Public Television Hearings

For instance courses of instruction are given by TV during the evening hours for adults who dropped out of school but who wish to p. pr. for a State Examination for a high school equivalent diploma. Also TV series have been prepared for parents of children attending get set classes to help improve the climate for learning in the home. Both of these programs might well be placed in either category instructional TV or public TV. The overlapping may result in their being overlooked. It is assumed that for the purposes of the study instructional television will be interpreted in a broad perspective. I and this the ones I represent support this bill. This action represents a tremendous step forward instructional television will benefit from the guidance and support which hopefully will result from the study. The needs are impaired and immediate thank you very much for the privilege of appearing before you. Well we're very honored to have had you in this Gable and I want to say this to you that since we begin these hearings and the testimony that we've heard particularly addressed to Title 3. We're convinced that

it needs a further study as to Wooding but I think what we ought to strive to do is to make it is comprehensive as possible. Yes rather than particularize because I'm afraid that we don't know so much about this now that we ought to limit ourselves. And I quite agree with you. You've rendered us a great service and I want to thank you. Thank you sir. Now my witness list indicates that I have four other witnesses. It is now 20 minutes to 12. We will have to recess at 12:00 and come back at 2:00. We have a general Wes ball and it's going to address a joint session of the Congress in the House of Representatives and we senators will have to be there. Now I the reason why I raised this at this point we still have 20 minutes. But I was wondering if as someone of the foal who has any reason why I can't come back this afternoon we would accommodate him with the cost the indulgence of the other three. The chair not hearing in that regard the next witness is Lee Franks.

Mr. Franks as executive director of the educational television services for the State Department of Education of Atlanta Georgia in Atlanta Georgia. My name is Lee Franks and I would like to enter my written report in the record since I will summarize from a statement which I prepared. I am Executive Director of educational television services which is a division of the Georgia State Department of Education. Our department owns and operates the Georgia Educational Television Network the nation's largest interconnected state network. The network consists of 10 stations. Eight are operated by us. One by the University of Georgia. And one is operated by the Atlanta public schools. The state of Georgia occupies a position of leadership in the

field of educational television. The state's capital investment in EDV exceeds that of any other state the size of our staff and our annual budget. As a comparison only ranks with those at the top and TV And of course in comparison with commercial operators This is a very small amount. I welcome and appreciate this opportunity to speak before you. And I think I've been with you a bit before because I watch your progress on educational television and I think as a result my comments are different and I think maybe Educational Television will help do your job and that will shorten perhaps testimony of future witnesses. As a result I omitted Mr. Chairman I word of appreciation and statements on the possible accomplishments of this act because you've heard it before. I just want to know that we share many of these words of appreciation.

The rapid growth of state networks. In my opinion is destined to. Play a very significant role in educational television. In the next few weeks this category of station will be the largest category. In an other educational television station. I was elected recently as chairman of the Southern network Committee which is which represents 40 states in the south. So I know at least 15 states. Are already developing complete operating networks. Other states will have the centralized non-operating networks that is a linking of many single independent stations. All these states as we enjoy them will have developed another natural resource of the state in a sense the magnetic resources. A few months ago a friend remarked to governor Carl Sanders that history might mark the development of the Georgia educational

television network as the outstanding achievement of his administration. In this age of electric communications the state in some respects is becoming the community the nation the state. And I cite in a report a few things which. Amplify this point. We therefore believe that the public television Act of 1967 can be a great and unifying force to weld together. These large state networks with their sister stations operated by community groups universities and schools. I wish to state that we support the principles and central purpose of the bill. My comments and recommendations are meant to strengthen the bill certainly not to encumber its passage. We have four recommendations to make. First to regard Title 1. The TV facilities act in 1962 was a significant aid to Georgia in the building of its network. We favor his extension However because of the

DOD determined and significant bootstrap effort and investment of this state. We strongly urge that the matching provisions of the TV facilities Act remain as they are. With a 50 percent matching of cash and a 25 percent matching of credit for equipment own 75 percent matching provision of S11 60 tends to short circuit local bootstrap effort and in effect paid benefits to those who lag behind. The 10 and one half million proposed for expansion in the bill is not a limitless sum. If the previous bill was so successful and we noted that it was. And as so many applicants are waiting in line for the for this extension would it not be more effective to allow the present matching provisions to remain. As they are. And up the good work to be greater in number. And show a greater local commitment. We believe it would. Our second recommendation has to do with translators tend to go into that.

In this matter with the drafters of this proposed legislation to find out why it was raised to the 75 percent because if it is true that they're standing in line waiting for the 50 percent what do you make it 75 percent because of emitted 50 percent get 10 and a half million would go a long ways. Although of course this is discretionary. The ceiling is 75 percent but as you well know. When it comes to public funds everybody rate reaches for the ceiling. In a development of state networks and stations are. Often located to serve groups of small communities. I would look upon it differently from the way you would build a single community station. The use of translator stations especially in mountainous areas and this would be true in so many parts of the nation issue as is obvious especially Appalachian. Where there is high population. It is such translators are essential to the piecing out of plan coverage areas for the communities and areas that serve these translators are as important as a mother transmitter.

Therefore it is our second recommendation that the cost of translators within logical coverage area of the parent transmitter be matched on the same bases as for the main transmitter. Enjoy they will be spending. Over two hundred thousand dollars to piece out coverage in such areas. Third recommendation is in regard to Title 3 and as a passing mark I would say that we support the idea of a non operational cooperation. We believe that the activities listed in as 11 60 do give the corporation sufficient power to be an active and constructive force. Much has been said about the place at a local station in any national system. The roots of local education television stations go down into the educational and cultural base of the nation. What we dream up is a kind of grassroots network of both enter and intra connected stations. They're going to get commission terms a local

station as the bedrock of public television and he d n the n a B also strongly point to the great importance of the local station and a pretty Commission states that and I quote The first task upon which any further accomplishment must be built is the strengthening of a local station. If this is so very important then we are not content to leave the matter up to chance and strongly recommend that a certain minimum percentage perhaps one third of the corporation's income be granted annually and directly to local TV stations for production of procurement. And promotional program for other than in school instructional use. We have had a good deal with grants and the idea and this would not be a it was a one that represented a continuous or. Definite source unless we have a provision like this seems to save us through this means a station could depend on a certain stipulated amount.

With great certainty and with greater certainty go into public television the real sense. By having a more definite financial arrangement with the corporation the state is collectively will be operating from a stronger base as its National Mutual Association of stations grows. Our fourth. Final recommendation as do with Title 3. We applaud of course the idea of such a study and structural television programmes however actually and will not meet their ultimate objective. We believe unless and until they structure and use are fully consistent with an integrated into the teaching learning process. It is our opinion that a comprehensive study of instructional television would have to deal directly and intimately with this process and all the factors that presently impinge upon it. Much time and effort would be necessary before the feasibility and the precise content of such a study could be determined. Some of the prescribed items for the study and sections

particularly items 3 and 4 are not of importance as in our view. Therefore we strongly suggest that a general stating of objectives of any society be included in section 3 of one and that section through to be eliminated. It's not just David we're going to allow the researchers to carefully determine feasibility aspects. Avenues of approach and also to set. Reasonable limits for the study and we have included in our written testimony he suggested rewriting of the section. Thank you very much Sarah and it is a contribution a fine contribution we will study or a statement in its entirety. And I suppose you're already familiar because you say you have been following these hearings. You're already familiar with the position that we have taken with reference to Title 3 that it ought to be very comprehensive for fear that it might be limiting something and that we'll consider that very very carefully. Thank you very much for coming. Do I have a five minute witness here.

All right so come forward give me a name. For himself. Reverend Robert Van Dusen director of the Office of Public Affairs the Lutheran Council and that's where you are right said this Lutheran Council in the USA as a newly organized co-operative agency which began operation on January 1st as a successor to the National Lutheran Council and it has the four constituent bodies which are named in the testimony and presenting his testimony I am serving as a proxy for Robert Lee who is our TV staff expert and who who drafted the testimony. Among the various reasons for the formation of the council. Was the providing of a unified voice for Lutheran churches through the mass media channels of communication. The council is on record as favoring a more fully developed system of educational TV and is pleased to register its support of the means being considered toward reaching this objective

which are embodied in the provisions of Senate bill 11:16. Lutheran churches were among the very first religious groups to contribute programs for television and radio that would help broadcasters fulfill their obligation to serve the public interest nationally distributed program series and radio and TV created and financed by Lutheran Church units have included the Lutheran hour which is the most widely distributed radio programs internationally. Children's Chapel Church World News family worship hour. The Church at work Lutheran vespers. This is the life which is the longest running TV program of any kind like time and Davey and Goliath the latter two for children. Consistent with this long term emphasis and as one of its first acts after beginning operation the council through its Division Public Relation heard a report on the proposals of the Ford Foundation the Carnegie Foundation and was advised of the introduction of S1 11 as 11 16.

The following action was adopted and subsequently endorsed by the executive committee. Whereas a more fully developed system of educational television would improve the total broadcasting service within the United States. And where as a system of public television within the American setting should include religious programming. Be it resound that we recommend to the executive committee that it authorized after represent the council in expressing these broadcasting concerns to government agencies and congressional hearings. The Lutheran Council recognizes that television is the number one educational instrument today. Our basic concern is the quality of the mass of TV fare. The fact that most of television programming is sheer entertainment carried as a vehicle for every day has resulted in an alarming mediocrity. On the other hand notable public service projects have stations and networks have demonstrated on special occasions a promise for good that television can bring to the people.

The churches have a concern that is in no way limited to religious programs. The moral character and values standards of tomorrow's generation are being profoundly affected today by the overwhelming volume of popular programs that seem most often during Main at the lowest common and denominator of quality. I'll skip down to the comments that have the recommendations attached to it. The. Lutheran Church is with other religious groups intend to seek more creative ways to make program contributions. We also hope that program and contribution in whatever system a public TV fine involves includes religious programming and the last two paragraphs. We believe that the proposed Corporation for Public TV provided it is free from control by government or special interests should be established in such a way that it would be responsive to the religious needs and interests of the public. Together with those needs and interests that are more broadly cultural informational.

For example might not an educational TV system operated under the auspices of a non-governmental corporation allow for utilization of instructional television channels by Sunday schools on a co-operative interfaith or Protestant Catholic basis at least during those periods when other classes would not normally be using him. Lutheran Council urges that the study of instructional DVD include a consideration of the views of religious organizations the Lutheran Council is prepared to consult on this vital matter that can affect so many lives in the days ahead. And in this we agree with the testimony given given earlier today by the Jesuits that very much thank you very much it's been a fine contribution and we're honored to have you sir. Now I have two other witnesses but we'll have to stop at this point because we have to travel to 12:10 from the Senate chamber over to the House chamber. And I have Professor Adler is here. And I have Martin. Bush is that it. You are the only two

remaining witnesses. I won't be here this afternoon because I have to go to the luncheon at the White House but Senator masa was here a short while ago will be here at 2 o'clock. Chair this hearing in my stead. So if you gentlemen will return at 2 o'clock. As you are the two last witnesses and that will conclude the hearings. Thank you very very much. As you heard Senator Pastorius say the hearings have now adjourned so that he may attend the special address by General William Westmoreland before a joint session of the Congress. General Westmoreland will be the fourth United States general to appear before a joint session since the end of World War Two others have been General Clay and 49 General MacArthur in 1951 and General Ridgway in 1952. There is talk here in the capitol building of a possible boycott by some members of the House of Representatives of General Westmoreland's

Tong. However it's significant to note that one of the leading dogs Senator Fulbright has said that such action would be grossly disrespectful and that he Senator Fulbright will be there. We too will be there. Live coverage of the general's speech will be carried by this network. To this point in these hearings a total of eight witnesses have appeared there will be 10 witnesses to be heard before the hearings are completed later this afternoon. This morning the Reverend John McLaughlin a Jesuit priest from Fairfield Connecticut appeared. He supported the Carnegie Commission plan for appointment of public television Corporation Board of Directors as opposed to the method outlined in the draft of the bill. The concern dealt with presidential appointments how many would be appointed by the president and how many would be appointed by those appointed by the president. SENATOR PASTORE has repeatedly admitted this is a confusing factor and one that he

hopes to confer with the drafters of the bill to work out more details on. Reverend McLachlan also supported the Ford Foundation suggestion to shield News and Public Affairs broadcasting from the grip of government financing. That proposal was suggested during testimony I heard two weeks ago when Fred Friendly appeared before the committee. Mr. Friendly is an advisor to the Ford Foundation and also former president of CBS News. At that time when he appeared. Mr. Friendly said that to use government funds to finance news and public affairs broadcasting by educators might lead to government influence over such programs he expressed grave concern over that. You may hear a buzzer in the background now this is gone off many times during the last two weeks that buzzer signals the opening of today's session of the Congress of the Senate and 30 minutes from now. General Westmoreland will appear the senators will go over to

the House chamber which is the larger of the two meeting rooms where he will address that conference. Continuing the recap of testimony Rev. McLachlan also urged the subcommittee to consider aspects of inclusion in the bill which would allow for more production of religious programming. He said people are deeply interested in religious questions noting many controversies between religious leaders these days. And he said it is quite proper to provide broadcast time for discussions of such questions. The second witness today was a United States District Judge Nate Allen from Round-Up Montana. He was introduced by Senator Lee Metcalf of Montana judge Allen strongly supported Title 3 of the bill which authorized a comprehensive study of instructional television. In other testimony he presented he sharply criticized the Federal Communications

Commission for allegedly declining to wade in the growth of television and radio in rural America. He said that in his opinion Title 3 of the bill should be Title 1. As you recall Title 3 is that section of the legislation which authorizes a study of the future of instructional television in the opinion of Judge Allen this is one of the most important parts of the whole piece of legislation. He said that rural America has no faith in the Federal Communications Commission. He said they had to tangle in court with the FCC to maintain their selves. Judge Allen said that the Federal Communications Commission is not aiding in any way to get signals to the homes of rural Americans. He said today a system of so-called TV translators which is in use in many areas is not widely used enough. Judge Allen said the people of rural America have to pay for TV twice once when they purchase the products of TV advertisers. And once

again when they construct these translators to receive TV signals. He also was sharply critical of the FCC is apparent reluctance to stop network ownership of television cable operations. He noted that NBC had just purchased its second cable installation. Judge Allen said in Montana with a television receiver connected to a cable system you can watch network programs which would not otherwise be available. He said that such systems are destroying the free enterprise broadcasting concept in America. Speaking on behalf of rural America the judge also said it would be greatly beneficial if the Federal Communications Commission would license local origination for TV translators to aid these people in receiving better coverage on another part of the bill strongly complimented the authors of Title 2 for stressing both local and national levels of programming participation. He felt

that under this part of the bill it would allow for a wide diversity of programs which might otherwise not be possible if distributed by a national network geared to national implications. On the subject of the television Corporation which is proposed in this bill he notes that the bill would have all of the man appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. He said to make the cooperation on an actual day to day working entity it might be well to have at least five members of the corporation geographically spaced. And taken from the ranks. Of many educational stations throughout the country. This sort of testimony has been heard by other witnesses as these hearings have continued for the past eight days. Another point mentioned by the judge was he has information to the senators that he has informed the Department of Justice about his grievance over commercial networks and private commercial broadcasting ownership of CATV systems apparently hoping that some sort of

action can be taken against them. He urged also that the committee study this aspect of the problem SENATOR PASTORE a strongly agreed but said it's something that apparently very little can be done about. A third witness to appear before the subcommittee this morning was Mr. Ed Weisman he is an aide to the director of the AFL CIO. Mr. Andrew J buying Miller who is the director had been scheduled to appear but was unable to do so. In the prepared statement he said that the AFL CIO makes extensive use of radio and is glad to see radio encompassed in this bill. He said that while it so overshadowed by the glamour of television it remains an extremely important medium one which is in even greater need of educational influences. He also said that instructional television is an important function within the whole field of educational television. The AFL CIO said Mr. Lashmar feels that it will be very

widely used medium in the future by educators and said Congress needs to provide the funds to make this utilization possible. He noted that the air referring to television or radio transmission through it belongs to all the people of this country and he said broadcasters are not the owners of the air. He therefore said it's a proper requirement that Congress enforce regulations on the use of this and went on to note the lack of diversity in programming. He said that commercial networks privately seem to feel they own everything that's going on and many times this does not please the taste of all the people who may want to watch or listen. He felt that another network and educational network and were connected on a national basis could well fill the gap in this respect. He also felt that the Senate bill 11 68 would provide the financing needed for such a wide national venture. He asked that a labor representative be included on the board of directors of the public television

corporation. And we might note here that most of the witnesses from different interest groups who have appeared during these hearings have made a similar request Senator Pastorius has repeatedly voiced concern that if everyone who wanted a member on the board got one it would be a huge organization. He felt SENATOR PASTORE e felt that its best that the board be small so that the president will not have this problem. The problem of pleasing all who want membership. Appearing later this morning was George Propes. He is chairman of the board of the broadcasters Foundation of America. He's also an associate professor of history at New York University. He issued for the record a very lengthy and well written statement 17 pages to be exact single spaced. It pointed out the historical aspects of the bill tracing in great detail the many struggles for birth of educational television in this nation's history. He also traced in great detail the lack of adequate financing for educational television

as well as radio. He pointed out the problems encountered when educational radio first sought reservation of television channels. He said that educational television and radio deserve a fair share of the nation's tremendous gross national product noting that in a few years the gross national product will reach one trillion dollars he said certainly educational needs are not being satisfied despite this huge national income. Mr probe said that educational television and radio are vitally needed to fill the wide gap and programming gap allegedly caused by inaction on the part of commercial broadcasters and a criticism that has been repeated by many witnesses. He said that needless disputes over the use of satellites should not be allowed to bog down the passage of this bill. He felt that further study on the feasibility of satellite use is necessary while admitting it is probably a very desirable factor in the transmission of programming from coast to

coast. The fifth witness to appear before the Commerce Subcommittee today was a representative of the National PTA. This is Edward F. Ryan chairman of the National PTA Committee on legislation appeared before the senators to say the PTA isn't vitally concerned with the quality of television programs. She said that PTA officials feel much upgrading is needed in television and radio production especially in the production of educational television shows. She said the lack of money for this production is certainly one of the major problems. She said that PTA officials during investigations have looked to noncommercial television as a more responsible and fruitful source of programs based on values which they laid in their investigation. She noted that state branches have given much assistance to the establishment of local and regional educational television hook ups. Sometimes in supporting legislation sometimes through

contributions she said this should be encouraged and strengthened on a local level. But noted it's impossible to do the job alone. Federal help is desperately needed. Mrs. Ryan noted also that there she was pleased rather to find educational radio included in the bill. She said that radio can do much to bolster programming needs at a cost far below that of television. She said that the PTA feels it is important that educational radio be included because of its ability to accomplish so much for so little money. She warmly approved the declaration of policy that encouragement of noncommercial educational radio and television expanding their instructional use and expanding their link ups that is interconnection facilities be given the top priority PTA officials said Mrs Ryan also indoors. The proposal to establish a corporation for public television and they further endorse the purpose

is such a proposal. She supported the use of satellites for radio and television in her connection on a educational basis saying that the witnesses which have appeared in behalf of satellite link ups have presented very convincing cases. The six the witness of this morning was Mrs a Miss rather Martha Gable. She is the director of instructional materials for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Board of Education. Miss Cable applauded the bill and its intent to extend and strengthen the services of radio and television and she noted that those who work in the field of instructional broadcasting were particularly encouraged by the inclusion of radio in the provisions for its financial support. She hailed the testimony of two weeks ago of Mr. Gerald Sandler of national educational radio saying that it showed in quite dramatic fashion what is being done by right to go on a shoestring budget. With respect to Title 3 of the bill and

again that's the title designed to set up a study of instructional television. She said the study represents a powerful influence which may shape the destiny of the new uses of technology and educational broadcasting. And she made several suggestions. One was that members of the instructional team be qualified the way the bill is written nothing is said about the qualifications of those who would investigate instructional television except that the instructional rather the study would be carried out by the Department of Health Education and Welfare. Miss Cable felt that there should be some qualifications laid down for those people who would conduct this investigation. She also suggested that all modes of instructional electronic educational operations be studied. This would include computer data transmission facilities. We've heard a lot about that during these recent hearings the manner in which computer information is transmitted via

various electronic media from one university to another in banks of information. Many educators including Miss Cable are concerned that this not be let out left out of the proposed study. Another area she expressed concern about was the hope that the study would include the orientation and preparation of teachers for effective use of instructional television in their classroom. It's a well-known fact that not every teacher right off the bat knows how to well use television to incorporate in lesson plans and Miss Cable was concerned that all teachers who would use television on an instructional basis know how to do this. The seventh witness to appear this morning was Lee Franks he's director of educational television service is for the State Department of Education for the state of Georgia. He came up from Atlanta to urge action to fullfil development of state regional and national educational broadcast networks. He noted the tremendous job that's been

done in the state of Georgia in this field and he hopes that more can be done on a national basis. He expressed concern about the cost sharing plan for construction of a new station facilities noting that under the bill the federal government would pay a larger share of the new cost than under previous legislation. He noted that in Georgia a tremendous amount of money had been expended locally and by the state in this field and he feels that now to give bigger amounts to stations and states just starting an educational broadcasting would be unfair to those other states such as Georgia which have contributed so heavily out of their own pocket. The Senate passed story agreed on that point and he also said it's a matter which is going to be studied very strongly in a conference with the Department of Health Education and Welfare which drafted this bill for the president. SENATOR PASTORE you also made some comments with concern to the use of the contributions for the proposed public television corporation. He said he has asked the Department of Justice

to rule on the possibility of allowing tax deductions to END OF edge of wells and organizations who might make contributions to this proposed corporation be a good deduction for CBS which is offered to give away a million dollars for the organization. The last witness we heard before adjournment with the Reverend Robert Van Dusen he is representative of the Lutheran Church broadcast Council and he cited the large amount of work conducted by the Lutheran Church in the field of broadcasting on behalf of the church's broadcast Council. He urged consideration of support for religious and or moralistic programming this year urged that this be considered by the proposed Public Broadcasting Corporation. He also asked that consideration be given to a proposal that instructional television be used for Sunday school. He said that when the stations are not programming on Sundays it might well be that they could provide great benefits to churches in this area. The hearing then adjourned at

that point until two o'clock this afternoon to allow members of the United States Senate as well as the House to attend the joint session of Congress which you will hear live in just a few moments this afternoon. There are two witnesses left to be heard. Professor Herbert Adler of the Associated Students UCLA in New Haven Connecticut and Mr. Martin P. Bush Secretary of the South Dakota educational television board with headquarters in Vermillion South Dakota. The testimony of those two witnesses will complete these hearings serving as chairman for this afternoon session will be Senator Moss. SENATOR PAT story as you heard he said a few minutes ago has to attend a White House luncheon for General Westmoreland and therefore will not be here this afternoon but Senator Frank Moss of Utah will be. He was here this morning also and he will serve as chairman for the final minutes this public hearing. We will continue our live coverage of the public hearings on the proposed

television act public television Act of 1967 when they resume at 2 o'clock this afternoon. In the interim we will supply and still another special program feature including the live address of United States General William Westmoreland to a joint session of Congress. These hearings are originating live from the United States Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. and in a few moments live from the floor of the United States House of Representatives. This special coverage is being produced by WMU FM American University Radio in Washington D.C. The special coverage is being heard live also by Member Stations of the Eastern.