The Year's Most

Most promising new U.S. network: the BBC, ever more visible as the producer of such literate entertainments as ELIZABETH R, VANITY FAIR and AMERICA.

Most unwelcome conversation stoppers: the cancellation of THE DAVID FROST SHOW (Group W) and three-fourths cancellation of THE DICK CAVETT SHOW (ABC).

Most slickly scripted and produced special: the Republican National Convention in Miami, whose predictable plot line made it even more boring than its Democratic competition.

Most dramatic live moments: the tragic terrorist raid at the Munich Olympics, which erupted during ABC's impressive running coverage of the sports events.

Most lonely program: NBC REPORTS, the only regularly scheduled network public affairs show in prime time.

Most venturesome single show: VD BLUES (PBS).

Most tiresome repetition of a single gag: BRIDGET LOVES BERNIE (CBS).

Most effective force in children's TV: Action for Children's Television (ACT), whose campaigning reduced the number and subdued the tone of exploitative commercials (vitamins disguised as candy, product pitches by hosts of shows) during kiddie hours.

Most entertaining new series: SANFORD AND SON (NBC).

Most potent ratings organization: Nixon Inc., whose disapproval of broadcasting trends showed up in speeches, lawsuits, proposed legislation and, above all, in the drastic revamping of public broadcasting to tone down, among other things, its national news and documentaries.

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