And now there’s just one of Big 4 TV networks retaining membershi...
And now there’s just one of Big 4 TV networks retaining membership in NAB, as CBS announced its withdrawal Wed. afternoon over Assn.’s continued support of FCC’s 35% TV station ownership cap. NBC and Fox withdrew more than year…
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ago over same issue, while Disney’s Preston Padden said ABC planned to remain NAB member (CD March 28 p7). CBS acted after NAB TV board held conference call Tues. morning and refused to rescind its support of cap -- position that led NBC Pres. Robert Wright to charge that NAB had been “captured” by group-owned “publishers” (CD April 2 p2). In 2-paragraph announcement, CBS said: “We have been proud NAB members for many years, but it has recently become clear that we have a fundamental issue on which we and certain of the NAB’s television members disagree… It has now become clear that we cannot remain within an organization that is working actively against [CBS’s] objectives.” In pulling out of NAB, CBS also took along Infinity Bcstg. and its 170 radio stations, saying: “CBS and Infinity will continue to work with others in the industry” to protect free, over-air broadcasting. In statement, NAB said simply: “It is regrettable when any member leaves the Association.” ALTV Pres. James Hedlund was more outspoken. “I am very saddened” by CBS-Infinity pullout, he said. “With all of our challenges, now is the time to stick together and present the Congress and the FCC with a unified front. ALTV strongly supports the NAB and hopes that all of us in the industry can find ways to mend our internal fences.”