FCC in Fiscal 1971., INSTITUTION Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C

DOCUMENT RESUME

ED.066 025 EM 010-102

TITLE The FCC in Fiscal 1971., INSTITUTION Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. PUB DATE 71 NOTE 20p..

EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 HC -$3.29 DESCRIPTORS *Agency Role; *Annual Reports; *Broadcast Industry; *Cable Television; Ccomercial Television; Federal Legislation; Government Publications; Mass Media; News Media; Radio; Telecommunication; *Television IDENTIFIERS Fairness Doctrine; *Federal Communications Commission

ABSTRACT Fiscal 1971 saw major actions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in all areas of its jurisdiction. In broadcasting, the FCC proposed new renewal rules and policies and issued a number of significant rulings on Fairness Doctrine matters. A policy statement outlining FCC cable television plans was submitted to the Congress. In the common carrier area, the FCC acted on computer communications and specialized common carriers and received applications for domestic satellites. The FCC advanced its program to provide additional land spectrum space for land mobile communications by establishing a Spectrum Management Task Force. A new fee schedule was adopted to return to the U.S. Treasury funds equal to the Commission's operating expenses. These highlights are summarized in this booklet, which also provides facts and figures about the number of authorized stations of various kinds under the FCC's authority. (JX) US. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE OFFICE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEENREPRO- DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVEDFROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATIONORIG- INATING IT POINTS OF VIEWOR OPIN- IONS STATED 00 NOTNECESSARILY RFPRESENT OFFICIAL OFFICE OFEDU- CATION POSITION OR POLICY

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1 Commissioners Members of the Federal Communications Commission as of June 30, 1971

Dean Burch, Chairman (Term expires June 30, 1976) Robert T. Bartley (Term expires June 30, 1972) Robert E. Lee (Term expires June 30, 1974) Nicholas Johnson (Term expires June 30, 1973) H. Rex Lee (Term expires June 30, 1975) *Robert Wells* (Term expires June 30, 1977) *Thomas J. Houser (Term expired June 30, 1971)

*See page 15 The Federal Communications Commission

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P,, 4 NA_ .At The Commission regalates common The Commission advanced its four on nonreserved VHF-TV channels. carrier operations, including program to provide additional The television broadcasting industry telephone, telegraph, cable, spectrum space for land mobile reported revenues of $2.81 billion microwave and satellite communications by establishing a in 1970, four-tenths of one percent communications. It licenses and Spectrum Management Task Force. higher than 1969. Expenses increased assigns operating frequencies A new fee schedule was adopted to five percent and profits before for radiotelephone and radiotelegraphreturn to the U. S. Treasury funds taxes were $454 milliondown 18 circuits, and oversees charges, equal to the Commission's operating percent from 1969. practices and classifications of expenses. Radio broadcasting revenues for service for common carriers. The These are among the highlights of Commission acts on requests for networks, AM, and FM stations the Commission's actions during in calendar year 1970 were $1,136.9 mergers, considers applications fiscal 1971, summarized on the millionup more than 4.7 percent for construction of facilities and following pages under specific from 1969 but radio profits declined changes in service, and prescribes headings. 7.9 percent to $92.9 million. The seven and reviews accounting practices. nationwide radio networks (CBS, MBS, The Commission licenses and Broadcasting NBC, and ABC's three AM networks regulates all forms of two-way radio, and one FM network) reported losses including ship and aviation General of $5,5 million in network operation communications, a wide range of There were 7,948 broadcasting compared to losses of $6.3 million public safety and business services, stations on the air and operating in 1969. The networks' owned- and amateur and citizens as of June 30, 1971. There were and-operated stations reported radio services. 4,343 AM, 2,250 FM and 461 profits of $4.7 million compared The FCC is responsible for educational FM radio stations. The to $4.2 million in 1969 and domestic administration of the number of commercial VHF stations revenues in 1970 of $53,0 million, telecommunications provisions of was 512, commercial UHF 183, up 6,1 percent from the previous treaties and international agreements. educational UHF 114 and educationalyear. Total time sales of the seven Under the auspices of the State VHF 85. The totals for commercial major networks, their network owned- Department, the Commission takes stations include 25 educational and operated stations, and 4,189 part in international communications stations operating on AM frequencies, other AM and FM stations increased conferences. 15 on nonreserved FM channels, nearly 4.7 percent to $1,256.8 The FCC supervises the Emergency four on nonreserved UHF-TV and million in 1970. Broadcast System (EBS) designed to'alert and instruct the public in matters of national or civil defense. State EBS units use the system in local emergencies.

The FCC in Fiscal 1971 Fiscal 1971 saw major actions .by the FCC in all areas of its jurisdiction. In broadcasting, the Commission lbw proposed new renewal rules and policies and issued a number . of significant rulings on Fairness ..dp 111 tr I Doctrine matters. Cable television activity was highlighted by the Commission's i; series of unique panel-type hearings in the Spring of 1971. In August, a M policy statement outlining FCC rOar;AV w- Vu-- cable plans was submitted to U. i the Congress. In the common carrier area, the Commission acted on computer communications and specialized common carriers, and received applications for domestic satellites. 5 Controversial Issues of the guidance of licensees, hour limit on Tuesday and Sunday Public Importance candidates, and other interested nights, respectively, but network The Commission announced plans parties. time would still average three hours for its first comprehensive review A political broadcasting survey of per night. Arrangements were also of the Fairness Doctrine since the 1970 political campaign made to have "prime time" network release of its 1949 Report on revealed an 85 percent increase programing begin at 8 p.m. on Editorializing by Broadcast Licensees. in expenditures over the previous five nights per week and at 7:30 p.m. The Commission declined to apply nonpresidential campaign year, on Sundays and Tuesdays, Fairness Doctrine obligations to the 1966. The amount spent for the Eastern Time. broadcast of advertising of general election campaigns In markets with two VHF stations commercial products. It ruled, substantially exceeded that in the and one UHF station, the however, O. 1 commercials, which primaries, and the trend to Commission adopted rules limiting advanced the need for developing purchase of spot announcements as the VHF stations to one primary Alaskan oil reserves and denied opposed to program time continued. network each so that the third adverse ecological effects, raised network's programing may become controversial issues and therefore Multiple Ownership available to the UHF station. were subject to fairness obligations. In February 1971, the Commission, In response to a petition from the responding to petitions for Democratic National Committee, the reconsideration, deleted the "one-to- Commission found that significant a-market" rules forbidding cross- political parties have a right to ownership of AM and FM stations purchase time to solicit funds but it in the same market. (The Commission refused to require broadcasters indicated that it planned further to sell time for discussion of study of AM-FM combinations.) public issues. Additional time was allowed for filing reply comments on the proposed LIME In another case, the Commission prohibition of cross-ownership of ruled that, although the networks' newspapers and broadcast stations coverage of the Indochina war was in the same market. otherwise roughly balanced, five The Commission authorized the uninterrupted prime time appearances Broadcast Conglomerate Study by the President on the issues Task Force to proceed with a created an obligation to provide general inquiry into ownership of a reasonable opportunity for broadcast stations by persons or expression of contrasting views. entities with other business interests When CBS granted time to the (Docket 18449) after completion of Democratic National Committee in the pilot study, begun in December accordance with that ruling, the 1969, to explore issues raised by the Commission found that the broadcast ownership of broadcast stations by .4. was not responsive to issues raised companies with major nonbroadcast in the President's addresses but interests. In February 1971, was primarily "party-oriented." The questionnaires, revised in light of FCC ruled that the Republican experience with the pilot study, National Committee should therefore were sent to 31 broadcast be given time by CBS to respond. conglomerates. Political Broadcasting Television Broadcast Service The Commission instituted revocation In the proceeding to limit TV networks' proceedings against two radio control over programing (prime stations for allegedly censoring the time rules), the ownership and material of political candidates distribution rules were stayed and failing to afford equal pending judicial review. The Court opportunities to candidates, in of Appeals affirmed the rules in violation of Section 315. May 1970. Waivers of the "prime A revised edition of the public time access" rule (limiting network notice Use of Broadcast Facilities prime time programing to .three by Candidates for Public Office hours) were granted to ABC and NBC ("political primer") was issued for permitting them to exceed the three- 1S7itillaIVIMCGIUOJenirilet..7.11201146=11.12...71.1.17.15.2M0.43.10.10 novvwasiessanmeasa:exaccannottateatelnUtatbe'e aaS,Trf,j,Igat%11:1-tt

Effective July 1, 1971, an unaffiliated. The number of Instructional Television station in a market will have access Fixed Service (ITFS) stations in use to network programs not placed with by schools almost doubled. an affiliate before programs are A new class of ITFS educational offered to any other network's services was established. affiliates. The unaffiliated station, There were 127 ITFS systems with 371 however, must have reasonably channels operating at the end of comparable facilities. fiscal year 1971an increase of In January 1971, the Commission 21 systems and 116 channels over undertook an inquiry into children's the previous year. television programing _ _ _ More than 80 percent of the Nation's Four subscription television (STV) population is now served by applications are now on file. Rules educational television. All but four were proposed to change STV and States have one or more stations CATV rules to prohibit the on the air. broadcast of live sports events The total number of educational presented on a regular basis over radio stations grew 58 percent in conventional TV during the fiscal 1971. The largest number of preceding five-year period. stations were licensed to colleges Rules were adopted to insure and universities. comparability of VHF and UHF tuning, although full compliance is not Broadcast Auxiliary Service scheduled until the end of fiscal 1973.Auxiliary broadcast services have Applications for UHF translators on more than doubled between 1965 Channels 21 through 69, originally and 1971 to meet the growing accepted, were later restricted to demand for facilities for on-the-spot Channels 55 through 69 because of coverage of events. At the close of interference potential on the the year, authorizations had been lower channels. granted for more than 15,000 Rules were changed to ease the auxiliary broadcast facilities of process of applying for TV translators, various types. and, in January 1971, changes in International Broadcast Service the TV translator rules were Two petitions for waiver of the freeze proposed to harmonize them with on international broadcast stations the newer FM translator rules. were denied. One was for a new In December 1970, the Commission station and the other was to increase adopted a public notice for daily broadcast time. Both applications visual cues in emergencies for TV for facilities were retained pending viewers with impaired hearing. resolution of international Radio Broadcast Service broadcast rules. The number of commercial FM stations continued to increase Broadcast Administration during the year. Authorization of The Commission ruled that licensees new low-power class A stations may change entertainment outnumbered higher-power class programing of special interest to B and class C authorizations by more minority groups as long as they than 2 to 1. An increasing number continue to present news and public of competing applications were affairs programing of interest to designated for hearing. the groups in question. In one case, a station had switched from "soul" Educational Broadcasting to middle-of-the-road music, and TV and radio educational broadcastinganother had switched from middle- continued to expand as a result of of-the-road to "soul" music. the Public Broadcasting Act of In a number of rulings, the 1967 and organization of the Commission clarified its policy Corporation for Public Broadcasting defining programs entirely commercial early in 1969. in content. It said that a pattern of program length commercial. Assignments and Transfers Enforcement presentations woRld be codsidered One significant transaction, the $110 The Commission instituted renewal to raise questions as to whether million purchase by Capital Cities hearings on 20 applications and the licensee was operating in the Broadcasting Corporation from Triangle seven construction permits--a record public interest. Publications, involved nine AM, FM, number. They involved alleged rule The Comrnssion also warned licensees and TV stations. Capital Cities violations, and qualifications of against airing sirens and other retained three TV stations and licensees and permittees..lt also alarming sound effects in disposed of the six AM and FM stationsdenied license renewal to eight announcements. to separate buyers, in part to comply stations in cases designated for In a public notice, the Commission with the one-to-a-market proceeding. hearing in prior years. Probationary reminded licensees of their Capital Cities also disposed of two short-term renewals were granted to ten responsibility to review records previously-held TV stations. applicants, and there were 142 before broadtast. Another large transfer resulted from forfeiture actions involving broadcast the merger of Corinthian Broadcasting licensees. Field investigations were Renewals Corporation and Dun & Bradstreet, Inc conducted of 52 stations. In fiscal 1971, some 50 petitions to A New York station was admonished deny license renewals were filed, Techn.ical Developments for allowing programing purporting to primarily by community groups in In April 1971, the Commission give tips on winners in the illegal connection with programing for consolidated the proceeding to modify numbers game M New York City. minorities, or employment practices. propagation curves with one proposing One station was given a short-term Rules proposed by the. Commission procedural changes in measuring license renewal and three others cited to increase communications between signal strengths. (Propagation curves for improper use of audience surveys. licensees and the communities they re used to pred.ict signal levels Two licepsees were given short-term serve included: and contours to determine a renewals and others were admonished Public notification, over the station's coverage area.) for using broadcast facilities to serve station, of pending renewal for six In-March 1971, the Commission the private interests ortheir months prior to expiration of license; adopted amended rules for remote employees or to gain unfair competitive -Announcements over the air control of both UHF and VHF TV,* advantage in nonbroadcast business concerning FCC renewal policies and broadcast stations. ventures. public availability of the station's The Commission proposed easing rulesThe number of complaints, comments renewal appliCation. The application on operator qualifications in July 1970 and inquiries received on broadcast would be on public file, for 120 days In January 1971, rules on directional matters totalled 53,503, a substantial instead of the presently required antennas used by standard reduction from the previous year. 90 days; broadcast stations were substantially Complaints and inquiries based on An annual report, filed with the revised.. Work is proceeding on the Fairness Doctrine and the FCC, listing what the licensee institution of computer studies of provisions of Section 315 (equal considers the most significant interference. opportunities for politicalandidates) community problems and his Rules were adopted, in September increased substantially. A total of 3,666 programing dealing with them. 1970, to provide for FM broadcast complaints, comments and inquiries New forms were adopted to ascertain booster arid translator stations. on these' and related subjects was the licensee's affirmative actions 1 received, compared to 2,722 in in hirirrg and employment of racial rk 'fiscal1970 minorities. International Agreements In Febr.uary 1971, a new Primer on Members of the FCC staff met with Fees Ascertainment of Community Problems Canadian officials to explore mutual On July 1, 1970. a fee schedule was by Broadcast Applicants was adopted. F M broadcast problems. adopted by the. Commission with the A second staff meeting was held with goal of making its activitidself- 4, Me'xican authorities to develop sustaining. DU ring the year, portipns BroackcastAilvertising technical standards ,ind 'tables of of the sc hedule pertaining to The Commision directed ABC and ( hannel allotments along the commonbroad( asting were clarified. The NBC to inform viewers, by means of border area. Commission rialed that, in license specific announcements on quiz and Amendments to the North American assignments or transfers, amdunts paid audience-participation programs, Regional Broadcast Agreement do consultants pr for noncompetitive when. producers had accepted (NARBA) went into force in November agreements would he regarded as part payment by suppliers of prizes to 1970. They will remain in offer tfor of the sale price upon which the fee iiso in promoting their hve years unless torrhinated on one islevied merchandise on the air. year's notice. All fees'for translators wore abolished. ',re^

Cable Television set copyright guidelines for cable Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Cable television is the system in which systems. held that the program-origination TV signals are received at a central requirement exceeded the point and then amplified and April 1, 1971, was set by the Commission's statutory authority. The redistributed by cable to subscribers' Commission as the effective date for FCC announced it would appeal this TV sets for a fee. Originally developed cable systems with more thau 3,500 decision to the Supreme Court, to bring TV signals to areas distant subscribers to begin originating meanwhile suspending the requirement from TV stations, it has since spread programs. In May, however, the U.S. for cablecasting. to large cities and other localities where, because of tall buildings or for various technical reasons, signal reception is poor.

As of May 13, 1971, there were 2,573 ..11111M.Iirlir.A.11 cable television operations serving 4,000 communities and more than 5 million homes in the United States, an increase of some 2.2 million since January 1, 1968. Beginning March 11, 1971, the Commission held oral argument on proposed rules (issued in June 1970) on the future of cable. In a departure from regular procedure, eight panels, : composed of recognized spokesmen jilt MM.' for various groups that would be affected by the rules, were heard by the entire Commission, providing "an interplay of informed viewers." In Congressional hearings, the Commission agreed not to finalize proposed FCC rules until Congress had an opportunity to study them. Regulatory proposals for cable were athmitted to Congress by the FCC on August 5, 1971, with a proposed effective date of March 1, 1972. Among other things, the Commission proposed that local TV broadcast signals within a 35-mile radius of a cable system must be carried; lb" and the number of TV signals to be LI* imported would be determined by market size, with special provisions for UHF stations and educational stations. MEL_ Another proposal would require cable systems in the top 100 markets to provide a nonbroadcast channel for each broadcast signal carried and a free "public access" channel, an educational channel, and a channel for State and local government use. Cable systems would be required to provide "at least minimal production i facilities" for public use. Setting of technical standards to assure good reception for the public was also t recommended. The Commission recognized the need for Congress to .1 In December 1970, Hughes Aircraft Company filed an application with the FCC for a domestic satellite system to further development of a cablecast network. On August 5, 1970, the Commission approved the merger of TelePrompTer Corporation, the Nation's fourth largest cable operator, and H.& B American 114 Corporation, operator of the largest system. Rules similar to those now applicable to broadcast and common carrier licensees, requiring nondiscrimination in employment practices, were proposed for cable systems and their relay stations. At the beginning of the fiscal year, a fee schedule was set, requiring annual payment to the FCC of 30 cents per subscriber by cable systems, Common Carrier Services General Common Carrier Services involve the provision of wire or electronic communications services for hire. They include such facilities as telephone, telegraph, facsimile, telephoto and broadcast program transmission by wire, cable, radio and satellite for public use. The Commission regulates interstate and foreign communications of common carriers. It does not regulate purely intrastate wire services; they come under the authority of State utility commissions. Telephone At the end of calendar 1970, there were 77 telephone carriers fully subject to FCC jurisdiction, including 56 with annual revenues of $1 million or more. These 56 companies had operating revenues of $18.2 billion in 1970 and gross plant investment of $59.9 billion at the end of 1970. These companies reported 104.9 .1 A million telephones in service. As a result of revised separations procedures adopted by the Commission on October 27, 1970, annual telephone company revenue requirements of about $130 million were transferred from intrastate to interstate operations.

e The Commission ordered AT&T to Subsequent to this decision, Westernstations with 55 antennas in 34 provide the Corporation for Public Union filed for additional rate countries. Broadcasting with a 71-point increases of $35 million annually, For calendar 1970, Comsat reported interconnection network by March effective in July 1971. operating revenues of $69.6 million, 1972, and a 110-point network Western Union employees went on an increase of 48 percent over 1969. by January 1, 1973. Charges are to be strike June 1, 1971. The strike, There were 8 applications filed based on incremental cost to which lasted until July 28 nationally, during fiscal 1971 to establish the carrier. resulted in emergency discontinuanceand operate domestic communications On January 14, 1971, AT&T filed of the company's public message satellites. revised message toll telephone seMce. (MTT) tariffs (interstate rate changes) Safety and Special which provide a gross increase in Domestic Common Carrier Safety and Special Radio Services net earnings before income taxes of Radio Services include about 50 different kinds of $250 million annually. Of this amount, More than 12,200 applications were two-way radio communications $175 million represents an filed for new, modified or renewed used by industry, State and local estimated increase in revenues and domestic common carrier radio governments, business and private the balance of $75 million represents facilities during fiscal 1971. groups of various kinds, and associated cost savings. The MTT The Commission adopted a policy individuals. These services make up rate levels of AT&T are the subject of increased competition among the largest group regulated by of a current investigation (Docket existing and new common the Commission. 19129). carriers in the sale of data There were 1,745,709 stations licensed An Industry Advisory Committee was transmission and other specialized in the Safety and Special Radio established to develop a standards communications services to the Services at the end of fiscal 1971, program related to interconnection of public. As of March 15, 1971, employing 8,858,222 transmitters of certain customer-owned equipment. there were 33 new carrier applicants various types. A total of 432,693 Two subcommittees have been proposing facilities estimated to applications was received in these establishedTechnical Standards cost well over $500 million. services during the fiscal year. and Procedures and Enforcement. In fiscal 1971, more than 150 Standards and regulations for private In cooperation with the depreciation applications were filed requesting land mobile operations were adopted subcommittee of the National authority to construct and operate providing for sharing of one or two Association of Regulatory Utility ground stations in the Air-Ground of the lower seven UHF-TV channels Commissioners, a depreciation Radiotelephone Service. (14-20) in the ten largest manual for use by small telephone urban areas. companies is being prepared. International Communications Rules for expanded use of remote During the fiscal year, the Commission Industry revenues from overseas control and digital signaling authorized over 400 telephone telecommunications (except Comsat) devices using low power transmitting projects to extend or supplement totalled $487 million in calendar cquipment were adopted in the wire and microwave facilities at 1970, an increase of 7 percent Business Radio Service. Ru;es were a total estimated cost of $351.5 over 1969. Of the 1970 total, proposed to permit tone signals million. telephone carriers reported $265.7 or digital techniques throughout million in revenues from overseas the Public Safety, Industrial Telegraph service and the record carriers, and Land Transportation Services Western Union had total operating $221.3 million. on all land frequencies, and to revenues in calendar 1970 of $402 In the last quarter of calendar 1970, permit non-voice lower power million. The company's gross rates for telephone service between remote control devices in the 72-76 investment in plant facilities totalled Hawaii and the mainland were MHz band for the Railroad and $1.03 billion as of December 31, reduced approximately 13 percent. Special Industrial Services. 1970. This reduction was in addition to a Licensing and operating standards The Commission authorized Western cut of 15 percent in March 1970. were adopted for use of radio call Union to acquire the Teletypewriter AT&T was authorized to file an boxes and telephone-type Exchange (TWX) Service of the application for a transatlantic cable installationp for motorists, as a part Bell and independent telephone with 3,500 circuits, to become of a nationwide higlmay safety radio companies. Western Union began operational in 1976. communications program. operation of the TWX service on Eligibility in the Special Emergency April 1, 1971. Communications Satellites Radio Service was expanded to On February 9, 1971, the Commission The global satellite system continued include local medical societies that granted Western Union rate increases to expand in fiscal 1971. As of June provide members with communications of about $21 million annually. 30, 1971, there were 47 earth on nonprofit cost-sharing basis. The Commission proposed uniform Rules requiring single sideband stations in all the services. practices and procedures for licensing operations (SSB) in medium and high In the Broadcast Service, 2,062 sharing arrangements for mobile land mobile frequency bands were inspections resulted in the issuance station facilities in several of the adopted in the Industrial Radio of 1,385 official violation notices, services.It also proposed rules to Service and proposed for the while 5,619 inspections in the permit sharing of private microwave Public Safety Radio Service. The Maritime Mobile Service produced systems on a reciprocal basis. changeover to SSB from double 2,444 notices of all types. Five-year license terms were set for sideband (DSB) will provide additional The Bureau's monitoring network Safety and Special Radio Services. radio channels, reduce interference issued a total of 13,542 violation and conform voice emissions to Single-sideband frequencies were notices to licensees in the many those in other radio services adopted for maritime mobile service, radio services regulated by the in the same part of the spectrum. and auxiliary power sources were Commission, and developed 1,128 required for vessels on the Technical standards for computation sanction cases in connection with Great Lakes. of service areas for public coast Class repeated or willful violations. The Waiver of eligibility requirements in III-B stations were proposed. network also worked on 2,437 major the Local Government Service was cases of interference reported granted to the Metropolitan Regional Field Engineering by licensees, commercial companies, Council, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and U. S. and foreign governments. to operate a "first of its kind" inter- The Field Engineering Bureau Additionally, the monitoring network governmental video communications operates 24 district offices and four received 387 requests for assistance network in the 10,000 square-mile suboffices, two marine offices, 18 from,ships and aircraft. In 18 New York, New Jersey and monitoring stations, three mobile instances of actual emergencies, Connecticut area. TV-FM enforcement units and six direction finder "fixes" enabled Subject to the needs of Safety microwave units in its administration search-and-rescue organizations and Special Radio operations, CATV and enforcement of regulations to locate the distressed ships operations in the Business Radio and treaties relating to radio and aircraft. Service were permitted to continue communications. The Bureau issued During the year, 17 new transmitting on a renewal basis until a total of 38,769 infraction reports structures 1,000 feet or more in February 1, 1976. in fiscal year 1971, and detected height were constructed while Signal boosters are now permitted 4,880 unlicensed stations. one in previous use was dismantled for air terminal base station use Engineers at field offices conducted for a net gain of 16. There are now in the Business Radio Service. 15,628 inspections of radio 255 such structures.

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2tAT. AT° r Frequency Allocation and Use -Frequency coordination procedures, downed-aircraft beacon technical to minimize interference across standards, cable television frequency To decisions to provide for the fre uency needs of the the UnitedStates-Canodian border, allocations, and microwave land mobile services, rules were entailed exchange of 5200, letters performance standards. adopted on June 17, 1971, to allocateand telegrams with Canada. A technical study of performance frequencies, on a shared basis Interferenae, as a result, was characteristics for radio and televiSion with TV, to land mobile services limited to 14 cases. receivers was completed to provide in one or two of the lower seven ( To obtain international recognition a basis for state-of-the-art UHF-TV channels in the ten largest of U. S. frequency assignments, performance regulations. urban areas of the UnitedStates the FCC submitted 4,69 5 assignment Tentative technicalstandards were (Docket 18261). Studies were notifications to the International developed for several ploposed new continued on providing long term Frequenq4 Registration Board of radio devices including field relief through frequencies reallocatedthe ITU. Over 34,300 monitoring disturbance sensors,radio controls to the land mobile services in the observations were forwarded to the 'for door openers, and biomedical 900 MHz region of the spectrum ITU in support of its international telemetry equipme nt. (Docket 18262). program for compiling current New procedures and limits for worldwide frequency usage data. Preparatory work was completed for measuring oscillator radiationf rom the World Administrative Of the more than 535 international FM and TV broadcast receivers Radio Conference on Space cases of harmful interference dealt were established. with by the Commission, 4 00 Telecommunications MARC-ST), Memberxs of the TV Tuning Panel which was convened on June 7, appear to have been resolved. As part of an international program to provided guidance to manufacturers 1971, at Geneva. of television receivers to assist anticipate and avoid many cases of Frequencies in the 216-220 MHz them in meeting new rules requiring interference, the FCC forwarded band were made availableto the comparable tuningfacility in VHF to the countries involved over 6,300 Industrial Radio Service for reports of improper technical and and UHF TV receivers. telemetermg and telecommand operating practices by their An initial propagation model was operations on a secondary basis radio stations. developed for use by the Commission's toGovernment radiolocations. The Commission prepared for 40 Spectrum Management Taskf orce In the band 2500-2690 MHz, final nternationa Iconferences and in the computerized preparation ac bon was taken to allocate 28 IV furnished two delegationchairmen, of landmobile radio service areas. channels to the Instructional one vice( hairman. one senior A report was published on Television FixedService, and advisor and 69 other representatives measurements accumulated over a three TV channels to the Safety ,for delegations and Special Radio Services for number of years by Commission ,nonitor I og stations on skywave field operational fixedpurposes. Technical, Research, and strengths in the Standard Rule making was proposed to permit Broadcast frequenc y band aural broadcasting studio transmitter Laboratory Curves have been developed defining links to operate in the 2150-2160 Organization of the Spectrum MHz band, to compensate for 5 MHz distances at which hazardous Management Task Force to develop exposure from antennas of high- of spectrum space lost in and carry out the Commission's powered FM and TV broadcast Docket 18262. decentralized frequency management stationsmight be expected. A To facilitate efficient sharing betweenprogram has been completed, and report on these curves and the Government and non-Government the first Regional Center was .{ationale used in their development users of radio, the Commission establishedin Chicago on April iS forthcoming. coordinated with the Office of 30, 1971. A detailed analysis was completed Telecommunications Policy (OTP) Commissionengineers pa rticipated more than 3,300 specific frequency in industry and professional of the precipitation and off-path or band assignments and took association meetings and in v-attered interference data obtained action on over 390 reports of international conferences on (tuningt he 1%6-67 POPSI Prow( t. harmful interference between improvements in color TV picture Commission personnel served as Government and non-Government quality, criteria for ship radars, radio members of a steer ing group on the radiostations. interference control techniques. and NASA OTP ITS radio interference In maintainin,g the master list of all satellite broadcasting. Industry propagat ion program. existing non-Government frequency and Government meetings included Frequenc ies near 900 MHz were assignments, the FCC processed I wide range of te( hrin al matters found tobe usefu Ifor FM 1)2,000 frequency assignment suc h as vehicle location systems, land mobile voice cominunir ations, actions. hroddcast interference problems. providedthe radiated power is ...... marzumaeraM117.0231121====iirrre.

several decibels higher than that services was forwarded to the cable systems to originate used at 450 MHz. Commission on June 30, 1971. programing (the case is being Work was completed on measurement On February 4, 1971, the Industrial appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court); systems which may be required in Communications Services and rejected the FCC's January type approval of AM broadcast Subcommittee of NIAC recommended 1970 renewal policy of granting directional antenna monitors. an interim basic Industrial renewal to licensees who had Type approval test activity continued Communications Emergency Plan rendered "substantial service." to expand, particularly in connection to the Commission. Several appeals court decisions with microwave ovens for home On March 2, 1971, the Aeronautical required full hearing on certain food preparation. Communications Services license challenges and broadcast Seven hundred six applications for typeSubcommittee of NIAC recommended programing format changes. The acceptance were granted. Through a Basic Aeronautical Emergency court agreed with the Commission type acceptance, the Commission Communications System Plan to that Armed Forces recruiting assesses the capability of radio the Commission. commercials are not controversial transmitting equipment for meeting issues entailing right of reply. The the technical standards for licensing Legislation, Litigation and court reversed the FCC's finding in the radio services. that a broadcaster does not have' Enforcement Certificates covering 5,017 different to carry paid union responses to models in six categories of equipmentLegislation employer advertisements during a labor dispute. were filed with the Commission to The Commission testified or certify that the equipment complies commented on 25 legislative matters One criminal caseinvolving sale with required interference suppression.pending before Congress this of unauthorized radio frequency During 1971, 912 applications for fiscal year. deviceswas referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. radio research and development It proposed legislation to make it a authorizations were processed. Two criminal cases were closed; Federal crime to assault, kill or one by conviction, the other by a intimidate an FCC employee plea of guilty. At year's end, six Emergency Communications performing investigative or criminal cases and three civil enforcement functions; to broaden Detailed State EBS Operational injunction actions, all for unlicensed provisions for forfeitures, and to operation of a citizens band radio, Plans were completed and approved amend the Act to permit the by the Commission for Massachusetts, were pending. One civilforfeiture FCC to grant licenses to aliens in case was referred to Justice for Texas, Louisiana, Oregon and the Safety and Special and Washington. judicial enforcement. Experimental Radio Services. Random closed circuit tests of the Congress adopted a law extending Hearing Examiners Emergency Broadcast System were financing for the Corporation for authorized December 2,1970. Public Broadcasting. The Office of Hearing Examiners An Emergency Action Notification issued 2,055 orders in interlocutory (without a n attack warning) was Litigation matters (subject to further transmitted in error on February The Commission participated in 162 review) in fiscal year 1971. Formal 20, 1971. A formal investigation court proceedings, 90 of which hearings were conducted in 113 was initiated on February 22, 1971, originated during the fiscal year. The proceedings and hearing conferences and temporary procedures establishedSupreme Court declined to review were held in 203. Hearings were to avoid further occurrences. A seven cases seeking reversal of completed in 76 proceedings and report indicating how various Commission actions. In the courts 64 initial decisions were issued licensees had reacted to the of appeal, the Commission was disposing of 97 applications. notification was submitted on April affirmed in 32 cases and In a rule change designed to 9, 1971. The matter remains reversed in 10. expedite hearings, the Commission under study. Of particular significance were authorized hearing examiners to act The formal recommendation of the rulings by appeals courts upholding on joint requests by broadcast Special NIAC Working Group on the FCC's rule limiting prime time applicants for approval of pay-off Alerting of the General Public was programing by TV networks, and agreements in such matters as received by the Commission on the Commission's license denial merger, withdrawal or dropout of April 8, 1971. A two-tone transmission to WHDH, Boston, and grant of a applicants in competitive standard was recommended. construction permit for the channel proceedings. Authority to act on A draft revision of the priority to another applicant. The appeals such requests had previously been system for the use and restoration courts also ruled that the FCC lacked vested in the Review Board. of leased intercity private line statutory authority to require The new rules also permit appeals

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from examiners' interlocutory rulings (2 AM, 75 FM, 18 TV, 14 other from the Commission at the end only with the examiner's approval. broadcast); 3 Cable TV, 3 Common of August 1970. Parties had been able to appeal Carrier and 56 Safety and Special John M. Torbet was appointed any ruling by an examiner without Radio Services, and 1 miscellaneous.Executive Director, replacing Max prior consent. D. Paglin, named Special Assistant The new rules had been proposed for Administrative Procedure. by the Procedure Review Committee. Commission Richard E. Wiley was appointed They apply to joint requests and A new fee schedule was adopted, General Counsel. He replaced Henry appeals filed on or after November effective August 1, 1970. It was Geller, who was assigned to the 13, 1970. designed to produce about $24.9 post of Special Assistant to the million in revenue. Chairman for' Planning. Raymond E. Spence was designated Commissioner Robert Wells, who Docket Cases Chief Engineer following the death had been serving the remainder of Hearing Cases Commissioner James J. Wadsworth's of William H. Watkins. There were 401 cases designated term, was appointed to a full Sol Schildhause was appointed Chief for hearing during fiscal 1971. seven-year term. (Commissioner of the Cable Television Bureau. Safety and Special Radio Services Wells resigned November 1, 1971. Francis R. Walsh was named proceedings on applications and On November 30, President Nixon Broadcast Bureau Chief. (Assistant revocation of licenses accounted nominated General Counsel Richard Chief Wallace E. Johnson took over for 73 cases. There were 253 E. Wiley to serve on the Commission the post in August 1971, following hearings for Broadcast facilities: for the remainder of Commissioner Mr. Walsh's resignation.) 81 AM, 110 FM, 62 TV. Wells' term.) Horace E. Slone retired as a member Hearings were held on 34 Common Commissioner Thomas J. Houser of the FCC Review Board. Carrier applications, 15 Cable was appointed to a term ending The appropriation for the Commission Television applications and 1 FEB June 30, 1971. He was named for fiscal 1971 was $26,623,751. The application as well as 25 Spectrum Management Commissioner staff averaged 1,552 employees-12 miscellaneous cases. and chairman of the PBX Standards more than the previous year. At the close of the fiscal year there Advisory Committee. (Rep. Charlotte Filing fees totalled $15,948,180. were 749 cases pending-413 in Reid, (R. Ill.) was nominated to These funds all went to the U. S. Broadcast matters. succeed Commissioner Houser, who Treasury. Applications received continued to serve until October 5, totalled 689,691, a decrease of Non-Docket Rule Making Petitions 1971, at the request of the 219,708 over fiscal year 1970. (The Some 172 petitions for rule making President. Mrs. Reid was sworn in total number of applications for were filed-109 of which were as Commissioner on October 8, 1971.)1971 does not include 516 concerned with Broadcast matters Commissioner Kenneth A. Cox retired Cable TV filings.) 15 Highlights of Fiscal Year 1971 general inquiry after completion of religious or ethnic groups. pilot study. This summary is based on releases September 25 by the Federal Communications Com-Five-year license terms set for Safety and Special Radio Services. Richard E. Wiley appointed General mission during the fiscal year Counsel; Henry Geller named Special July 1, 1970 through June 30, 1971. August 10 Assistant to Chairman for Planning Dates indicate when actions were Equal employment opportunity rules October 8 announced. adopted for common carriers. 1970 Common carriers required to give August 14 public actual notice of increased July 2 Major TV networks must make prime charges or discontinuance or reduc- Comparative hearing for Channel 4, time available for "one more un- tion of services. Los Angeles terminated with with- interrupted opportunity" for reply to October 14 five presidential addresses on Viet- drawal of competing application. Rules prohibiting network TV program nam, Commission ruled in response to Western Union conversion of company syndication stayed. offices into agencies to be investi- fairness complaint; CBS required to gated. give Republicans time to answer October 18 Democrats' Loyal Opposition program.. Renewal applications for WXUR and Revised separations procedures for WXUR-FM, Media, Pa., denied. August 18 determining telephone company rates New FCC fee schedule adopted. Revised Political Broadcast Primer adopted. issued. July 15 November 6 Procedures and policies proposed forAugust 25 Hearing procedures revised to permit handling microwave applications for First pay-TV technical system ap- Hearing Examiners to act on requests specialized common carrier services. proved by Commission. for approval of agreements between parties. July 16 August 26 November 13 WCCO, WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, Minn.,Hearing ordered on possible mis- renewals granted without hearing. representations of expenses by D. H. Court of Appeals for District of Colum- Rules adopted to license medical Overmyer in sale of five TV stations. bia Circuit affirmed Commission associations in Emergency Radio action granting CP for Channel 5, August 28 Boston, Mass., to Boston.Broadcasters, Service. KNBC(TV), Los Angeles, Calif., re- Inc., competing applicant, and deny- newal granted for remainder of licenseing WHDH, Inc., renewal application. July 24 term. November 18 Study of impact of CATV on local television stations released. August 31 Rules amended to implement new U.S.-Mexido AM broadcast agreement. July 28 Commissioner Kenneth A. Cox an- nounces retirement from Commission.December 3 Acquisition of Teletypewriter Exchange (TWX) Service by Western Union September 4 Procedures for random closed-circuit from AT&T authorized by Commission. Interim operator authorized for tests of EBS adopted. Channel 3, Jackson, Miss. Star Stations' license renewal appli- August 5 cations set for hearing. September 11 Merger of major CATV firmsTele- Commissioner Robert E. Lee testifies PrompTer Corp. and H&B American Radio call boxes for emergency use before House Subcommittee on Com- Corp.approved by Commission. authorized on regular basis. munications and Power on proposed August 8 September 14 amendment to Communications Act to permit certain aliens to be Commission ruled that broadcasters Francis R. Walsh named Broadcast licensed to operate amateur radio may decline to sell time for comment Bureau Chief. stations. on controversial public issues but may not arbitrarily refuse to sell time September 21 December 7 for solicitations of political funds. Chairman Burch testifies before HouseCommission action approving experi- Communications and Power Sub- August 7 mental MAILGRAM Service by committee on resolutions to halt pro-Western Union affirmed by U.S. Court Broadcast Conglomerate Study Task duction _and distribution of films of Appeals for District of Columbia force authorized to proceed with tending to degrade or demean racial, Circuit. December 9 Hearing set on AT&T interstate rate sized communities with agency Cut-off date for CAN stations in increase request. branches approved by Commission. Business Radio Service band ex- January 22 Appointments of Commissioners tended for five years. Robert Wells and Thomas J. Houser John M. Torbet named Executive to Commission confirmed by Senate. December 10 Director; succeeds Max D. Pag lin who March 1 AT&T fined $18,550 for failure to filewas appointed Special Assistant for Administrative Procedure. tariff for services to Department of One-to-a-market rules deleted for Defense. January 25 AM-FM combinations; will apply only to VHF-radio combinations. International communications carriersSol Schildhause appointed Cable -asked to make studies of overseas Television Bureau Chief. March 2 services. Hearing set on employment discrimi- Chairman Burch testifies on proposed TV networks ordered to report on nation complaint against AT&T. political broadcasting bills before program distribution practices. Senate Commerce Committee. February 2 December 15 Spectrum Management Task Force March 5 Broadcasters to determine whether toestablished by Commission. Commission public notice cites carry contrasting views after presen- licensee responsibility to review tation of anti-smoking spots, Com- February 9 records before broadcast mission ruled. Increases found reasonable in Western Union rate case; further March 11 December 17 increases restricted. Oral argument on proposed CATV TV broadcasters asked to provide rules begins with series of panel February 10 program aids for viewers with impaired discussions at National Academy hearing. 31 broadcast conglomerates forwarded of Science. questionnaires to provide FCC with December 21 information on their operations. March 17 New rules adopted to permit remote Final proposals for 1971 ITU World February 12 Administrative Radio Conference for control of VHF TV stations. Space Telecommunications approved.Primer issued to clarify requirements on ascertainment of community needs March 16 1971 by broadcast applicants. Rules adopted for computer communications services. February 19 January 6 Order granting interim operating Resolution on death of Chief EngineerNew renewal rules and policies authority for Channel 3, Jackson, William H. Watkins, January 3, proposed by Commission. Miss., affirmed by U.S. Court of adopted by Commission. Appeals for District of Columbia February 20 Circuit January 7 Broadcast stations queried on March 24 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the responses to erroneous emergency District of Columbia Circuit affirmed action notification on Emergency Commissioners Robert Wells and Commission action denying license Broadcast System. Thomas J. Houser sworn in as Com- mission members; Commissioner renewal of Station WNJR, Newark, February 25 NJ. Wells appointed to full term, Commis- Transfer of nine broadcast stations sioner Houser to serve term ending January 15 from Triangle Publications Inc. to June 30, 1971. Effective date of increase in interstateCapital Cities Broadcasting Inc. Rules adopted to require auxiliary telephone rates postponed by AT&T authorized by FCC; sale price $110 power source on Great Lakes cargo at FCC request pending outcome of million. vessels. hearing; company files for reduced February 26 amount. March 25 Temporary procedures set to avoid VHF-TV station affiliations with more January 21 erroneous emrgency action notifica- than one network restricted by FCC. Study initiated by Commission into tions on Emergency Broadcasting TV programs for children including System. April 6 advertising content and methods of Western Union program to replace Raymond E. Spence appointed Chief presentation. company offices in small and medium- Engineer. May 28 requiring it to halt operation of June 29 WCFV, Clifton Forge, Va., denied Channel 3. Jackson, Miss, and turn Chairman Burch testifies before license renewal. over facilities to interim operator. House Subcommittee on Communica- Western Union International fined U.S. Supreme Court declined to tions and Power on bill to set up joint $28,500 for failure to file tariff. review Commission Decision, released Federal-State board to establish January 23, 1969, denying renewal uniform procedures in determining June 2 application of WHDH, Inc., for common carrier expenses. Channel 5, Boston, Mass., and Western Union Telegraph Company 'granting application by Boston Broad- application for emergency discon- casters, Inc., for new construction tinuance of service for all public tele- permit. graph offices and agencies because of strike granted by Commission. Chairman Burch testifies on cable televisionbefore Senate Communica- June 3 tions Subcommittee. AT&T ordered to expedite construction June 16 of network for Corporation for Public Broadcasting; charges set at $4.9 Chairman Burch testifies on political million annually. broadcasting bills before House Subcommittee on Communications Guidelines announced for admission and Power. of amendments to community ascertainment filings in broadcast hearings. June 17 CBS spin-off of syndication and Rules adopted to implement sharing CATV operations to Viacom Interna- of UHF-TV channels 14 through 20 by tional, Inc., authorized by Commission. land mobile radio stations. June 7 June 18 Western Union authorized to file for Chairman Burch testifies before $28 million rate increases; revised House Small Business Subcommittee delivery standards including refund on advertising industry self-regulation procedures required. programs. AT&T request for withdrawal of appli- Politicalbroadcasting expenditures cations for intercity PICTUREPHONE up 85 percent in 1970, FCC reports. service granted. June 21 June 9 Stations KWLG, Wagoner, Okla., KVIN, New class of education services Vinita, Okla., denied license renewal. established in Instructional Television U.S. Court of Appeals for District of Fixed Services. Columbia Circuit affirmed FCC ruling denying fairness complaints on June 11 Armed Forces recruiting announce- Inquiry announced into effectiveness ments. of Fairness Doctrine and related public interest policies. June 23 Chairman Burch testifies on FCC June 14 budget requirements before Senate Commission order denying requests Appropriations Committee. for reconsideration of Policy State- ment on Comparative Hearings June 24 Involving Regular Renewal Applica- New Atlantic cable with 3,500 circuits tions reversed by U.S. Court of called for by Commission; AT&T Appeals for District of Columbia proposal for 845-circuit cable Circuit. dismissed. June 15 June 25 The U.S. Supreme Court denied a Rules adopted for use of single side- petition by Lamar Life Broadcasting band frequencies in maritime mobile Co., for stay of Commission order service on Great Lakes.

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Railroad 1 6,751 Point-to-Point Telephone June 30,1971 Taxicab .6 3,540 (International) 7 Safety and Special Radio Services Automobile Emergenq 2,324 International Control-fixed 7 Interurban Passenger Satellite Communication: Aircraft Group 131410 (Motor Carrier) 91 Earth 13 Aeronautical and Fixed Interurban Property Satellite 15 Group 6,269 (Motor Carrier) 2,000 Total Common Aviation Auxiliary Group 945 Urban Passenger (Motor Aviation Radionavigation Carrier Services 16,887 Carrier) 134 Land 1,319 Urban Property (Motor Civil Air Patrol 18,385 Broadcast Services Carrier) 2,01 1 Total Aviation Services 158,328 Total Land Transporta- Standard(AM) 4,396 tion Services 116,851 Frequency Modulation (FM) 2,368 Ship Group 213,300 Educational (FM) 520 Coastal Group 2,632 Citizens-Class A 4,908 UHF Commercial TV 269 Marine Auxiliary Group 139 Citizens-Classes B, C VHF Commercial TV 527 Marine Radar Land 84 and D 863,105 UHF Educational TV 127 Alaskan Group 2,372 Total Citizens Services 868,013 VHF Educational TV 90 Total Marine Services 218527 Translator (TV) (UHF-VHF) 2,772 Amateur 277,743 UHF Signal. Booster 9 Police 17,543 R.A.C.E.S. 8,188 Experimental (TV) .6 Fire 10,129 Disaster 187Auxiliary(TV) 2,526 Local Government 12,048 Total Amateur and International 3 Highway Maintenance 6,197 Disaster Services 286,118 Developmental 4 Forestry Conservation 4,903 Remote Pickup 12,250 Special Emergency 6,900 Total Safety and Aural, STL and Intercity State Guard 6 Special Radio Relay 509 1,745,709 Total Public Safety Services Low Power 187 Services 1 57,726 Instructional TV Fixed 175 Common Carrier Services Special Industrial 26,957 Total Broadcast Services 26,738 Business 82,662 Point-to-Point Microwave 6,482 Research and Develop- Power 13,634 Local TV Transmission 57 mental Petroleum 8305 Rural Radio 798 1,068 Community AntennaRelay Manufacturers 3,187 Developmental 173 120 Forest Products 3,143 Domestic Public Land Industrial Radiolocation 455 Mobile 9,318 Motion Picture 52 Point-to-Point Telegraph- Relay Press 268 Telephone (Inter- Telephone Maintenance 1,483 national) 81 This is the first year in which station Total Industrial Point-to-Point Telegraph data were availablefrom machine Services 1 140,146 (International) 9 records.

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