Evening star., 1946-01-23
The Star Co. Plans
100000 Radio and
TeIevision Center

eoHA WdSulIlSCO ION ana LeleVlS1On
transmitter on the campus of the
American University are key prof.
ects in a program of expanded serv-
Ice contemplated by The Evening
Star Broadcasting Co.
The plans were revealed yester-
day during Federal Communica-
tions Commission hearing on six
applications for four television
channels to be allocated here. The
hearing was to be resumed today.
S. H. Kaufman, president of the
company and its first witness, en-
phasized that the main studio and
office building would be built ir-
respective Of disposition of the tele-
vision bid or an application for a
frequency meditation transmitter,
also pending before the FEC. A
tract on the northwest corner of
Twelfth and K streets NV. has been
acquired for this purpose.
Offices, Studios, Laboratory
MIR. Kaufman testified that
plans will go forward for construc-
ton OF the finest building that can
be designed for the approximately
81 100000 earmarked. Executive
offices, studios. lecture rooms, labo-
ratories and library will be provid-
ed. Space not Immediately required
for radio operations will be made
available to lessees until needed.
Facilities envisioned would be
ample to house studios of Station
WMAL, now owned and operated
by the firm, as well as the produc-
ton OF frequency modulation pro-
grams-the so-called "staticless"
sound broadcasting-and television
shows, if the commission authorizes
them.
An option agreement between the
applicant and the trustees of the
American University providing for
the leasing of a television transmit
ter site on the campus of that in
stitution If a license Is granted was
introduced at the hearing. If exer-
cised during its three-year term, the
option would provide for a 10-year
lease, renewable for four like peri
ods, and the construction by The
Evening Star Broadcasting Co. of
a tower and transmitter building
with at least one studio on a tract
OF about two acres found suitable
by both parties. The tower would
be built "as esthetically as possible
under the circumstances" and the
building would follow, in general,
the architectural design of existing
permanent buildings on the campus.
Transmission facilities for the fire.
quency modulation station also
would be located on the tract If that
application also is granted.
Station WMAL already possesses
a modern transmitter in Montgom-
cry County, Md.
Interests of Community"
THE interests of this community"
Will continue to control the pro-
gram policies of all the company's
operations, Mr.. Kaufman said.
He explained that the new down
town center will be designed as rep
resentative of the best in the in
dustry and will provide facilities
for study of radio by high school
students and others. The possibil-
ity of courses conducted within the
building under auspices of the
American University was suggested.
The company provided sexhibits
detailing financial arrangements
for the proposed expansion.
In response to a question by Will
liam A. Roberts, attorney for Allen
B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc, an
other applicant for a commercial
teleyision license, Mr.. Kaufman
said advertisers in The Star had
not received and would not receive
preferential treatment from The
Evening Star Broadcasting Co. The
Evening Star Newspaper Co.. pub
Usher OF The Star, is the parent
corporation of the broadcasting
firm.
Du Mont Plans Detailed.
Earlier, the commission was given
details of financial, programming
and technical plans Of the Du Mont
company for commercial operation
OF Its experimental television sta
ton in the Harrington Hotel If
authorized.
Samuel H. Cuff, general manager
OF the television broadcasting di-
vision of Du Mont, outlined a sup.
gested schedule of programs Of
community interest, including the
telecasting of religious services. pub
lie gatherings, sports events and fea.