Something extra for NBC -TV affiliates on Father's Day Fred Silverman, the man upon whom they pin hopes for a resurgence, is to be introduced to them at a June 1 8 reception, prelude to a jammed two -day agenda at stations' annual convention Some 680 executives of the 216 NBC - affiliated TV stations, a record turnout, are expected in New York this weekend for the opening of their annual convention - and their first glimpse of Fred Silverman as NBC president. Peer praise. The Washington Area Broadcasters Association presented its second annual That first glimpse will come for them - Honored Prophet award last week to John W. Kluge, president and chairman of Metromedia and many NBC executives as well for - Inc. (second from right), "for his excellence as a broadcaster, businessman and citizen" Sunday evening (June 18) at a reception Also present were (I to r): Susan Breakefield, vice president and general manager of given by Mr. Silverman and NBC Chair- Metromedia's WASH(FM) Washington: Thomas Cookerly. WABA chairman and president and man Julian Goodman. general manager, wJLATV Washington, and Mark Evans, former ambassador to Finland and Mr. Silverman, named president and Metromedia vice president. chief executive last January but delayed in taking office until last Friday, the day after new prime -time schedule to the affiliates tion (BROADCASTING July 5, 1976). his ABC contract ran out, is expected to Monday evening. The musical- comedy A major issue is the commission's give them their first look at his goals and device was used by NBC at last year's con- "clarification" of its order renewing the philosophies in a speech at the Monday vention and was rated impressive by most license. The commission, in an order luncheon -a speech that his competitors affiliates. This year's, entitled "Give the issued in January 1977, said that when it may be awaiting as expectantly as the affili- Station a Break," was conceived and pro- described Cowles's performance as ates and the rest of NBC management. duced by Richard Golden, NBC -TV vice "superior;" it did not mean "exceptional The next day's luncheon will be ad- president, marketing, who also produced when compared to other broadcast sta- dressed by Edgar H. Griffiths, president of last year's revue, and is being staged and tions" but, rather, "solid" service that is RCA, NBC's parent company, the man directed by Donald Driver, a former Tony who hired Mr. Silverman away from ABC. award nominee. Mr. Griffiths, who like Mr. Silverman is Tuesday morning will be given over to a known to most affiliates only by reputa- closed meeting between affiliates and NBC tion, is expected to tell them that he and management, and after Mr. Griffiths's they have the same objective in mind - luncheon speech a series of program first place in the network competition - screenings will wind up the convention. and that Mr. Silverman has his and RCA's The usual "closing" banquet will be held full backing in that quest. Monday evening following the musical - The rest of the two -day meeting will comedy presentation of the new schedule. consist of more conventional convention Except for the musical comedy, which fare, centering on program presentations. will be staged at New York's City Center, The business sessions will open Monday all meetings will be held at the New York morning with welcomes from NBC -TV Hilton hotel. President Robert E. Mulholland and affili- ate relations Vice President Donald J. Mercer. There'll be presentations led by Michael Brockman, vice president in Court takes a look at charge of daytime programing; Woody two key FCC cases Fraser, executive producer of the new midday People to People hour, the live, Appeals involve Cowles's WESH -TV female- oriented Monday- Friday talk and and Geller program percentage, discussion series that starts July 24 with could change FCC policy Jack Linkletter as host; Lester Crystal, if commission is overruled president of NBC News, and NBC Sports' president, Chet Simmons, and executive A three judge panel of the U.S. Court of producer, Don Ohlmeyer. Appeals in Washington last week heard A look at NBC -TV's plans for advertis- arguments in two FCC cases where rever- ing and promoting the 1978 -79 fall sched- sal of the commission in either could have ule will also be provided at the Monday - a major impact on its license -renewal morning session by George Shaver, vice policy. president, advertising and creative ser- One case involves the appeal by Central vices. Florida Enterprises Inc. of the commis- The affiliates will meet privately Mon- sion decision in July 1976 renewing a John Wilson Cowles Inc.'s license for Vice President /Manager day afternoon. Communications Atlanta A two -hour musical comedy will be the WESH -TV Daytona Beach, Fla., and deny- Selcom, Inc., Radio Representatives centerpiece for NBC's presentation of its ing Central Florida's competing applica- 1221 Avenue of the Americas N.Y. Broadcasting June 12 1978 New York, 10020 (212) 730 -0202 51 .