Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-20
CHAIN LIMIT RULE
STILL IN ABEYANCE
0rder Threatens Network
Stations Unless Acted on
Before February |.

Is chain broadcasting doomed? The
experts say not despite the fact Feb
Yuary /, the date set by the Federal
Radio Commission for the prohibition
of simultaneous operation within 300
miles area. is less than two weeks away.
If action is not taken on the part OF
the commission before that date viz
tually half of the network stations IN
the country will be forced to originate
their own programs in their own stu
dos. Although the commission post
poned the original effective date of Mo-
venlber IL until the end of this month,
with the apparent idea of drafting or
adopting a plan which would simplify
the chain station problem, none has
been forthcoming.
Listencrs-in Protest.
Sharp protest has been voiced by lis
teners to the possible effectiveness OF
the order The commission itself has
received hundreds of letters asking that
the so-called chain order be rescinded
With apparent confidence that the
proposed restrictions will not become
effective. both the National Broadcast
ing Co. and the Columbia BroadcaStlng
System have expanded their network so
that both have a coverage of more than
the country In addition, there are
numerous smaller chains operating III
local areas.
Should the chain order become eff
fective at the end of the month more
than half of the broadcasters affiliated
with the Nation wide systems will be
required to limit their chain activities
to one hour day. and during the rest
of the Gay transmit programs originat-
ing in their own studios.
Chain Programs Popular.
There is no doubt in either the minds
of the radio commissioners or the ex-
perts that chain programs have the
largest number Of listeners and are eX-
tremely popular, particularly in urban
districts. Due to the key stations hav-
ing studios in the metropolitan centers
of the country, naturally the best talent
is available New York City is COM
monty referred to as the Mecca OF the
entertainment world" For this reason
artists unable to find openings flock to
the broadcasting studios, receive try
outs, and in many cases are real "hnds."
OF course, too, the leading entertainers
of the country make their headquarters
In New York.
Unless some solution to the chain
problem is proffered within the next
two weeks, it is likely that the networks
will have spread out to the 300-mile
limit set by the regulation. 1t is
pointed out that the commissions in
tention in proposing the chain limiting
plan is to give greater and better serv-
ice to the radio listeners. Under pres
ent conditions, it is said, more than rs
per cent Of the stations operating on
the so-called cleared channels are af-
filiated with one of the larger networks.
For this reason only three or four diff
ferent programs are available during
the evening in some localities.
Consensus of opinion in official cir
cles at the time the commission tempo
rarily postponed the chain broadcasting
order was plan which would allow the
chain stations to continue their Ma
tion-wide hook-ups. and still the listen
ers would be able to receive more than
three or four programs It was expected,
too that the broadcasting companies
would come forth with scheme.
Purpose of Order.
The commissioners have repeatedly
stated that there is no particular objec-
ton to chain broadcasting and it is
known that their programs from an en-
tertainment angle, are the most popular
Will the llSUSuGIS. f1UWGNGI, LIE pIO~
posed chain order was brought about in
compliance with the Davis amendment
to the radio act of 1927, which requires
the commission to make regulations de-
signed to give owners of radio sets
greatest service. 1t is the contention of
the experts that If the listener is able
to pick up the same program at several
points on the dial he Is not obtaining
the greatest possible variety Of program
service.
The chain broadcasters, although in
tensely interested in the possible out
come of the chain order, have appar-
entity made no plans for the inception
of the regulation. as had been expected
by the commission. At the time the
order was drafted the board had hoped
some chain stations would experiment
with simultaneous operation on the
same wave length or synchronization.
Should the commission fail to take
further action and the. order becomes
valid on February /. present networks
would suffer setback. temporarily at
least. 1t is pointed out that the eco
Monies of broadcasting Is dependent
upon paid programs. and loss of chain
privileges would mean loss of advertis-
ing The tin1e-old question of who will
pay for the broadcasting?" would
again present itself to the broadcasters.