Document: 341 U.S. 412 71 S.Ct. 806 95 L.Ed. 1062 RADIO CORP. OF AMERICA et al.v.UNITED STATES al. No. 565. Argued March 26, 27, 1951. Decided May 28, [Syllabus from 413 intentionally omitted] John T. Cahill, New York City, for appellants Radio Corp. of America and others. Simon H. Rifkind, appellant Emerson & Phonograph Alfred Kamin, Chicago, Ill., Local 1031, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers, A.F.L. Philip B. Perlman, Solicitor Gen., Washington, D.C., appellees United States Federal Communications Commission. Samuel I. Rosenman, appellee Columbia Broadcasting Co., Inc. A. L. Schapiro, C. Schiff, intervenor-appellant Pilot Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion Court. 1 Corporation (RCA) two its subsidiaries brought this action in a three-judge District Court to enjoin set aside an order Commission prescribing standards transmission color television.1 The effect challenged was reject system proposed by RCA accept one System (CBS).2 basis RCA's complaint that had been entered arbitrarily capriciously, without support substantial evidence, against public interest, contrary law. After hearing oral argument, summary judgment sustaining Commission, judge dissenting.3 other plaintiffs took direct appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1253 2101(b). 2 At outset we are faced with contention failed review record as whole determining whether Commission's supported evidence; it is urged reason should summarily reverse remand case further consideration court. If premise were correct, course which suggests might be wholly appropriate. For pointed out recently, considering question sufficiency evidence administrative must does rely largely on first reviewing court's conclusion. Universal Camera v. National Labor Relations Board, 340 474, 456. present case, however, need not returned scrutiny below because convinced already afforded did fall short required. heard argument three days deliberated about five weeks before handing down decision. Both majority dissenting opinions show familiarity basic (and minor ones well) could have come only careful study whole. To sure, there casual statement susceptible interpretation court reaching decision made examination less complete than been.4 Fairly construed, remark, while perhaps unfortunate, entirely consistent conscientious satisfied given We therefore pass validity order. 3 All parties agree, they must, justifiable fact situation, has power 47 303(c), (e), (f), (g), U.S.C.A. 303(c, e—g)5 do precisely what namely, promulgate television result rejecting all but several systems. Moreover, cannot contended seriously taking such evidential refusal adopt at time.6 real advanced great length many different forms, boils this: Viewing whole, matter law erred concluding CBS reached state development justified acceptance exclusion Consequently, here, main attempt persuade no yet proven worthy use, commercial broadcasting postponed awaiting inventions will achieve more nearly perfect results. 4 sustain Commissioner's position hold valid order, buttressed Court's approval. explain our conclusion unnecessary repeat detailed facts minority Court.7 Nor, purposes, necessary translation technical terms invented carry meanings rapidly growing industry. It suffice give following brief background findings found: 5 Standards black white promulgated 1941. alleges, apparently 'The quality (black white) service, improvements reductions price made, incredible expansion industry due manufacturers build upon single long-range high-quality standards.'8 From 1941 until now engaged plans proposals looking toward promulgation standards.9 quicker progress developing acceptable others.10 soon attacked, ground utilizing old knowledge highly useful realm physical sciences mechanical practices incongruous new fields electronics occupied television. This still core objection system, together existing receiving sets constructed way can, considerable adjustments, receive broadcasts either or white. adjustments required broadcast can received makes 'incompatible' millions receivers hands public. 6 There doubt 'compatible' would desirable. Recognition seems controlling why long ago approve system. In past, adoption hope satisfactory developed. But time, light previous experience, thought delay making available too high pay possible, 'compatibility' future, despite claim verge discovering 7 special problems involved adopting amply attested record. determined after sides provide good viewers opportunity if so desire.11 determination certainly held capricious. true choice between later date free difficulties. wisdom contested shown Commissioners. courts overrule merely disagree wisdom.12 say misapprehended misapplied proper judicial standard holding arbitrary interest law.13 8 Whether reopened proceeedings permit offer proof discoveries within discretion find abused.14 considered contentions disposed them. 9 10 Affirmed. 11 FRANKFURTER, dubitante. 12 Since I am alone entertaining doubts better stated. ultimate issue function adopted October 10, 1950, whereby significance these lies sanction television, is, requiring change reception well colored pictures. sanctioned require addition appropriate gadget outstanding variously estimated, any event substantial, cost. point view desirable compatible. sanctioning incompatible based scientific unattainability compatible nor even forecast feasibility remote. rests inasmuch compatibility achieved, workable itself, however intrinsically unsatisfactory, ought longer withheld 13 hearings closed, America, persistent promotor suggested taken advisement May, 1950. proffer relevant information concerning desired goal interested party. itself rapid since got way. heart controversy thus put Commissioner Hennock: 'It vital importance future make every effort gain time experimentation leading perfection system.' rule reasonable early attainment compatibility. Indeed, gave believing success end imminent. shut off inquiry into developments recognized grown apace 'sound discretion' concluded 'a respect service * conductive orderly expeditious dispatch business best serve ends justice *.' 14 question, indicated, nature consequences, beyond scrutiny. 15 friend intrusion process. believe construction Act cramp broad powers See Co. States, 319 190, 63 997, 87 1344. Congress chose withdraw orders constitutionally so. Stark Wickard, 321 288, 312, 64 559, 572, 88 733. And deem essential vitality process that, when subject review, allowed exercise unhampered restrictive procedures litigation courts. Comm'n 239, 248, 1035, 1039, 1374. deemed right Court, duty analyzing issues escaped easy reliance conclusions district indisputable formula displaced discretion. 16 What may obvious situation profoundly affect another mere conventional Determinations abstract determinations. here called refuse reconsider problem although enlightening promised. particular significance. rivalries gives moment. designed code adjustment conflicting private interests. originates far-reaching implications interest. 17 assumption underlying regulation national furthered fullest possible use competition. some point, course, fix limiting once those fixed, incentive improvement relaxed . money spent adapt convert reluctant pictures outmode adapted use. willing second, inconsistent sometime economic waste vast scale. 18 end? overriding gain? Of wait millennium. withhold American indefinitely steadily perfected. That here. decided wait, little longer, prospect which, come, concededly promote authorized. Surely constitutes like expert matters properly bow expertness. event, nothing submitted us anything 150 pages, hint brooks getting though method get undesirable, inevitably limits possibilities improved or, leads potential waste. haste proved past failures assurance success. so, disadvantages, avilable, requisite control authorization established. agree. 19 One important sources retardation regression civilization man's tendency indiscriminately hurriedly adequate reflection consequences. No radio enlarges horizon. him captive listener spiritual impoverishment. Indiscriminate denies opportunities satisfying needs withdrawal silent prayer manifestation. uncritical form reporting communication equally adaptable situation. Thus, mode defeat pursuit justice. 20 Doubtless, place among devices education; much long-headed patient demanded lest lead hasty jettisoning hard-won gains civilization. rational trial error implies wary novelty critical change. When college head suggest, irony, people being able read—that illiteracy saving wasteful labor—one gets idea barbarism parading progress. 21 Man forgets terrible cost environment placed powerfully determine effect. Disclosure conveyed limitations camera convey same things mind disclosure pen voice. range presentation, distortion, impact reason, looker-on reader-hearer, vary; differences vital. Judgment confused instead enlightened. Feeling agitated, guided; deflected, enlisted. Reason—the deliberative process—has own requirements, met frustrated another.* 22 evil encouraged, retarded delay? By haste, morality enhanced, insight deepened, enlightened? Is economically advantageous governmental practicable moment, added drain raw materials security exigent needs? 23 Finally, told likely competence review. prophecy technological hardly domain expertness barriers fanciful. experience understanding complicated issues. occasion consider complex matters. Telephone Cases, (Dolbear Bell Co.), 126 1, 778, 31 863; McCormick Whitmer, 129 213, 32 593 (harvester); Corona Cord Tire Dovan Chemical Corp., 276 358, 48 380, 72 610 (improvement vulcanization rubber); De Forest General Electric 283 664, 51 563, 75 1339 (high-vacuum discharge tube); Engineering Laboratories, 293 55 928, 79 163 (audion oscillator); Marconi Wireless Telegraph 320 1393, 1731 (wireless telegraphy improvement); Oil Products Globe Refining 322 471, 1110, 1399 (oil cracking process). 24 Experience axiomatic eschew dogmatism predicting impossibility realms science technology. Especially great, invention upset prevailing feasibility. generalize deadlock field broken becomes rapid. plastics developed bottleneck chemistry rubbers. Once efficacy sulfanilamide clearly established, competent investigators work experimenting thousands compounds, antibiotics became continuous stream. A example often occurs furnished cyclotron. Only few years distinguished nuclear physicists proclaimed energy particles accelerated 12,000,000-volt protons maximum obtainable. Within year previously accepted challenged. are, believe, operation least four cyclotrons accelerate energies 400,000,000 volts. investigator, rashness untutored, confident prognostications regard falsified very near future. Victor Distributing Later, permitted over intervene position. (CBS) intervened party defendant. also rejected Color Television, Inc., litigation. D.C.N.D.Ill., F.Supp. 660. 'After listening hours counsel representing respective parties, formed rather definite impressions relative merits proceedings rests. reading numerous voluminous briefs favored altered removed impressions. Also, studying unable minds devote merits, realizing finally terminated Supreme appealable informed during uncertain terms, otherwise expected, aggrieved immediately appeal. words, practice session where prepare test their ammunition big battle ahead.' (Emphasis added.) page 664. 303, 303: '* (T)he convenience, necessity requires, shall— '(c) Assign bands frequencies various classes stations, assign each individual station shall operate; '(e) Regulate kind apparatus used external effects purity sharpness emissions therein; '(f) Make regulations prevent interference stations provisions *. '(g) Study uses radio, experimental frequencies, generally encourage larger effective interest'. unanimously believed presently available, Commissioners dissented grounds. demerits systems summarized follows: '(T)he (is) deficient respects: '(a) fidelity picture satisfactory. '(b) texture equipment utilized exceedingly complex. '(d) certain kinds monochrome transmitted 2.7 megacycle coaxial cable facilities. requirements successful testing. produces most texture, contrast. (R)eceivers simple operate produced mass marketing reach purchasing (E)ven produce sufficient brightness objectionable flicker home persistence phosphors shows specific increasing flicker. geometric resolution outweighs loss far apparent definition concerned.' Second Report Pike Fischer Reg. (P. F.), 91:26, pp. 91:441 442. found appear reports Television Issues. First September P. F. 91:24, p. 91:261; 91:441. described hearing, participated members commenced 1949 ended all, fifth-three witnesses 265 exhibits received. transcript covers 9717 pages. During period November 22, February 6, extensive tests (RCA, CBS, Inc.) proposed. Progress filed proponents December January Comparative demonstrations dates 17, 1950.' 665. Emphasis added. particularly interesting historical efforts Jones' dissent 91:346 447. His were. note supra. 224, 1013, 490—491, 456, 466. Pierce Auto Freight Lines, 327 515, 534—535, 66 687, 697, 90 821. With reopening record, said part: (A) entitled simply paper presentation. theoretical exist step operation. going built tested. None meet warrant hearing. imply room experimentation. Many results undoubtedly affecting receivers. As others obsolescence changes adopted. stability latter type unless nature, compared amount dislocation involved. along, owners compelled spend additional continue programs. (A)ny face today. burden showing enough worth then public.' 91:445—446. 'Broadcasting influence men's possibilities, evil. serious audience unrivalled means bringing wider understanding. capable dangers threaten democracy institutions today danger passivity—of masses them passivity, such, more, passive occupation. passivity stronger form.' Committee, (Cmd. 8116, 1951) 75.

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