Spring Thaw

The television freeze is still on, but a big spring thaw is on the way. Last week the Federal Communications Commission proposed that the green light be given to TV in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. For the U.S., the FCC proposed to open some 70 channels in the ultra-high-frequency band, permit the building of 2,000 new UHF stations,* 200 of which must be devoted exclusively to educational TV.

The FCC plan will not go into effect immediately. In May the TV industry will be asked to discuss the plan in open hearings, and on the basis of those talks FCC will make its final decision. Still unresolved and due to be fought out: 1) what place color TV will have in UHF; 2) how close together the new transmitters can be placed; 3) what adjustments will be necessary so that existing sets can receive UHF telecasts; 4) whether educators or the TV industry will settle for the proposition that 10% of the new stations be restricted to noncommercial use.

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