Threat

The Federal Communications Commission has no direct power to censor radio. But its power to revoke a station's license (when it appears necessary "in the public interest") keeps the radio industry worried anyway.

Taking advantage of this worry, FCC's go-getting new chairman, Paul Porter, last week had some tough words for the industry ("Radio Must Grow Up") in the October issue of American Magazine. Said Porter:

"I agree, and insist, that radio must have just as much freedom of speech as . . . newspapers. But radio and printed advertising are two different things. The eye of the reader can reject an advertisement with a split-second glance. . . . The listener has no such easy choice.

"I venture to doubt that people . . . want some of the current commercials. Large and influential sections of the public are beginning to demand that 'something be done about it.'

"The industry [must set up] its own system of controlling commercial excesses . . . [and thereby] maintain [its] full editorial rights and responsibilities. It can be done. . . .

"There is a saying about 'putting your own house in order, before the law does it for you with a rough hand.' It is an old, trite saying, but still true, as many a proud industry, from the railroads to the stock exchanges, knows to its. sorrow."

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