0) 1k (12.1) Presented Jan. 25, 1949 20 Best film made for television: "The Necklace" (NBC) Presented Jan. 27, 1950 Best live show: 15 "The Ed Wynn Show" (CBS) Best kinescope show: "Texaco Star Theater" (NBC) 10 Most outstanding live personality: Ed Wynn (CBS) Most outstanding kinescope personality: Milton Berle (NBC) Best film made for and viewed on television: "The Life of Riley" (NBC) Source: The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows, third edition. Milton Berle

April 17 Sept. 17 Apri117 Sept. 17 Apri117 Sept. 17 NEW YORK 11 P.M. LOCAL NEWS

20 NETWORK EVENING NEWS 16 15 12

8 12

0 April 21 ept. 15 Apnl 21 ept. 15 April 21

LOS ANGELES 11 P.M. LOCAL NEWS 12 KABC (4.4) (5.7) KCBS KNBC (7.8)

April 21 Sept. 15 April 21 Sept.15April 21 Sept.15 6

NETWORK MORNING NEWS -APRIL 21 TO SEPT. 8 3

8 (3.8) (2.1) 0 April 21 Sept. 15 April 21 Sept. 15 April 21 Sept. 15

6 CHICAGO 10 P.M. LOCAL NEWS 25

4 20

2 10

0 0 April 21 Sept.8 April 21 Sept.8April 21 Sept. 8 April 21 Sept. 15 April 21 Sept. 15 April 21 Sept. 15

RATINGS/SHARES OF PRIME -TIME NETWORK PROGRAMS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 11 TO SEPT. 17

1. Roseanne ABC 25.9/40 (t) NBC Monday Night Movies NBC 14.0/23 (t) Newhart Special CBS 11.5/18 (t) Quantum Leap Special NBC 8.6/15 2. Chicken Soup ABC 21.8/34 19. Full House ABC 13.8 28 36. Matlock NBC 11.3/19 53. Magical World of Disney NBC 8.2/15 3. Miss America Pageant NBC 20.0/41 (t) Movie of the Week, Tues. NBC 13.8/23 37. Night Court NBC 11.2/18 54. Prime Time Live ABC 7.8/15 4. Golden Girls NBC 19.5/36 21. Unsolved Mysteries NBC 13.7/23 38. Mon. Night Foot. Anniv. Spec. ABC 11.119 (t) NBC Movie of the Week, Fri. NBC 7.8/15 5. Sister Kate Spe :ial NBC 19.1/36 22. Empty Nest NBC 13.6/26 39. Rescue 911 CBS 10.9/18 56. ABC Mystery Movie ABC 7.6/14 6. 60 Minutes CBS 18.8/33 23. 48 Hours CBS 13.4/24 40. Family Ties NBC 10.8/18 57. CBS Tuesday Movie CBS 6.9/11 7. NFL Monday Night Football ABC 17.8/32 24. Murphy Brown CBS 13.3/21 41. Kate & Allie CBS 10.5/18 58. Mr. Belvedere ABC 6.8/14 8. The Cosby Show NBC 17.4/31 25. Just the Ten of Us Special ABC 13.1/21 42. NBC Sunday Night Movie NBC 10.4/17 59. Incredible Sunday ABC 6.7/12 9. Cheers NBC 17.3/29 (t) L.A. Law NBC 13.1/25 43. Newhart CBS 10.319 (t) Great Adventures. Quests CBS 6.7/14 10. Life Goes On Special ABC 17.2/29 27. Life Goes On Special ABC 12.8/24 44. CBS Friday Movie CBS 10.2120 61. ABC News Special ABC 6.6/11 11. A Different Word NBC 16.4/28 (t) Hogan Family NBC 12.8/21 (t) Designing Women Special CBS 10.2/17 (t) Fall Preview Special ABC 6.6/13 12. The Wonder Years ABC 15.8/25 29. Golden Girls Special NBC 12.4/25 46. ABC Sunday Night Movie ABC 9.7/16 63. Homeroom Special ABC 6.4/12 13. CBS Premiere P-eview CBS 15.5/25 30. ALF NBC 12.2/21 47. Paradise CBS 9.118 64. Yesterday, Today Spec. 14. Growing Pains ABC 14.9/26 NBC 6.1/12 31. ABC's Comedy Sneak Peek ABC 12.1/20 48. United Way Message NBC 9.119 65. CBS Special Movie, Sat. (t) FM Special NBC 14.9/25 CBS 5.9/11 32. CBS Sunday Movie CBS 11.7/21 49. Koppel Report ABC 8.8/16 66. United Way Message 16. Who's the Boss - ABC 14.8/25 CBS 5.3/10 33. 20 20 ABC 11.5/22 50. 60 Minutes: Retrospective CBS 8.715 17. Wolf Special CBS 14.0/24 (t) Designing Women CBS 11.5/19 51. Mission: Impossible ABC 8.&15

Source: Nielsen Media Research 37 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989

BRIEFLY NOTED

Broadcast TV Stuart Powell has been named vice president and general manager of Fox Television Stations -owned WFLD-TV in Chicago, replacing Cary Jones, who left the station. Most recently, Mr. Powell was vice president and general manager of Fox affiliate KNXV-TV in Phoenix. Cable TV SHERRIE MARSHALL BOB PETTIT ROY STEWART JAMES QUELLO Turner Broadcasting System has Commissioner and close friend made minor changes in a plan to Commissioner and ex -partner FCC counsel and former partner First big promotion under Wiley refinance its debt that was filed Aug. 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said the changes "reflect a modification in the proposed mix of securities and bank financing" TBS plans to use to repay Sitting in the seatofpower debts. Jones Intercable reported a net loss for fiscal 1989 of $24.3 million compared with a net income of $29.3 Wiley's influence expandsbeyond FCC years million in 1988. The loss was a result of (Continued from Page 1) FCC advisory committee that's supposed to For instance, when former FCC increased depreciation, amortization Commissioner Mimi Weyforth Dawson, a and interest expenses relating to the communications world-including high-level recommend a standard for high -definition congressional aides-could be seen stopping television, downplays the significance of his non -lawyer, was out in the job market, Mr. purchase of about $310 million of cable Wiley took her on as a government relations properties in fiscal 1988 and 1989. by to glad-hand with the two regulatory reputed political connections. "I think this issue of influence is overrated strategist for his law firm. powers -to -be. Mr. Wiley has also been instrumental in Fitness expert Jake Steinfeld has And while they were at it, they invariably because my experience tells me the issues at also said hello to the owner of the private box, the FCC are decided on the merits, and that's recommending candidates for FCC positions entered into a multi -project agreement and other government posts. Those efforts with The Family Channel. This month, Dick Wiley. the way I think it should be," he says. To those in the know in the nation's capital, Those close to Mr. Wiley at the agency add aren't soon forgotten by the recommendees. The Family Channel will tape the pilot Former FCC Commissioner Rivera, who for "Big Brother Jake," a half-hour seeing Richard E. Wiley near the seat of that the former chairman, who also plays a communications power is hardly a surprise. prominent role in the communications bar served at the agency during the early years of sitcom. In addition, 25 30 -second the Reagan administration, says Mr. Wiley mini -segments featuring Mr. Steinfeld The 54 -year -old lawyer, himself a former association, doesn't abuse his position. FCC chairman, presides over what is probably "He'll go out of his way not to put an arm coached his own job -hunting efforts, then have been added to the channel's referred some clients to help him launch his lineup. the country's most formidable on me," says Commissioner Quello. communications law firm here, Wiley, Rein & Still, some well -placed observers say that, new communications law practice. "He's aces with me, I'll tell you," says Mr. Fielding. because of Mr. Wiley's contacts at the Radio Mr. Wiley founded the firm in 1983, six commission, a Wiley FCC visit or a Wiley Rivera. years after leaving the FCC. petition is apt to make a deeper impression According to Gene Cowen, a vice president A federal appeals court in The firm's clients today include such than a similar plea from a competitor. for Capital Cities/ABC, Mr. Rivera is not Washington has sent back to the FCC a industry giants as CBS Inc., The Walt Disney "That's not fair, but that's the way it goes," alone in his gratitude. controversial new set of rules under Co. and GTE Corp., to name but a few. says Henry Geller, director of the watchdog Mr. Wiley, he says, "cultivates a huge alum which the agency would ban And the FCC is dotted with people whose Washington Center for Public Policy association, which stands him in good stead." indecency from the airwaves around careers have crossed paths with Mr. Wiley's. Says Mr. Wiley, modestly, "I try to help the clock. The FCC had requested the Ms. Marshall, now a Republican FCC people job -wise, and I enjoy doing it." remand to try to shore up its commissioner, and the FCC's general counsel, Success, prosperity and praise don't appear justification for the regulation, which Bob Pettit, are former partners in Mr. Wiley's `If there is a single most to have persuaded Mr. Wiley to let up. Even was required by a recent law. firm; and Ms. Marshall's legal adviser, Peter powerful person when it today, his social life appears to revolve Broadcasters and others are challenging Ross, is a former associate at the same firm. relentlessly around federal regulators. the constitutionality of the provision in Roy Stewart, chief of the FCC's mass media comes to communications in His Saturday tennis foursomes at his the courts. The appellate court's stay of bureau, got his first big promotion under the exclusive private country club in nearby the regulation will remain in effect, Wiley FCC; Rod Porter, the mass media this town, it's Dick Wiley.' Arlington, Va., have included FCC Chairman pending a decision on the measure's bureau deputy chief, was a top legal adviser - Jim McKinney Sikes, FCC Commissioner Quello and, occasionally, Supreme Court Justice Antonin constitutionality. to Mr. Wiley at the FCC; Commissioner James Advanced TV Systems Committee Quello is a close personal friend. Scalia. Such connections, and the access they In a way, Mr. Wiley, who drives a sporty Syndication invariably provide Mr. Wiley, have prompted green Jaguar XJ6, also has become a bit of an some around the FCC to refer to Mr. Wiley Research, which rents office space from Mr. industry guru, and his advice is sought out, Qintex Entertainment has cleared only half -jokingly as "chairman for life." Wiley's law firm. even by some of the industry's other leading its "Tuff Trax," a weekly series In a more critical vein, some competitors How Mr. Wiley got so plugged -in at the players. featuring monster trucks and tractors charge that the agency has become a "Wiley FCC is no mystery, says Andrew Preston Padden, president of the in 75 markets. Takers include Association of Independent Television FCC." Schwartzman, executive director of the WNYW-TV, New York; KTTV, Los But Mr. Wiley's influence extends beyond watchdog Media Access Project. Stations, says he sought Mr. Wiley's counsel Angeles; WPWR-TV, Chicago; and and above the FCC. "He has achieved his astounding influence before delivering what he perceived to be a WGBS-TV, Philadelphia. Among those Capitol Hill heavyweights the old-fashioned way: on the up and up, particularly potent speech. who speak highly of him are Sen. Ernest which is by working very hard," Mr. With Mr. Wiley's OK, Mr. Padden recalls, "I Pat Finn, weatherman at KRON-TV Hollings, D-S.C., and Rep. John Dingell, Schwartzman says. felt much more confident about what I was in San Francisco, has been named host D -Mich., leaders of the powerful Indeed, Mr. Wiley, by most accounts, has going to say." of "The Joker's Wild." Orbis congressional committees that oversee the been burning the midnight oil to get ahead As for Mr. Wiley's critics, most appear to Communications is developing the broadcasting, cable and telephone industries. since he first launched his communications work at rival law firms. They charge, always game show for the 1990-91 season. "If there is a single most powerful person career at the FCC in 1970, during the Nixon on the condition that they not be identified, when it comes to communications in this administration. that the former chairman is a tireless self - Other town, it's Dick Wiley," concludes Jim During his tenure at the agency, which saw promoter who trades on the tidbits he picks McKinney, a former high-level FCC official him promoted first to commissioner and then up from his insider connections. to chairman, Mr. Wiley, according to sources, Mr. Wiley rejects those criticisms, saying, "I The FCC made "inaccurate and who now chairs the Advanced Television try to treat people the way I'd like them to misleading representations" about the Systems Committee. made it a habit to get to know as many Adds Mark Fowler, a former FCC chairman players in the industry as he could. treat me. That sounds Pollyannaish, but that's syndicated exclusivity rules, United the way I am." Video charged in court documents last who now works for the Washington law firm Since then, he also has made it a point to of Latham & Watkins, "He is undoubtedly one show up at every reception and industry The son of a Chicago -area businessman, Mr. week. Joined by Tribune Broadcasting Wiley, who holds law degrees from Co. and the Community Antenna of the most successful communications function that he can. attorneys anywhere in the world." In addition, he stumps on the speaking Northwestern and Georgetown universities, Television Association, United started at the FCC as the agency's general contradicted FCC assertions in federal "He just sort of knows everybody," says circuit as often as possible, which gives him the sort of name recognition that's the envy of counsel in 1970. By 1972, he was promoted to appeals court that the cable industry Henry Rivera, a former Democratic FCC commissioner. Two years later, he was has the equipment to comply with the commissioner who is now a partner in the law his competitors. firm Dow, Lohnes & Albertson here. "He's omnipresent," says outgoing promoted to the FCC chairmanship. syndicated exclusivity rules. A court He left the FCC in 1977 to become argument is scheduled for Oct_ 16. His connections cut both ways: Just last Democratic FCC Commissioner Patricia week his firm snagged a prominent CBS Dennis. "He works very hard at being managing partner of the Washington office of executive, Donald Wear, who has headed CBS everywhere." the influential Chicago law firm Kirkland & The executive committee of the NAB Ellis. In 1983, he launched his own firm, has agreed to sound out its membership Broadcast International for the past three More important, perhaps, is that over the years, he has also made it a point to help which now employs about 100 attorneys. on a proposal to adopt voluntary years. "The biggest asset I have is I have a lot of Mr. Wear, who will leave CBS at the end of luminaries in communications circles, and the programing guidelines. FCC Chairman energy, and I like what I'm doing," Mr. Wiley Al Sikes formally asked the association the year, is actually coming full circle: In the industry's rising stars, find jobs in government and in the private sector. says. "I liked the people at the FCC when I to consider composing guidelines mid -1970s, he was a top legal adviser to Mr. was there, and I still feel that way. So it's a regulating sexual and other content.# Wiley at the FCC. Sometimes he goes to extraordinary lengths Mr. Wiley, who also heads a prestigious to do so. labor of love going over there."# 38 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 Paramount, MCAsetSyndicators try Premier barter allianceboosting local

(Continued from Page 3) addition to the returning weekly series "Star Trek: The Next Gen- series support eration," "War of the Worlds" and "Friday the 13th: The Series." (Continued from Page 3) Judy Horan, promotion director The distributor's first -run premiums and gives them the at WOWT-TV, the NBC affiliate in movie packages will be repre- chance to win a butler for a week. Omaha, Neb., that bought "Boss," sented by Premier Advertiser So far, of the 28 top -50 stations says the campaign for that show Sales, but the Paramount strip premiering the show this fall, 25 are was "more complete" than others "Entertainment Tonight" and its involved in the fan club promotion. she's worked with. weekend edition will continue to "It's marketing to a very specific She said CPT's early planning of be represented by Television Pro- audience that we think is going to the campaign and gradual rollout gram Enterprises. make the show a success," says over several stages made it work. MCA TV, which had not been in Fox's Mr. Bierman. CPT's effort began at the National a barter alliance until now, brings Of the impetus behind the effort- Association of Television Program its new first -run strip "Inside Re- a twist on just providing cash in a Executives convention in January, port" and the new weekly series traditional co-op arrangement-Mr. when CPT announced that it had "Lassie," plus the returning series Bierman says, "Dollars (in co-op) signed promotion wizard Steve "My Secret Identity,- "The Mun- aren't necessarily going to produce Sohmer. sters Today," "Charles in Charge" ratings for a certain show. Then CPT detailed the actual and "Out of This World." "Kids don't read `TV Guide' and campaign at a presentation at the Advertising time in "Charles in they don't necessarily listen to the Broadcast Promotion and Market- Charge" had been sold by Tribune radio," he says. ing Executives convention in De- Entertainment. For the launch of "Growing troit in June, with "Boss" star Tony Premier will also represent Pains," Warner Bros. took the Danza participating. MCA TV's "Universal Pictures unique step of supplying stations Shortly after that, CPT put a Debut Network" movie packages. with a set of public service an- three -stage, nine -week rollout into Mr. Schwab said he believed nouncements with an anti -alcohol - effect. that after Premier Advertiser abuse message. "It is really a landmark cam- Sales, Camelot Entertainment It also screened the spots with paign," says John O'Laughlin, pro- Sales is probably the biggest bar- focus groups and then adapted them motion manager at WTTV, the inde- ter alliance. according to the groups' input. pendent station in Indianapolis that Camelot mainly represents King "Before we did any promotion on bought "Boss." World Productions and Buena 'Growing Pains,' we went out and Micki Byrnes, director of market- Vista Television product. did a large amount of marketing re- ing at KTVU-TV, the independent in Other major barter alliances in-Premier Advertiser Sales will represent Paramount Domestic N's search," says Jim Moloshok, senior San Francisco that bought the sit- clude TV Horizons, which mainly action -adventure fare, including "Friday the 13th: The Series." vice president of creative services com, says, "It's gotten the biggest represents LBS Communications for Warner Bros. Domestic Televi- chunk of my on -air (promotional and Twentieth Century Fox Tele- sion Distribution. time), and the big reason for that vision product; Group W Produc- Television Program Enterprisesmedia Entertainment represent By testing the spots, he feels more fact is that they had their act to- tions Media Sales, which repre- represents its own product plustheir product together. confident that the finished cam- gether. sents product from Genesis that of Republic Pictures, Genesis Some companies involved in paign will be effective in promoting "I've done this a long time, and Entertainment, DLT Entertain- and Paramount's "Entertainmentthose barter alliances handle the certain elements of the show and this is the most organized rollout ment and Viacom Enterprises,Tonight" and "Entertainmentbarter time for some of their own helping the stations with their pro- I've seen," she adds. among others; and Tribune Enter- This Week," plus others; All product as well. motions as well. Mr. Thurston says "Boss" proba- tainment, which represents its American Television represents its Warner Bros. Domestic Televi- "We had to show them how to bly would be a success in syndica- own fare and that of Qintex En- own product plus that of New sion Distribution, the other major best promote the show," says Yelena tion even without the campaign. tertainment, Claster Television World Television and MG/Perin; player in first -run syndication, Lazovich, Warner's vice president of "But we wanted to ensure that the and others. and GTG Entertainment/Multi- handles all of its own barter.# creative services. show would work," he says. "I'm The Warner executives say one concerned about the next show we advantage of their campaign is that sell, and I'm concerned about the re- all of its promotion work is done in- newals of 'Who's the Boss?' " house, whereas CPT's "Who's the Even with the growing sophisti- Boss?" campaign was done by an cation of such efforts, station execu- CBS develops year-round outside company. tives have some suggestions of how "We service them (stations) campaigns for off -network come- throughout the year," Ms. Lazovich dies could be improved. says. "Once we launch the show, They'd like to get more generic program that's not the end of it." on -air TV spots, more raw video development plan Of the three campaigns, promo- footage to use to customize spots tion officials at stations were most and more stills or negatives so they (Continued from Page 4) ries commitments," Mr. LeMasters agreements will likely have to be laudatory of CPT's efforts for can distribute more publicity photos ter plan, an idea that was circu- continued, "and, frankly, we don't reworked as a result of the CBS "Who's the Boss?" to local newspapers.# lated to producers last month. know at this point. I think that's plan. CBS officially unveiled the plansomething we'll explore as we go," CBS may find itself at a disad- at a 40 -minute morning meeting on he said. vantage in the spring when creat- Sept. 20 with about 70 producers Talent is generally placed "on ing its fall schedule. "It is possible representing the major studios and hold" for standard periods to keep that we will have less pilots to the independent companies. Later people tied to a project while a pilot choose from," Mr. LeMasters ack- Broadcaster arrested that day, CBS met with talent is reviewed by the network. Such nowledged.# agents. But until the plan is under way, producers and CBS officials admit formoneylaundering that there are many unknown fac-Wear leaving CBS tors regarding how certain aspects (Continued from Page 4) $50 million in profits. will work, including the following (Continued from Page 4) president of the CBS Broadcast or other holdings were used to Mr. Brumlik allegedly ac- points: More recently, Marie Komodikas, Group, said CBS has no intention of launder illicit funds. cepted a $1 million payment It is possible that a year-round CBI's director of international sales, letting either the entertainment or A federal grand jury even- from a police informant posing production setup may prompt the went to ABC Distribution as vice news divisions syndicate their own tually will hear the evidence and as a middleman who wanted to networks to order more original fare president of international TV sales. shows overseas. charges brought against Mr. invest profits from Columbian for summer, since producers say Industry sources said CBS Enter- Mr. Wear said CBI has grown dra- Brumlik. drug -dealing associates. they may be willing to negotiate tainment and CBS News executives matically over the past three years Mr. Brumlik was arrested Florida attorney Michael lower license fees to make summer were lobbying to distribute their under his leadership. Sept. 15 while involved in a Snure last week was quoted as programing if the arrangements will own product overseas and suggest- This year, on revenues of $50 mil- transaction that was part of a saying that the charges against enable them to stay in business ing that CBI was bungling the job. lion, CBI will net $40 million, com- two -month reverse sting opera- his client, Mr. Brumlik, "are ob- throughout the year. Industry sources also said they pared to three years ago when the tion, according to Doyle Jour-viously the result of a cooperat- Producers are curious about believed some CBI staffers were un- division only netted $3 million on dan, a special detective assigned ing informant setup." what effect, if any, the CBS planhappy with the network's overall $20 million in revenue. to the case for the Florida De- However, that was before Mr. will have on the length of series strategy overseas. While his replacement has not yet partment of Law Enforcement. Snure withdrew from the case. commitments-the number of epi- Mr. Wear refuted those reports, been named, Mr. Wear said it ap- Mr. Jourdan said Mr. Brumlik Mr. Brumlik and his new attor- sodes ordered. saying they were "the rumblings of peared that Rainier Siek, vice presi- boasted to undercover agents ney, James Russ, declined corn- "There was a question about how a few malcontents." dent of sales and marketing for CBI, that he has laundered more than ment.# you're (CBS is) going to handle se- George Schweitzer, senior vice was the most likely candidate.# 39 ELECTRONIC MEDIA September 25, 1989 INTV, NAB battle N.Y.cable station the Warner product, they'll have stations, says Blade President Allan (Continued from Page 1) Block. dual revenue streams of advertising better programing," he says. "But The cable "station's" weekday schedule two or three good programs does not Since Blade Cablevision reaches dollars and subscriber fees would only 27 percent of the Toledo mar- give cable operators a larger pool of a station make." Morning Afternoon Evening Thomas Kenney, vice president ket's TV homes and since ToledoVi- money to use in bidding for pro- and general manager of CBS affili- sion 5 carries syndicated shows that graming. 6:00 I Dream of Jeannie NoonDivorce Court 7:00 Hunter no other station in the market 8:00 Prime Movie ate WROC-TV in Rochester, says In its protest, the NAB wrote to 6:30 Bewitched 12:30The Judge that with its on -air graphics, station wanted to buy, Mr. Block acknow- Sen. Daniel Inouye, D -Hawaii, 7:00 Yogi Bear 1:00 Quincy 10:00Airwolf identifications and commercial ledges that his cable station isn't a chairman of the Senate communica- 7:30 Flintstones 2:00 Divorce Court 11:00Love Connection breaks, WGRC "looks exactly like serious competitor to Toledo TV tions subcommittee, urging him to 8:00 Smurfs 2:30 The Judge 11:30Rockford Files stations. 12:30After Hours an independent." take a close look at the Rochester 8:30 Funhouse 3:00 Smurts But Mr. Kenney also says he is not "We're not going to try to compete situation during upcoming subcom- 9:00 I Dream of Jeannie 3:30 Woody Woodpecker concerned about the new competi- because we know how ridiculous mittee hearings focusing on cable 4:00 Funhouse 9:30 Bewitched tion. that is," Mr. Block says. "We're tak- regulation. 10:00Big Valley 4:30 Batman "I don't see this working because ing the shows no one wants in To- Citing the fact that cable systems 11:00The Last Word 5:00 Knight Rider in the end they won't have ratings to ledo." are no longer required to carry TV 11:303rd Degree 6:00 A -Team sell to advertisers," Mr. Kenney He says Blade Cablevision stations, NAB President and Chief launched ToledoVision 5 to enhance Executive Officer Eddie Fritti said says. for consumers, threat. Another critique comes from the the cable system's appeal to sub- the situation is an example of how versity of choices scribers. cable can exert "monopolistic. gate- wrote Mr. Collins. Arnold Klinsky, vice president president of Blade Cablevision in "Broadcasters were the chief ad- and general manager of NBC affili- Toledo, Ohio, who says the Roches- In the process, the cable system keeper control" over the local TV ter system is making a mistake in also hopes to make a modest profit marketplace. He urged Congress to vocates of the syndex rules, and it is ate WHEC-TV in Rochester, points from advertising sales, says Mr. ironic that we are now attacked for out that other cable services avail- positioning itself as a serious com- consider regulating cable as a competitor to the area's broadcast sta- Block, who projects earnings in the mon carrier, like phone companies. doing exactly what the FCC had in able in the market haven't been "se- station's first year to amount to Late Friday, Time Warrior re- mind when it adopted the rules." rious competitors for viewership." tions. "The key point is their system Blade Cablevision has been pro- $200,000. sponded to the charges point by John Orr, general manager of the Mr. Block says he feels WGRC's point in a letter to Congress from cable station, also argued that carries WWOR, WPIX, WTBS and graming local -origination Channel 5 services like that and none of those on its Toledo cable system since competitive challenge to the broad- Joe Collins, chairman and chef ex- INTV's fears that the cable system cast stations in Rochester, as well as ecutive officer of the Time Warner would bump TV stations from fa- have been serious competitors for Aug. 7 with seven hours of daily viewership in our market," Mr. evergreen TV series such as "The INTV's vocal opposition to WGRC, Cable Group. vorable channel positions were un- Beverly Hillbillies," "The Andy could threaten the close relation- Mr. Collins said the primary pur- founded. Klinsky says. ships that many local cable televi- pose of creating WGRC was the The system "has no intention of He admitted, though, that when Griffith Show" and "The Dick Van "ALF" and "Perfect Strangers" Dyke Show." sion systems and broadcast stations coming reimposition of the .4yndi- moving anybody. Everybody re- are developing in other markets. cated exclusivity rules. mains right where they are." premiere in syndication on WGRC Referring to itself as ToledoVi- in fall 1990, the new cable station sion 5 and TV5: Very Independent Meanwhile, INTV is preparing to "The FCC advised cable systems In Rochester itself, managers at submit an FCC filing at the end of in this situation to go out and pur- several of the market's local stations will then have two shows that could Television, the Toledo cable station perform respectably in the ratings. "is not really competing" with this month that will complain fur- chase their own syndicated pro- say they don't see the new program- ther about WGRC-TV.# graming in order to increase the di - ing service as a serious competitive "Next year, when they get some of Rochester's broadcast television Networks off to strongstart in new season (Continued from Page 1) NBC combined were only able to of "Alien Nation," siphoned viewers The network's lineup of six come- improve their share of the audience from the networks by earning a 7.3/ `We've been tracking it for the last three weeks, dies averaged a 15.4 Nielsen Media 6 percent from the week before, 12 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (ET). Research rating (percentage of TV earning a 72 cumulative share, up CBS's "Murphy Brown" earned and it's back to 1983-84 (levels) in terms of viewer households) and a 24 share (p.m -cent - from a 68. its best ratings ever with a 17/26, age of sets in use) to beat NBC's FBC's new Monday night pro- and the new series "Major Dad" do- interest in new programing.' minated the 8 p.m. anchor slot with 15.3/24 and ABC's 14.9/23. graming, featuring "21 Jump -David Poltrack But on that night, ABC, CBS and Street" and the two-hour premiere a 16.2/26. NBC's "ALF," a usual time -pe- senior vice president of planning riod winner, came in second at 8 and research, CBS AT PRESS TIME CONTINUED p.m. with a 14.3/23. CBS's new series "The People Next Door" won its 8:30 p.m. time has been on the block for nine months. period with a 14.6/23, beating "It was a rather healthy sort of helped increase viewer sampling, NBC's "The Hogan Family," which charge out of the gate by the three but ultimately the quality of the NEW YORK-Lee Masters, executive vice president and general had a 14.0/22, and the first half- networks this past Monday," said programs will decide the fate of the manager of MTV, suddenly resigned last week. MTV officials declined hour of ABC's "MacGyver," which CBS Entertainment President Kim network's new schedules. comment on the reasons for his resignation. Mr. Masters joined MTV scored a 10.4/17. LeMasters, "and I think a lot of that "It's a matter of coming up with Networks as general manager of VH-1 in 1986. On Tuesday, the three networks' had to do with the ballyhooing of the program that will turn things cumulative share rose 15 percent to the fall premiere." around," said Mr. Sohmer, who's NEW YORK-King World Productions is close to signing former a 76 from a 66 the week before. ABC "We've been tracking it for the now president and chief operating "Good Morning America" producer Susan Winston to develop a won the night, NBC placed second last three weeks, and it's back to officer of the TV production com- first -run talk show strip for the 1990-91 season. and CBS came in third. 1983-84 (levels) in terms of viewer pany Nelson Television and execu- On Wednesday, the networks' cu- interest in new programing," said tive producer of NBC's new series NEW YORK-"Today" co-anchor Jane Pauley met with NBC execu- mulative share rose 17 percent to 70 David Poltrack, senior vice presi- "Mancuso FBI." tives last week to discuss her future. Unconfirmed reports have sug- from 60 the week before. NBC won dent of planning and research for He pointed to CBS's performance gested Ms. Pauley is unhappy and is currently talking with CBS. the night, ABC placed second and CBS. on Monday, Sept. 18, as evidence of Meanwhile, David Nuell, executive producer of "Entertainment To- CBS placed third. "It's a combination of the tradi- what strong new programing can night," will leave the show at the end of November to rejoin NBC as Despite FBC's siphoning effect on tional seasonal start and also the do, citing the fact that two of the senior executive producer for "Today." Monday night, network officials last extraordinary promotional efforts network's new comedies won their week were crediting their geared -up of the networks." time periods and helped propel CBS WASHINGTON-At the FCC's first public meeting under the chair- promotional efforts, such as CBS's Steve Sohmer, who is credited to a win that night. manship of Al Sikes this Friday, the agency is slated to announce a K mart promotion and NBC's link with creating some landmark net- "You've got to say what CBS is tough new warning that broadcasters convicted of drug traffick- with Sears, Roebuck & Co., for re- work promotional campaigns dur- doing on Monday night worked," ing could lose their licenses. newing viewers' desire to tune into ing tenures at CBS and NBC, says said Mr. Sohmer. "They stole the the networks. the promotional pushes probably night."# ST. Louts-After only PA weeks on the air, "Thal by Jury," a Viacom Enterprises first -run strip, was moved out of access to 10:30 a.m. by Viacom Broadcasting -owned KMOV-TV here. The station re- placed "Trial" in access with "Family Feud." Britain's TVS plans measures Los ANGELEs-MCA TV said Friday it has secured a group deal with Fox Television Stations to launch the new first -run sitcom "What a Dummy" for early fringe and prime access in fall 1990. to counter lossesfrom MTM Los ANGELES-FOX Inc. on Thursday announced that it has formed (Continued from Page 2) to sit down with him and discuss our strategy for the a new production entity called Fox Television Stations Productions, "I think it must be noted that TVS is extremely robustcoming year." which will develop and produce programing for the Fox -owned sta- with considerable cash reserves in the bank and is Mr. Indelli, who earlier had described his departure as tions and FBC, plus other TV outlets. Stephen Chao, former vice totally behind MTM." amicable, could not be reached at press time. president of development for Fox TV Stations, was named executive Mr. Gatward also expressed confidence in the ap- Mr. Gatward said that if research was correct, the vice president of the new unit. pointment of a new but as -yet -unnamed syndicationbroadcast economy would see an upswing in about a manager at MTM following the departure of JoeIndelli year and "full recovery" within 2'/z years. NEW YORK-David Hawthorne, a CBS producer on his way to cover after an MTM board meeting in August. "If we're looking at the time scale for recovery, then Hurricane Hugo, helped two fellow passengers with small children "We have made a change in the head of the division, I'm satisfied the move (to buy MTM) we made last escape last week's USAir jet crash here before returning to the and I believe the new man is the right choice," Mr. Ga- year is as strategically sound as it was then," hesaid. wreckage to retrieve his cellular phone for a live broadcast. "My first tward said. "The board and principal shareholders are fully com- instinct .. was to get outof there," he told The Associated Press.# "He is a recognized figure and has a fine pedigree in mitted to the strategy and have totally backed me in the business. Once his feet are under the table, I want what we are doing."# very o y loves

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