Student Scholarship

Document Type

Research Paper

Abstract

This research paper examines the historical and regulatory framework governing the allocation of television channels in the United States, with a specific focus on the comparative hearing process used by the Federal Communications Commission. The study begins by outlining the evolution of television technology from the late nineteenth century through the post-World War II era, highlighting the administrative hurdles and the expansion freeze that led to the current regulatory environment. Central to the discussion is the role of the Federal Communications Commission as the custodian of the nation's airwaves, tasked with ensuring that licenses are distributed in a manner that serves the public convenience, interest, or necessity. 

The core of the document provides an in-depth analysis of two major case studies: the competition for Channel 3 in Madison, Wisconsin, and Channel 12 in Flint, Michigan. In the Madison case, the author details the extensive legal battle between Radio Wisconsin, Inc. and Badger Television Company. While an initial decision favored Badger Television based on local residence and ownership integration, the Commission ultimately reversed this decision to grant the permit to Radio Wisconsin. The reversal was primarily driven by the Commission’s policy on the diversification of mass media ownership, as Radio Wisconsin’s interests were more disseminated compared to the localized newspaper and radio concentration of Badger Television. 

The Flint, Michigan, case involving WJR, Trebit Corporation, and W. S. Butterfield Theatres further illustrates how factors such as local live programming proposals and superior studio facilities can determine the outcome of mutually exclusive applications. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the "public interest" is a multifaceted concept evaluated through local ownership, integration of management, and the dedication of airtime to community service. The author argues that the Commission successfully manages these complex criteria to ensure that the most qualified broadcasters gain access to the public domain.

Research Highlights

  • The Problem: Identifying the primary criteria used by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to resolve competing applications for television broadcast licenses when multiple parties are found to be equally qualified. 

  • The Method: Comparative case studies of FCC licensing proceedings for Channel 3 in Madison, Wisconsin (Radio Wisconsin, Inc. vs. Badger Television Co.) and Channel 12 in Flint, Michigan (WJR, Trebit, and Butterfield). 

  • Quantitative Finding: In 1956, commercial television stations on the air totaled 437 (335 VHF; 102 UHF); standard broadcast (AM) applications pending reached 750; construction costs for the Madison Channel 3 station were estimated at $829,840.26 with expected first-year revenue of $785,000. 

  • Finding: The FCC prioritizes diversification of mass communication media and integration of ownership with management; in the Madison case, a preference for diversification led the Commission to reverse an initial examiner's decision and grant the license to Radio Wisconsin, Inc. due to its more disseminated interests compared to Badger's localized media concentration. 

Publication Date

1-1956

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