His Honor at Six

To news executives of New York City's WNBC-TV it was no secret that their 6 o'clock news show was running a Muskie-like third behind the local ABC and CBS shows. What was needed, obviously, was a little readymade charisma. Where better to find it than in a proven vote getter? If TV can sell politicians, why can't politicians sell TV?

That, briefly, is how Carl Stokes, the former mayor of Cleveland and the first black mayor of a major U.S. city, came to undertake a TV career as one of the station's two anchor men last week. Professional TV newsmen were loudly disturbed at the incursion of a partisan figure into an arena that still strains for an air of impartiality. "Where can I run for mayor?" NBC's John Chancellor reportedly needled Stokes.

Viewers had other complaints. In his first few appearances, Stokes read the news as if he were practicing for an elocution lesson. NBC apparently had told him and fellow Anchor Man Paul Udell to try for an informal, bantering approach--the secret of the ABC outlet's success. Both men found the formula uncomfortable at first, partly because they were out of sync with one another and partly because they were trying too hard. Strained humor, by definition, is no humor at all.

Nevertheless, the news on the new WNBC-TV show, as on its more successful rivals, still seems secondary to show business, and the hard facts of the day are even more shocking after the fun and games. WNBC-TV has ultra-glossy sets designed by Robin Wagner, designer of Jesus Christ Superstar, and theme music from Shaft. It is effective, but is it journalism?

Whatever it is, it may set a precedent. After all, John Lindsay's term as mayor of New York ends in 1973. And then there is Richard Nixon, who does not hold a permanent lease on the White House. He has always said that his second ambition was to be a sports reporter. Look to your laurels, Howard Cosell.

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