David O. McKay Diaries – “Broadcasting”

Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “Broadcasting.” You can view other subjects here.

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Tues., 10 Feb., 1953:

“8:45 a.m.—President Clark and I (President Richards being confined to his home with illness) met with Dr. Ernest Wilkinson, President of B.Y.U., Dr. A. Ray Olpin of the U. of U., Dr. Lynn Bennion, Supt. of City Schools, and David Wilson.

They called to see what the attitude of the First Presidency would be regarding the establishment of an educational television station, an opportunity now being open for another channel to be secured here in the State of Utah.

I favor the establishment of an educational TV station, and told them so.  They asked if I would act as chairman of a committee, and I told them I thought it advisable for me to act as chairman of their proposed committee.  I said that I would support them in their efforts, which would probably do more good than were I to act directly with the committee.”

Wed., 11 Feb., 1953

“Supt. Lynn Bennion called with further reference to the educational television channel which was discussed with the First Presidency yesterday.  Said that he had taken the matter up in his Board of Education meeting held yesterday at which he reported his visit to the First Presidency.  In an ‘off the record’ statement, he told them that President McKay felt that we should have an improvement over the present Television set-up.  Unfortunately, there was a Tribune reporter present who promised he would not make any reference to the statement make by Brother Bennion.  In the paper this morning is the following statement:

He (Dr. Bennion) noted a meeting with the 1^st Presidency of the Church, which had brought high endorsement, with L.D.S. Pres. David O. McKay very much in favor of the educational television proposal.

Bro. Bennion said he is ‘concerned’ about the statement—he would not want to quote Pres. McKay without his permission.

The second matter he wishes presented to Pres. McKay is that the group thought they should talk to the Governor, and felt that Orval Adams would be the one to go with David Wilson, and wanted to know if Bro. McKay would talk to Bro. Adams.  Said he knows Orval very well, but though Bro. Adams would be the one to go with David Wilson, and wanted to know if Bro. McKay would talk to Bro. Adams.  Said he knows Orval very well but thought Bro. Adams would respond if he knew Pres. McKay is interested.

Later:  Pres. McKay had his secretary speak to Orval Adams about seeing the Governor, and he (Bro. Adams) suggested that Henry Pierson, of the Utah Foundation, would be the best man to get in touch with the Governor.

Bro. Bennion was so advised—and also that Pres. McKay said that the statement in the paper this morning is all right—because, in fact he is much in favor of educational TV.”

Sun., 15 Feb., 1953:

“At the office practically all day attending to special duties.

Telephoned to Supt. Lynn Bennion and reported to him my contact with Senator Tietjen who expressed himself as favoring the educational TV channel.  Also said that my investigations and inquiries lead me to believe that the proper steps will be taken (1) to secure for the State the educational channel, and (2) that the present legislature would probably appoint and recommend to the Governor that a committee be appointed to work out the details of its installation and operation.”

Mon., 16 Feb., 1953:

“7 a.m.  Met by appointment Gus Backman of the Chamber of Commerce.  Consulted with him regarding (1) The securing the right to have an educational TV channel.  Brother Backman is in favor of having the channel, and having it under the control of the leading educational institutions—University of Utah, B.Y.U., Utah Agricultural College—and recommends the appointment of a committee to investigate its installation, and how it should be conducted and controlled.

We agreed that the Legislature should protect out right to get the channel, and recommend that the Governor appoint a committee on which would be represented the leading educational institutions and some leading citizens to determine how best to install it and to control it.

(2) We considered the Corrupt Practice Act now before the legislature.

(3) Also considered the ‘Right to Work’ bill.  We had a very worthwhile consultation.”

Mon., 16 Feb., 1953:

“Called Brother Lawrence B. Johnson, State Representative, who was in session at the State Capitol.  I asked him what he thinks of the Educational Channel the state is trying to get through.  He said that there is a chance to get another television channel in the state of Utah for educational purposes.

I said this channel would be sponsored by the University of Utah, the Brigham Young University and Utah State Agricultural College.

Brother Johnson thought there might be some propaganda attached to it but inasmuch as the BYU is sponsoring it he believed that it would take out the propaganda angle.  I suggested that a committee could be appointed to study the matter further.  Brother Johnson said he would check and see what he could find out about it and would let me know later.”

Tues., 17 Feb., 1953:

“Meeting of President David O. McKay with Representatives S. J. (Vean) Postma of Logan and Simeon Dunn of Hyrum, and Secretary of State Lamont F. Toronto, February 17, 1953, in regard to the Utah State Agricultural College.

PRES. MCKAY:  May I ask you men what your attitude is on this educational television?  We have a chance to get an educational channel here in Utah, and between now and July, somebody is going to get this new channel.  The state superintendent started it.  There is opposition to that, because it will be a propaganda means.  Now, President Olpin, President Wilkinson and, I think President Madsen, head this committee who are favoring an educational channel free from advertising, free from beer, tobacco, and all that, but putting into the home a channel which would be educational to our children.  I have spoken to Gus Bachman about it.  He opposed it at first, but yesterday morning he was in favor of it.

If we can get the approval of the Legislature, the second step is the appointment of a committee by you legislators or the Governor, consisting of the leading men in the institutions; so there will be no propaganda here by the Church or by the state, let those three men, Madsen, Olpin and Wilkinson represent the educational features, three layman whom the Legislature will appoint, and one other, and let them work out the details.

DUNN:  I believe a bill has been drawn up and will be introduced, that will provide for a commission which will have the authority to deal with the F.C.C. and ask for an extension of time beyond next June, and this bill would provide for a token appropriation to start the thing out and will give a little more time.  There are members of the Legislature opposed to it.  I am one of the teachers who were under fire.

POSTMA:  There is certainly a great need for a better program on television.

Mark Peterson—February 17, 1953

Called Brother Petersen and asked him is he is acquainted with the proposal to establish in Salt Lake City an Educational TV channel.  He answered that he had read about it in the newspaper, and that one day David Wilson from Ogden came in and asked him to serve on a committee.

I then explained to Brother Petersen that they had to ask me to be chairman of the Committee, but we thought it unwise for me to act in this capacity, and that I had suggested we ask him to represent us on that committee.  I said that we must do something to utilize this force for educational improvement in our home—that we invite the tobacco and whiskey advertisements right into our home—but are doing very little to bring through the television the worthwhile, educational features into our homes.

Said that I had spoken to several senators and representatives who are now in Session at the Capitol—including Lawrence B. Johnson, S.J. Vean Postam, Simeon Dunn of Hyrum, Secretary of State, Lamont Toronto, Senator Titetjen.

Also told Brother Petersen that I had had a talk with Gus Backman who had opposed the establishment of the channel at first, because he file that the State Teaching Association was using the issue for propaganda purposes.  Now that he knows the leading educational institutions of the State—the B.Y.U.—the U. of U.—A.C.U. are heading it, and favoring it, threw a different light on it and took it out of the propaganda field.

I said that I told Brother Backman that the Federal Communications Commission had given until July 1 to get the channel, but that we have assurance that the time will be extended if necessary.  If not, we shall take steps to secure the channel if the Legislature will give some meager appropriation sufficient to make an investigation.  It is felt the Legislature of the Governor should appoint an investigating committee or commission comprised of representatives from leading institutions and other representative citizens to study the situation with a view of installing  it.

Brother Petersen then said that he will be delighted to work on this committee, and at my suggestion will be pleased to get in touch with Senators Kerr and Hopkins to ask for their interest in the project.  Brother Petersen then said that Lew Roberts is being sent to Hawaii by the National organization of the Boy Scouts, and inasmuch as he is a member of the Y.M.M.I.A. General Board, wonders if it will be all right to hold meetings in the interest of scouting in the Oahu Stake.  As M.I.A. General Board members do not go into the Mission, Brother Roberts is asking for special permission as he felt he might do some good.  I told Brother Petersen to have Brother Roberts consult President Nelson of Hawaii Mission, and if it is agreeable with him, it will be all right for Brother Roberts to contact the L.D.S. workers.

Thurs., 12 Mar., 1953:

8:40 to 9:15—Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson came in to report that the Legislature had passed the bill for educational television, but that there is evidence that the Governor will veto it.  He appealed to me to go and see the Governor, but he would not do so as he did  not want to place himself in the position of being turned down.  There is assurance from Washington however, that the limit for greeting this TV channel will not be June 1, 1953.  Brother Wilkinson said that he would see the Governor about it.

Later Dr. Wilkinson came back to report his conversation with the Governor—said that he is determined to veto the bill.

I stated that I think it is not wise for me to try to bring undue influence, or to try to influence the Governor against his own personal convictions regarding the bill.

Mon., 11 May, 1953:

President Wilkinson then stated that despite the Governor’s veto on the educational TV bill, they have been trying to get non-profit organizations to take advantage of the appropriations for the educational TV.  Said that in his meetings with these various organizations, such as the B.Y.U., U of U, ACU, etc., he wonders if he will be permitted to commit the B.Y.U. to its share of expenses if such and Educational TV program can be worked out.

I answered unhesitatingly ‘yes’, but that we should want to know the set-up before we commit ourselves.  Pres. Wilkinson said he would tell them that it would be subject to final approval.

Sun., 4 Oct., 1953:

“10 to 12 – Presided and conducted the sixth session of the Conference.

Thousands were crowded into the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall and Barratt Hall, and hundreds were listening to the loud-speakers on the grounds.  The weather was ideal.

This morning’s session was televised for the first time outside the Salt Lake area in California, Washington, and Oregon thus giving countless thousands of Church members in far-away states an opportunity to join in the conference activities.  Numerous telegrams, letters, and messages have been received from cities in these states telling of the reception of the conference sessions.  Twenty-two radio stations in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, California, Oregon, and Washington also carried the conference sessions.”

Fri., 20 Nov., 1953:

“At the First Presidency’s meeting today, I raised a question as to whether it might not be possible to broadcast programs to Europe by short wave.  There is some question as to whether we could get a license; however, it was decided to make some inquiry.”

Sun., 4 Apr., 1954:

“10 a.m. – Presided and conducted at this Sunday Morning Session.  These services were televized over 10 stations in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Colorado with an estimated audience of 12,000,000 – over 4,000,000 TV receivers.  In addition 14 Radio Stations in Utah-Idaho-Arizona-Nevada-Colorado-California-Oregon, and Wyoming carried the proceedings of the Session.

I delivered the opening address, and Joseph Fielding Smith, Stephen L. Richards, and Hugh B. Brown also spoke.

I chose as the subject of my address – Present Responsibility of the Church in Missionary work.

Mon., 5 Apr., 1954:

CITES TRAVEL, COMMUNICATION AIDS

PRES. MCKAY SPURS MISSIONARY DRIVE

By Jack M. Reed

Tribune Church Writer

When the Lord said, ‘Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel’ it must have seemed impossible to his disciples.  But look at the possibilities today because of modern inventions of transportation and communication.

That was the way President David O. McKay of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged missionaries of the church to redouble their efforts.  He spoke Monday evening in the Tabernacle at a special meeting concerned with the church’s missionary program.

‘The Lord has given us the means of whispering through space; of annihilating distance,’ President McKay commented.

Then he told his audience that missionaries should have these qualities: sincerity, coupled with prayer; studiousness; self control (‘not only in speech, but in appetite and passion’): standard of conduct (‘be an example in your everyday life’), and a sense of service to others.

President McKay’s remarks were preceded by a motion picture in tribute to him, depicting his life-time of missionary service, from the time he first served on a mission in the British Isles through his 1921 around-the-world tour, his recent trips to Europe and the tour of the Southern Hemisphere in January and February of this year.

The Narrator referred to the church president as a ‘modern Apostle Paul.’

It was pointed out during the meeting by Stephen L. Richards, first counselor in the LDS First Presidency, that there were 15,676 convert baptisms to the church in foreign and stake missions during 1953.  He explained that there are about 4,000 members in the average LDS stake.

Because of a decrease in the number of foreign missionaries for the church, foreign mission baptisms declined, Mr. Richards said.

However, the ‘splendid work’ of stake missionaries in 1953 ‘more than offset’ the fewer foreign mission baptisms.

Another speaker was J. Reuben Clark Jr., second counselor in the First Presidency, who referred to the church’s missionaries as ‘ambassadors of the Lord’ who carry with them certain rights, power and immunities because God will be with them and protect them.

Mr. Clark reminded his audience that ‘we are all missionaries – to our associates, our acquaintances and in our own homes.’

Two recent converts to the church related how they were converted and a home missionary told a few personal experiences.

An outline of the church’s missionary plan was presented in a motion picture.

The combined Delta Phi choruses from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State Agricultural College and other Intermountain Area schools provided music for the meeting.  They were directed by Crawford Gates.  Delta Phi is a fraternity for returned LDS missionaries.

Invocation was offered by Raymond H. Linford, East Long Beach, Cal., Stake mission president.  Samuel E. Bringhurst, former president of the Swiss-Austrian mission, pronounced the benediction.

The Salt Lake Tribune, Tuesday, April 6, 1954

April 5, 1954

Missionary Meeting Held Monday evening in the Salt Lake Tabernacle

(From Church Section  – April 10, 1954)

The new uniform program was declared to be one of the prime contributing factors to the satisfactory results of the great world-wide missionary program of the Church at a great missionary conference held last Monday evening in the Tabernacle.

The meeting was a special session of the 124th Annual Conference.  It was presided over by the First Presidency, with President Stephen L. Richards conducting.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of President David O. McKay as the Church’s outstanding missionary to the nations of the earth.  This was done by a film presentation showing his worldwide travels in a half century of missionary endeavor.

President McKay responded appreciatively to the salute, and assured the huge congregation that he would treasure this meeting in his heart, for he, with all present, had been touched.

The Church leader said he sensed tonight as never before, the possibilities as well as the responsibilities of following the teachings of the Master and carrying the Gospel to all the world.

‘Today it is a simple matter for us to teach all nations,’ President McKay asserted.  ‘The Lord has given us the means of whispering through space, of annihilating distance.  We have the means in our hands of reaching the millions in the world.’

President McKay urged members of the Church, everyone, to accept the responsibility of missionary service.  ‘Every member a missionary,’ he offered as a slogan, asking the members to bring the message of the Gospel to their neighbors.

As missionaries President McKay urged the members to study the qualifications of success which he listed as: treasuring sincerity with which would come prayer; studiousness, self-control in speech, in appetite and in passion; to have high standards of conduct and a sense of service.”

Tues., 3 June, 1958:

“1 p.m to 2:10 p.m. – Dr. William F. Edwards came in for consultation — see notes following.  (see item regarding growth of Church on page 223 of Dr. Edward’s report following)

Activity Log

Week Ending June 7, 1958

Conference With President David O. McKay

June 3, 1958

I met with President McKay Tuesday morning about 12:15 until 2:00 subject to a brief interruption.  We cleared a number of important matters.

5.  KSL

The First Presidency had referred to me a question of which TV Station should broadcast the June Dance Festival and also an assignment to make a very thorough study of KSL.  After full investigation, I recommended that KSL broadcast the Dance Festival and this was approved by President McKay.  I also informed him of the progress that has been made in carrying out the basic study.  It may take a period of two to three months before this is completed and, in the meantime, I ask that the First Presidency keep an open mind.  Naturally the First Presidency has a right to be deeply concerned over the fact that earnings have decreased from $119,000 four years ago to the nominal figure of $1,600 for 1957.

Thursday, January 22, 1959

Minutes of a meeting of the First Presidency Thursday, January 22, at 4:30 P.M. with William F. Edwards.

Brother Edwards met with the First Presidency to consider the reorganization of the managment of KSL and related matters.  The following items were considered and decisions made:

1.  Chairman and Vice-Chairmen:  Brother Edwards made the following statement:  ‘Because of the unusual importance of KSL to the Church, as well as the investment of the Church, there would appear to be no other company with more justification for the interest and attention of the First Presidency.  Presumably members of the First Presidency would wish to serve the company as Chairman and Vice-Chairmen.

Action:  It was agreed that President McKay would become Chairman and Presidents Richards and Clark Vice-Chairmen.

2.  President:  Brother Edwards made the following statement:  ‘When Jay Wright was employed by KSL, he had deficiencies in training and experience for the position of top leadership.  Salesmanship and not engineering is the paramount challenge for success in this business.  Therefore, there must be some reservation as to his ability to provide the necessary leadership to re-establish satisfactory operations.  Nevertheless, he has had valuable training and experience since coming with KSL; he commands the confidence of his associates; his appointment as president would be received with general approval; and it would strengthen his position in and out of the organization.  I am personally convinced that it would be much wiser to appoint him president and give him every assistance than to attempt to locate and employ someone with greater qualifications.  It would be a serious blow to the organization to reach out a third time for a new top man.’

Action:  After general discussion of the qualifications of Brother Wright, it was the decision of the First Presidency to recommend to the Board of Directors that Jay Wright be made president.

3.  Board of Directors:  The Board is now made up as follows:

1.  Stephen L. Richards

2.  J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

3.  Richard L. Evans

4.  Earl J. Glade

5.  Spencer P. Felt

6.  Gordon B. Hinckley

7.  Gordon Holt

8.  John M. Wallace

9.  Joseph L. Wirthlin

10. ______________

11. ______________

Action:  It was the decision of the First Presidency that President McKay and Jay Wright would be nominated to fill the two vacancies.

Brother Edwards pointed out that there was real but minor conflict in the case of Gordon Hinckley because of the new music services program of KSL.  It was agreed that Brother Hinckley would be spoken to by a member of the First Presidency, and he would continue on the Board unless he felt there was a conflict.

4.  Executive Committee:  The Executive Committee is now consituted as follows:

Stephen L. Richards

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Joseph L. Wirthlin

Spencer P. Felt

Brother Edwards, after discussion of the matter in general with Brother Wright, suggested that it may be desirable to appoint Brother Wright and his two vice-presidents in charge of television and radio to membership on the Executive Committee along with two directors who are not officers.

Action:  The First Presidency approved tentatively of Jay Wright, Lennox Murdoch, and Joseph Kjar being made members of the Executive Committee as well as John Wallace and Spencer P. Felt.  This matter is to be referred to Jay Wright before a final decision.  If this also represents his best thinking, President McKay will contact Mr. Wallace to invite him to be a member of the Executive Committee.

6.  Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws:  Brother Edwards pointed out that the Articles are very restrictive and that the company has no bylaws.

Action:  It was agreed that Brother Edwards would work with Jay Wright and the attorney in developing amendments for the Articles and preparing bylaws.  Bylaws will be written that will establish the office of Chairman and Vice-Chairmen and will also establish a standing committee of the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen and a secretary to such committee.

7.  Secretary:  It was pointed out that Bishop Wirthlin has long had the position of Secretary to KSL.  He does not perform a service in this connection.

Action:  It was agreed that it would be desirable for the secretary to be an active officer of the company.  The First Presidency will speak to Bishop Wirthlin, it being their feeling that he would be pleased if he were relieved of this assignment.

8.  Ivor Sharp’s Retirement:  It was recommended that Ivor Sharp be retired as of January 1, 1959.

Action:  The First Presidency approved of the retirement of Brother Sharp as of January 1, 1959.  In view of his long service to the company, it was approved that he would retire with an income from the company of $400 per month.

9.  Earl J. Glade:  Brother Glade received an income from KSL of $350 per month from the time he was released as Executive Vice-President from 1944 through 1951.  Subsequently, he has received $200 per month.  There was a general discussion of his relationship to the company and the justification of continued compensation.

Action:  It was the expressed opinion of the members of the First Presidency that this compensation from the company should cease.  This opinion will be conveyed to Brother Wright who may wish to discuss it with the First Presidency before action is taken.

10.  Idaho Radio Corporation:  It was pointed out that the Church owns 40% of the stock with 23% being held by KSL and 17% by Zions Securities.   At the present time Joseph L. Wirthlin, Gordon B. Affleck, and Ivor Sharp are on the Board.  Brother Affleck is also general counsel.  Brother Edwards recommended that the president of KSL should be on the Board of Idaho Radio Corporation.  There are important problems confronting this corporation.  Brother Wright appears especially qualified to be helpful and to represent this interest.

Action:  It was decided that Ivor Sharp should be released from the Board at the next stockholders’ meeting and Jay Wright shuld become a member of the Board.

President McKay is going to contact Brother Wright and inform him of the decision of the First Presidency with respect to the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen and the decision to recommend him to the Board as president of the company.  Following such a conference with President McKay, Brother Edwards was instructed to convey to Brother Wright the other decisions of the First Presidency and to be available to assist him in anticipation of the stockholders’ meeting and the board meetings January 27.”

Wed., 23 Nov. 1960:

“Wednesday, November 23, 1960

MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT DAVID O. MCKAY

By Joseph T. Bentley and Ernest L. Wilkinson

On November 23, 1960, at 9:30 a.m. Joseph T. Bentley and Ernest L. Wilkinson had a conference with President David O. McKay at which the following decisions were made:

6.  Meeting with Arch Madsen

President Wilkinson informed President McKay that at the request of President Moyle he had invited Arch Madsen of Washington, D.C., to meet with President McKay on December 2 with respect to KSL matters.  He asked President McKay what time of the day he would like to see Brother Madsen.  President McKay said he thought it would be more desirable to have Brother Madsen come after Brother Moyle had returned from Europe.  President Wilkinson agreed to see if the appointment could be delayed to that time.

Thurs., 12 Jan. 1961:

“8 a.m.

President Moyle and I met by appointment Mr. John M. Wallace and Mr. Spencer P. Felt, members of the Executive Committee of Radio Station KSL.

I explained to them there are two things in the mind of the First Presidency regarding KSL.  First, that we wondered if something can not be done to bring KSL to its proper place at the head of our broadcasting system, that it does not seem to be holding its own; and, second, that the Presidency have the feeling that some of the members of the staff look upon the Church more as a liability than an asset.  After discussing the matter, I said that the whole question is whether or not we are justified in considering a change of leadership, and that we are now asking their judgment; that there is no complaint about the Executive Committee, but we would be pleased to give them some help on that committee if they desired.  I mentioned that I had had a conference with Brother Arch Madsen who is an analyist and who gave me quite a different viewpoint of reports that had been submitted to me heretofore by KSL.  I think that he had in mind particularly public relationships, and I said I wondered if we could not improve our public relationships on KSL.  Mr. Wallace said he did not know Mr. Madsen, but Mr. Felt said he knew him many years ago when he was employed by KSL.

Following the departure of the above mentioned men, President Moyle and I discussed the availability of Mr. Arch Madsen to serve as manager of KSL.  His experience and qualifications were reviewed.  I said that I was impressed by Mr. Madsen’s power of analysis and his knowledge of the radio and television business.  After consideration it was decided that Mr. Madsen be asked to come to Salt Lake City to confer with the First Presidency.  I should like him to meet Mr. Wallace and Mr. Felt.

Tues., 8 May 1962:

“8:00 a.m.

According to previous arrangements made by me, Brother Arch L. Madsen, Manager of KSL, had set up in the First Presidency’s room a large map which showed by electrical in-pointed the 330 stations throughout the world that are carrying the Tabernacle Choir broadcasts, indicating the location and classification of the stations carrying our program.  The map shows the stations that carry the live Sunday program, and those which carry the program by tape at times during the week.  This coverage reaches into Tokyo, Australia, Malaya, Morocco, Spain, France, Europe, and South America, as well as the United States.

Audio Tape Recording of Sunday Morning General Conference Session

In the presence of Brother Madsen, we read a letter written by him, sending to me an audio tape recording of the Sunday morning session of the April 1962 General Conference.  The letter explained that the first forty-five minutes of the session is recorded on a portion of the broadcast picked up by short-wave from RUL, Boston stations.  It was carried by fifty-two TV stations from coast to coast, and was the first coast to coast TV radio broadcast of General Conference.  It was also released by five powerful short-wave stations to much of the world.

I expressed my thanks to Brother Madsen for this tape recording.  Brother Madsen said that he would try to send to me on Friday a list of all the cities and countries from which mail had been received mentioning that they had heard the broadcast.  Brother Madsen said that he was in New York on Friday last for a few moments, and the mail is still coming in, and they had had reports from our young men up in the Arctic Circle telling how much they enjoyed the conference.

I commented that Brother David M. Kennedy of the Chicago Stake presidency had written many members of the Church telling them to express appreciation to the radio stations, that, however, in addition they received direct word from radio stations expressing appreciation for the opportunity of carrying it.  Brother Madsen said that KSL was getting word back from the stations that they hope that we will call on them again.

Later in reporting this meeting to the Council of the Twelve in Council Meeting, I said, ‘The spirit of that Conference is still echoing around the world.’

Tel-Star Project

Brother Madsen told the First Presidency that he received word from the president of the CBS News — this gentleman had called Brother Madsen to his office Friday, and wanted him to know in advance of formal notice — that the Tel-Star project, which is the placing on orbit of air first place communication, will be within the next few weeks.  It is one of forty satellites that they will place around the earth, and with it they will furnish a world-wide telephone, television and radio station.  When that rocket is fired within the next few weeks it is planned to commemorate the establishment of inter-continental television by a special half hour program.  All three networks in America and all communications stations in America will join to broadcast this, which will also probably include the Canadian television stations.  This half hour program will go all over the United States by way of greeting to the people of Europe, and they will be able to pick it up and broadcast it in Europe over a station known as Eura-Vision, and for that half hour program they have asked for the music of our Tabernacle choir as part of it.  He explained that we will pick up the signal here, feed it to New York, and in Massachusetts they will put it on a special power amplifier and push it up to the satellite that swings across the sky by radar.  On the other side they will have another satellite pick it up and feed it through their network to all the stations.  It is the opening, he said, of the space age in communications.  The Choir will be in it, and it will be heard all over Europe as well as here.  It will be, he said, one of the great events in man’s step forward in communication.  Brother Madsen said that he would give us the time and the date and the hour when it is finally decided upon.  He then asked if he might be permitted to convey this word to the Choir members on Thursday night at their rehearsal, and I told him to do that with our congratulations and blessing.  Brother Madsen also said that he would like permission to ask Earl J. Glade to make that announcement to the Choir members since he started the choir in its original productions.  I agreed that that would be very appropriate.

KSL Television Equipment

Brother Madsen said that they have a problem with their equipment; that CBS, after the presentation of the ‘Let Freedom Ring’ program, suggested that we do not try to feed the network again with our worn-out equipment.  KSL has sent to the First Presidency a report of what is needed for compete installation, black and white, or color, submitting prices on each.  He said that it is thought the finest equipment should be used for our projects.  Brother Madsen said that if their request is approved, it is believed that they can make special arrangements to let CBS bring here at a nominal charge equipment installed in time for the April conference.  I said that we would give whatever financial help is needed.

Referring to the air space program, Brother Madsen said that one estimate puts the actual audience, not potential, as exceeding 50 million people on both sides of the Atlantic.  I asked if it would reach the Iron Curtain.  Brother Madsen said it would go to the Iron Curtain, but we do not know whether it will get across.  It will, however, go into East Berlin.  He said he would get more details later as to the actual stations.

Report on Short-wave Broadcasting

Brother Madsen said he had checked very thoroughly the matter of shortwave broadcasting, and he exhibited to the Brethren a map showing the short-wave coverage.  He said the following information had been given to him by top-flight engineers, also Brother Roswell Hyde of the Federal Communications Commission, who is a devoted member of the Church and has been on the Commission for several years.  We would need to place a transmitter in Puerto Rico which would permit us to reach Europe, South America and Mexico, with a signal equivalent to 2 1/2 million watts of power.  This would give us excellent coverage in most parts of that area.  We would broadcast at different hours of the day for these groups, and would need to have different antenna systems that would be focused.

For the area in New Zealand and Australia and the Pacific Islands, we would need to go to Guam and put a similar installation there which would give service to the Phillippines, Japan, China and Communist China, and the Pacific Islands, and we would need to send our programs by special short-wave channel.  That would mean two separate stations, one in Puerto Rico and one in Guam.

I asked how this would be related to KSL, and Brother Madsen said that KSL would supply most of the programming to them by tape and airplane, or that we would have short-wave circuits that would pick it up and send it right to them, and they would re-broadcast it.  That would be done through RCA.  He said we would hire a private telephone circuit for that purpose.  Brother Madsen further stated that Brother Hyde of the F.C.C. felt that we would have fine cooperation from the Secretary of Interior in that move.  Brother Madsen had contacted people who operate stations out there who would be glad to help us.  He explained that most stations would be located close to the equator, and that is for a special reasons — that is the best spot to send out short-wave broadcasting.

In answer to my question, Brother Madsen said that we could send out programs as often as we desired to do so, every day if wanted, that we would be unlimited in the use of these facilities.  I said that that would mean that we could have a program – say on a Thursday night – and before the program was on the air we could send out letters to each mission president within the area telling the mission president about the program, giving the date and the hour, and they could then hear the message from the headquarters of the Church when it was broadcast.  Brother Madsen said that that is correct, and explained that this could be done each week, in each of these countries at various times, or, as President Moyle suggested, we could send to these stations a program for a week’s or a month’s broadcasting.

Brother Madsen said that when we had a message of utmost importance, it could be sent out instantly from here.

I asked Brother Madsen to repeat the countries that we could reach, and he said we would cover all of Europe from Puerto Rico, and at different times of the day we could broadcast in different languages.  Later in the day, we could broadcast to South Africa and South America.  We could cover Portugal and Spain, and we could put a very powerful signal over all of Mexico and Central American countries.  We could also beam our programs to Alaska from that same station, and could cover all of North America from there, the focal point going out in all directions.  Then from the station in Guam we could reach Japan, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and all the islands of the sea.

Brother Madsen said that Brother Roswell Hyde, in all confidence, asked him to relay to the First Presidency that it is very likely that the right of private citizens to own and operate short-wave stations under the United States Government will probably be closed within a matter of days.  He said he pled five years ago or more for us to get going, but no action was taken at that time, that in 1952 the climate became wide open for this kind of work, and many stations were open for us.  He stated that our application should be filed no later than a week from Friday for these stations, that we could then study the matter, get all the facts together and determine whether we really want to go ahead with it.  It is costly, but if we file before this deadline, we have the right to withdraw.  He said that each station — the installation in Guam and the one in Puerto Rico — to give the type of facility we will have, would cost one and a quarter million dollars.  This would give us 2 1/2 million watts of power, and that it would cost approximately $300,000.00 per station for a year to operate them.

I said, ‘It is worth it!’

Brother Madsen further said that articles of incorporation had been drawn up for a corporation to operate this to save time, and that the corporate name as suggested would be the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation.  He further stated that it will be possible to retrieve substantial amounts of the operating costs of these stations through cooperation with various agencies of our own federal government and through commercial interests.

In discussing the matter, it was thought that these stations should be controlled by a separate corporation, and that the officers and members of the board should be laymen.  President Moyle suggested that considering the commercial end of it, he would conceive of bringing in men from sources from which business might be acquired, and that there would be no need of limiting the number of members on the board, that it should be flexible.

I said that I do not hesitate for a minute; that it is one of the great things; that it is a dream of twenty years realized.  I said that we should decide this morning to take it.  Brother Madsen said he would get names to put on the application, that we would also need to file a corporate name.  President Moyle suggested that most international firms are organized under the laws of Delaware, and he thought that we should corporate under the Delaware laws if we are going to do business world-wide.

President Moyle said he thought it would pay in the first instance to have an international company such as the Commerce Clearing which we can register as our corporate agent in Delaware, a corporation which serves purely a perfunctory service, but an essential service, and which has nothing to do with management.  In that event, if someone wanted to bring a law suit against us they would serve the Commerce Clearing, and we would always be sure of expert serve, and the service would cost very little.  He said that he would not want to see us get into a world-side operation of this kind and be incorporated in Utah, and he would not want it to be incorporated in Delaware unless we did it on a strictly businesslike basis.  The moment we get set up, he said, and can cover the world with this, there is no limit to what we can do.

I inquired as to whom Brother Madsen should consult regarding these legal matters, and it was decided that Lawrence McKay could handle the situation.  I therefore asked Brother Madsen to consult Lawrence.

In regard to the names of directors President Moyle said that he did not think The First Presidency should be in on this at all, that we have certain men in the east that have been close to these projects, men like Willard Marriott, Stanley Mcallister, John Cannon of RCa, and men of that calibre; perhaps David Kennedy of Chicago, and Howard Stoddard of Michigan — all members of the Church.  He said that he thought it should be strictly a commercial operation owned exclusively and controlled by the Church, but that there would be no good purpose served by the First Presidency being on the board or being officers of the company.

It was agreed that the name that was suggested for the corporation was very good.

Brother Madsen explained that we have to give a general outline of our program and policy, and we could state that this would be the voice of free American citizens speaking the message of freedom to the world, that it would be a program of American citizens speaking to the world.

I expressed my thanks and congratulations to Brother Madsen on the first great step to reach the world.  Brother Madsen said, ‘If the Lord will bless us, we will have it, and we will work fast.’ “

Fri., 18 May 1962:

8:45 a.m.

At my request, Brother Arch L. Madsen brought into the meeting Brother James Conkling, former president of Columbia Records, and now a member of the International

Educational Broadcasting Corporation of the Church.

Brother Madsen said that when he called Brother Conkling as I had suggested to him several days ago, Brother Conkling’s enthusiasm about the assignment was thrilling.  Brother Conkling said that in this age of communications it is a very important opportunity to serve the Church, and a great responsibility also.  He said the severe competition for the human mind in these times makes the opportunity all the more appealing.

I commented upon the importance of using the most attractive ways of appealing to the spiritual part of man rather than to the animal nature.

Brother Conkling expressed the hope not to mislead anyone into expectations of this undertaking and explained that some time will be needed to bring everything into order and to translate or communicate the messages we have with proper taste and in appropriate ways to make them appealing to the people.  He said there are dramatic ways of reaching the minds of people, and that these ways need not be dull, but must be according to good taste.

I said that it is our responsibility to do it in a pleasing way.

Brother Conkling commented upon the motion picture on temple marriage, which he considered presented the subject to young people in an attractive and satisfactory way.  He said the missionary methods are changing without changing the basic message of the Church.

By way of illustration, I contrasted missionary methods of today with methods of 64 years ago, when I tracted in Scotland.

President Brown commented upon the more favorable attitude of people who now receive the missionaries in their homes as guests under the influence of the present missionary methods, that the people are more receptive and affable under these circumstances.

I commented that there will be large number, if we present the truth in a pleasant way, who will accept it, because most people are honest.

Brother Madsen said that he had spent about four hours with Brother Conkling since he arrived considering the basic features of the plan.  He said he feels that there is perfect understanding and harmony as to how they shall proceed, and that Brother Conkling will be desirous of working on the project.  He gave a quick progress report saying that a site on Guam has been located; a man in Puerto Rico will take an option on land there; equipment needed is known; contracts, conditioned upon options, being taken will be ready to sign; the initial steps to be taken have been reviewed.  Brother Conkling is pleased with the proposed Board of Directors.

Brother Conkling said he knows two of the four men named.  He has no other suggestions yet, and suggested that the subject be left open.  The four men named have impressive name power in getting the licenses, and they will be very helpful advisors.

I said to Brother Conkling,  ‘We are placing you at the head of it.’  Brother Conkling replied, ‘I hope I will be worthy of that.’  He then said that he is not afraid to try.

I then said that the location of the headquarters will need to be decided, and the expenses associated with getting the project started will need to be estimated.

Brother Conkling said the headquarters will be where they have to be, and he said that he had no aversion to moving where the headquarters should be.  The corporate structure will take time to develop, and the obtaining of the licenses will take time.  He said, ‘I would not like to be misleading.  I would not want anyone to be disappointed if there is no overnight development.’

Brother Madsen said there will be a six months period while the licenses are being obtained.  He briefly outlined a starting plan for learning on a small inexpensive scale how the work can be done.  He explained that the corporation would like to buy some time on the short-wave station which carries the conference sessions for a half-hour weekly program to discover what techniques will be best to use, and the languages in which the program should be presented.  The plan includes asking the mission presidents who have receivers in the mission home to check reception and reactions.  He said this will be a helpful way of learning something while the programs are being started and to educate themselves in the various needs of the project.

I then said:  ‘Am I right in my vision concerning this great way to the attention of the world: first, there is a material aspect which will be international advertising, but principally, we shall have a message of the Gospel to give to the people.  The first is a practical thing for your members to go to Safeway, for example, or some other great commercial institution, and get them to advertise their product and provide means of subsistence.’

Brother Conkling said, ‘I am pleased that there is no aversion to making a profit, and that it be a self-supporting project.’

I said: ‘Yes, let it support itself, and then it would be the Church which would take care of its present organization.  I also said, ‘For example, we shall need a Sunday evening on your system.  Prior to that Sunday evening, letters will be sent to the presidents of missions to connect with you, stating the hour that the message will be sent out from Salt Lake City.  The Tabernacle Choir will offer a program.  A message will be given and the traveling missionaries will contact all in their district, so that every investigator and every member will be notified of that message from Salt Lake City.  The machinery of the Church is put into action.  That will take care of itself.  Is that right?’

Brother Conkling said there is one adjunct — the tremendous benefit of the missionaries in the field reporting back to us as to the acceptance and the results and suggestions, and as to different approaches, and which kind of program is best.  There is a wonderful agency, having these foreign agents reporting back to us.  If we start this earlier project, we may be able to eliminate some difficulties by knowing what to do before we go full-fledged ourselves.

Brother Madsen explained that there is much to learn about the project.  Short waves travel differently from waves used in the usual broadcasting.  At certain hours, they come in strong, and in others they fade away.  We must know the best hours.  In the beginning, experience can be gathered while we are waiting for the license to be granted.  From the station which sells time, we can learn also how they operate.  It will be a good investment.

I said:  ‘We should talk about salaries.’

Brother Conkling explained that he had studied the Church and religion for eighteen years before he joined the Church, and then he came to one conclusion.  He said being a rather compulsive worker, he did not know how to divide his time, but he decided that if he could find a way to finish his work and be able to retire, he would like to give his time to the Church.  He said that that time has arrived, that he does not need to be gainfully employed.  ‘I have a desire to devote my total time to something that will be useful from the standpoint of the Church.  If I had to move, I might need a little income.  I don’t feel an income is something that needs to be discussed at the moment.  I would rather not worry about that now, but if I need a little later, I would like to feel that I could come back later.’

Brother Madsen said Brother Conkling was president of Columbia Records Company, and that he did a wonderful job.  He also said that Brother Conkling was vice-president of CBS, that he has made a tremendous success of everything he has touched.  Brother Madsen also said that he had talked with Isaac Stewart, and that he said the Lord has prepared this man for this very job, that he has background, that he is a very successful executive; and he had added that he is pleased that Brother Conkling has opportunity to serve.

I said,  ‘Well, I am thrilled.’

Brother Conkling said, ‘I am thrilled!’  He explained that he had waited for some assignment after he became a member of the Church, and that he does not work well with young boys, though he feels that he can work well with older young people.  He said he was put in charge of fund raising, which he does not like.  He said, ‘I had a feeling that the age of communication is here, and there is something important to say to the people of the world, and if we can be useful to the Church, then this is the thing I believe in.’

I said, ‘The Lord has helped us.  It could not be better.  It is a new step forward.  It is not only a step, but it is really a bound into space in this space age.  Now is the chance to teach the world.  Watch your step carefully.  We do not want to blunder.

Brother Conkling said, ‘I can tell you I will.’

I said:  ‘Let us move forward, and with the inspiration of the Lord, and with wisdom and experience, and you have it, you will find that the Lord will reward us.’

President Brown added, ‘As expeditiously as the Lord will permit.’

Brother Conkling said:  ‘I will be careful between now and September.  I do not want anyone to feel that there will be tremendous results.’  He added, ‘There is a personal situation involved — I promised my children once that I would take them to Europe, and this summer is the time I should do it.  It is important that they go.’

Brother Madsen said that this will fit in perfectly, that it will give Brother Conkling an opportunity in Europe to meet the mission presidents and he can see the conditions under which we can broadcast to them.

Brother Conkling said he is taking his children behind the Iron Curtain, so they can observe what they can.  He repeated his hope that no one will expect great results at once.

I quoted to him what I call a ‘new Beatitude’:  ‘Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed.’

To this statement, Brother Conkling said, ‘But please expect something.’

I said that we would not be disappointed if he does not accomplish at once all he has in mind.

Brother Madsen said that Brother Conkling has set the star very high, and the goals he wants to reach are great.

Brother Conkling informed me that I had made a tremendous impression upon a man –  Mr. Lieberson, president of Columbia Records, who visited here a few months ago.  He had said that he was very greatly impressed by his visit here.

Brother Madsen then asked if they may proceed with the experiment in Boston, and I said ‘Yes!’

Brother Madsen reviewed the names of the men who are to form this group and reported that they have all accepted — James Conkling, president, formerly president of Columbia Records and vice president of the Columbia Broadcasting Company; Isaac Stewart, Union Carbide Company;  Lee Bickmore, National Biscuit Company; J. Willard Marriott; David Kennedy; and Howard J. Stoddard.

At this point, Brother Madsen and Brother Conkling withdrew from the meeting, and we then held our weekly meeting with the Presiding Bishopric of the Church.  Many important matters were discussed.  President Henry D. Moyle was not present at the meetings this morning as he is in the East.”

Thur., 16 Aug., 1962:

8:30 a. m.

President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Arch L. Madsen, President of KSL, by appointment, met with the First Presidency regarding assignment of KSL on short-wave assignment.

Brother Madsen said that they are moving ahead in organizing for fulfillment of the short-wave assignment. He said exploratory work has led to the Brigham Young University where it is thought expenditures can be incorporated to get more for the dollars spent. A meeting was held with President Wilkinson and at that meeting several subjects were developed which demand immediate attention.

President Wilkinson said Brother Madsen told him of the decision about the short-wave stations and about invitations to participate in the Voice of America and the other broadcasts around the world. In response to my question, President Wilkinson said the short-wave stations will be in Puerto Rico and Guam, and the Voice of America will emanate from Salt Lake City and will be released by the Voice of America from hundreds of stations around the world, including government as well as local radio stations. President Brown asked if the Voice of America programs are under Edward R. Murrow. Brother Madsen said they are, and that KSL is one of twenty Stations in America which have been asked to collaborate with Voice of America. They want KSL to interpret to the world this western portion of the nation. It will be released on film, tape and recordings.

President Wilkinson explained that to prepare for these opportunities a letter has been prepared which is suggested be sent to bishops and stake presidents asking their cooperation in discovering the most competent talent in the Church, some of whom may be wanted to engage in the development and presentation of programs. With the letter is a proposed questionnaire. President Wilkinson read the proposed letter requesting the names, addresses, and other information about people having talent to assist in all phases of communication: magazine writers, publishers, professional writers, script writers, advertising and promotion experts, speech, drama, journalism, television performers, dancers, choreographers, motion picture production personnel, music composers and arrangers.

In response to my question, President Wilkinson said KSL and the Brigham

Young University will copy the material and transfer the information to IBM punch cards so it will be available readily.

Direction was given that the letter to be sent out be delivered to Secretary

Joseph Anderson.

College of Communications at Brigham Young University 

President Wilkinson said that for some time, and especially now since the university is to take part in this program, it has been thought that it would be the occasion to bring together all departments of communication of the Brigham Young University. The full proposal will be presented in due course to the regular meeting of the Board of Education. He said they are thinking about a very enlarged program for the Brigham Young University. He explained briefly that the college of communications would include radio, speech, motion picture, journalism, television, creative writing. It will be of greater service to the Church if it is so integrated .

Proposal to merge KSL and International Educational Broadcasting

President Wilkinson said that as a member of the KSL Executive Committee, he desired to comment upon the merging of KSL and the International Educational Broadcasting Company, since the latter will no doubt be operated at very heavy cost at first, and that these costs for tax purposes can be offset by a merger.

President Moyle commented that they are separate corporations, and that KSL has minority stockholders whose rights must be respected.

President Wilkinson said that the proposal contemplates buying out the minority stockholders. President Moyle said there are definite advantages to the Church in having minority stockholders and that without them the problems of business will become more complicated and vexatious than there would be advantages in the merger. KSL should be kept a profit making organization.

I asked if a close spirit of cooperation has not been felt. President Wilkinson said there is no doubt about that. He said he mentioned this for consideration, and that he was not making any final recommendation. He said that this was Brother Madsen’s field, but that there would be losses which could be set off against profits and have a tax benefit. Brother Madsen said they could give a documented study on the subject.

Fri., 31 Aug., 1962:

“7:00 a.m.

Met with my counselors and all members of the Twelve in the Office of the First Presidency, at which time we considered Church budgets for 1963. We had an excellent meeting!

9:00 a.m.

Following the budget meeting we held our regular Friday morning meeting with the Presiding Bishopric. Elder Howard Barker of the Building Committee, at the invitation of the Presiding Bishopric, was also present. Brother Barker gave a report on the Tabernacle repairs, and distributed copies of the report which he read to us. After consideration of the report at length, we asked Brother Barker to make a drawing showing the proposed changes and also to prepare a model which will assist in visualizing the main features of the repairs, and that these be brought in two weeks from today when the management of KSL will be present, and a decision made then.

I said we shall have to make a decision; that I was not aware that we were to have the expense of having colored television for KSL to go all over the world. Bishop Vandenberg said that KSL was going to have colored television for the October Conference, but they were not able to get the proper  facilities in the Tabernacle.

President Brown commented upon the changes as they alter the historic character of the Tabernacle to conform to modern uses, and I said we are not going to change the structure. President Moyle said the plans propose bringing it up to date so we can broadcast conference to the world, and that this is far more important than any other consideration. Bishop Brown said we are making a studio of the Tabernacle. I said that we had better think about this matter very carefully before making a decision.

(For details of suggestions for repairs and equipment needed for broadcasting in the Tabernacle see minutes of the First Presidency of this day.)”

Wed., 5 Sep., 1962:

Changes in Tabernacle Ceiling for Colored Television

Brown: Do you think it will be wise to present to them (the Brethren) the matter of making any changes in the Tabernacle. Should not we take that to the Twelve for their opinions?

Moyle: The trouble in taking it to the Twelve, we only get the opinion of one or two of them.

McKay: We can do that, and let each one state his opinion.

Moyle: That’s right.

McKay: It Applied when I was in the Twelve. They gave every- body an opportunity to speak. This is what should be done.

Brown: If we make radical changes in the Tabernacle there will be much opposition, and I would like them to share the responsibility.

McKay: We want each one to express himself. I remember a policy followed out with President Joseph F. Smith, and I had started to express my opinion. One matter came relating to politics when Reed Smoot was running, and President Smith, contrary to his usual policy, did not ask for the opinions. I had mine ready. I knew I was in harmony with the President of my Quorum. When the matter came before us, President Smith arose and didn’t ask any opinion of the Twelve. He said, “Brethren, we have a very important question before us — whether a member of our Council should run for the Senate. I want to tell you that it is the will of the Lord that he does. ” Brother Lyman, who was opposed to it, said, “I move that be the sentiment of the Council. “

Moyle: Sure, that’s got to be the case.

Brown: When the President makes such a statement, that is it.

Moyle: Even then, some people would say under the circumstances, the Lord was wrong .

McKay: Some of them did say that.

The statement was made that report was made to the Council that it was unnecessary to do anything to the Tabernacle ceiling. President Brown said that in view of this report received from Jacobsen and Ashton, that is one reason why it should be taken back.

President Moyle said that that report does not include what you must do to produce colored television in the Tabernacle. The question now is whether or not you want colored television.

McKay: That is the question — whether we want to make the Tabernacle into a studio.

Moyle: If you do not want to do that, you do not need to bother with colored television and make a studio of the Tabernacle. I see no escape in changing the ceiling.

Brown: Let them share that. When it is in the discussion stage, I would like to have them share everything.

Moyle: I think we should let them know all that we know, and have Brother Barker present the case to them. We cannot present it as adequately as he could. They ought to have the same viewpoint as we have. If this goes to the Twelve, I think Brother Barker should present it.

McKay: That’s right, that they should know.

Moyle: Yes, I think so. It is such an important step. I would like everybody in it.

Thur., 6 Sep., 1962:

Church Acquisition of Short-wave Broadcasting Station – WRUL in Boston

Prior to our regular meeting, at my invitation, Brother Arch L. Madsen, President of KSL, came in and made a presentation regarding the Church’s acquiring a short-wave broadcasting station in Boston.

After the presentation and Brother Madsen’s departure from the meeting, I asked the Brethren if they had any suggestion to make as to the acquiring of a short-wave station; that I had asked for the presentation to the Brethren to ascertain whether or not they would feel to approve of entering that field in the interest of our missionary cause.

Elder Benson said that he thought our chances of obtaining approval from the Commission in Washington would be much greater if we were to purchase a growing concern. He said the complexion of the Commission in Washington is changing, and he thought that we should act quickly on the matter. He said he was thrilled with the proposition.

Elder Evans said he thought the purchase of WRUL in Boston, if it is possible, is a much better proposal than building new stations. He thought we could sink unnumbered millions into the creation, promotion and development of new stations. He said he was acquainted with the WRUL operation, he knew their personnel and their officers, and that they have a very effective and efficient organization. He thought that if we are going into this area, the purchase of a going concern would be far superior to trying to follow through the long process of establishing our own station.

Elder Romney expressed his feeling that it was imperative that we enter this field. He thought this was a good way to spread the Gospel.

Elder Petersen said he surely felt that way; that he would like to see us go into that field, and it was his feeling that it would be much better to buy a going station than to pioneer a new one.

Elder Stapley agreed with the other Brethren, that it would be much better to purchase a going station rather than to try to establish a new one.

Elder Hinckley said he thought that not only would this greatly assist our missionary work directly, but that it would have a tremendous influence

upon our membership, tying the Church closer together all over the world;

that many of our people in the missions feel they are out in the wilderness

walking by themselves, and if they could sit home and listen to what goes on over here, it would have a tremendous effect upon the people as well as assisting our missionary work.

I said the First Presidency would keep the Brethren informed of our procedure in this matter.”

“MEMORANDUM

TO : Clare Middlemiss

Dear Clare:

September 7, 1962

Sometimes in the past you have asked me for memoranda concerning the subjects of my visits with the President. I had a brief few moments with him following our Thursday meeting of the Presidency and the Council of Twelve at noon Thursday, September 6, concerning the possibility of Dr. Kenneth Castleton’s being named Dean of the medical school of the University of Utah which he expressed himself as being in favor of as a good interim choice.

I also talked with him about my continuing on the Tabernacle Broadcast, and indicated to him that the pressure of additional stake conference assignments was sometimes raised. He advised that as the coverage of our broadcast is spread more widely over the world it was more important than ever that I stay with the broadcast. His instructions on this were definite and, as I remember, he invited me to advise him if there were any move from any source to make it difficult to continue. I told him that with his confidence and support I could live with almost any problem. Without him it would be discouraging.

Regards,

Richard L. Evans”

Wed., 12 Sep., 1962:

“Inaugural program over short wave radio . . . September 16, 1962:

One hundred and thirty-two years ago a group of men and women, in obedience to a conmandment of God, were assembled in the house of Mr. Peter Whitmer, Sen., for the purpose of organizing the Church.

Means of communication were primitive . . . seven years before the telegraph would be known. The only light in the house after dark would be furnished by candle, perhaps by kerosene lamp. The electric light globe would not be known for forty years. Sixty years . . . almost a lifetime . . . before the automobile would be used. And the airplane existed only in the realm of imagination. Yet one year before the organization of the Church, under the inspiration of the Lord, Joseph Smith had written: “. . . a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.” (D&C 4:1.)

I give you my testimony that this marvelous work is now going forth among the children of men.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commences with this inaugural broadcast, a series of programs to be heard twice weekly over short wave radio 

world-wide.

The message of the Church is to proclaim the reality of the Christ as the real Son of God the Father. One important impact of the principles of his gospel is to establish peace in the hearts of men, peace in home life, peace in towns, in cities, in countries, peace throughout the world . . . that is the declaration of the Church.

I invite you to listen to this series of programs and to partake of the knowledge and spirit of this great latter-day work.”

Wed., 19 Sep., 1962:

October Conference, Statement to Conference Speakers in the Tabernacle

A statement prepared by Elder Richard L. Evans addressed to conference speakers in the Tabernacle and reviewing the necessities of the time schedules for radio and television broadcasting was read. I said that this seems to be appropriate and timely. We will give that to the General Authorities. The statement was delivered to me to be communicated to the General Authorities at my discretion.

I explained that a careful scheduling of speakers for the Conference meetings because of the limitations of time may make necessary excusing one or two of the Brethren at this Conference.

President Moyle commented upon the radical change in this Conference because of the greatly increased numbers of radio and television outlets for the sessions, the number to be reached being estimated as from 40 million to a hundred million people.

Wed., 3 Oct., 1962:

Program for Conference Meetings

I also reviewed briefly the plan for the Saturday morning session of Conference, which will be taped and re-broadcast on stations to the Eastern part of the country on Sunday, and that the Sunday morning program will be relealsed over radio and television stations from Denver to the west coast, which will give us the largest listening audience (77 million) in the history of the Church. I said that the program for Sunday Morning will also be sent by short-wave to Europe, South Africa, South America, and the Carribean.

Thur., 4 Oct., 1962:

“October Conference, limit of time of speakers, etc.

Referring to the matter of broadcasting the Conference, I said it will be necessary that some of the speakers be limited as to time. I mentioned that at the Saturday morning session the Tabernacle Choir will be present and the program will be taped so that it may be used Sunday morning over short-wave and television. Those who speak Saturday morning and also those who speak Sunday morning must of necessity be limited as to time so that their concluding remarks will correspond with the closing of the radio or the television. This is to avoid breaking into a prayer or breaking into a sermon, and will aid very much the listening audience. I said that each one of the speakers who is called upon to be the last speaker in any session during the Conference should close his remarks at least ten minutes before the hour. I suggested that the Brethren confine their remarks at these sessions to the minutes and seconds that will be allowed them, that KSL has marked the time and that the First Presidency and most of the Brethren of the Twelve will have twenty minutes each. Some will be limited to sixteen and one to eleven minutes. I said, also, that as near as I can estimate one or two of the Brethren may not be called upon to speak.”

Wed., 10 Oct., 1962:

“8:50 a m. 

Purchase of Short-Wave Radio Station WRUL, Boston. 

Following the departure of Colonel Brindle and his party, we received in the office of the First Presidency the following:

Elder Richard L. Evans

Arch L. Madsen, General Manager of KSL

Benjamin Hollingworth, Secretary-treasurer of KSL

James B. Conkling, President of the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. John A. Deluge, President and Chairman of the Board of Metromedia Corp., Owners and operators of WRUL Radio Station.

Mr. Mark Austed and Mr. Ralph Brent of the Short-Wave Radio Station, WRUL, Boston, Massachusetts.

Robert W. Barker of Washington, D C, Attorney for Metromedia Corporation.

We met for the purposle of signing the papers for the purchase by the Church of the short-wave Station WRUL of Boston. Attorney Barker submitted a document to be signed by me as President of the Church. He explained that the document is an application of Station WRUL to the Federal Communications Commission setting forth the Church’s interest in the short-wave station, its purpose, and requesting approval of the transfer of the World-wide Broadcasting Division of Metromedia, Inc., with its WRUL Station at Boston, to the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation organized by the Church and also requesting a license for the International Education Broadcasting Corporation to operate. The application also states reasons for wanting to operate the station and the type of organization the Church hopes to run. I signed three copies of the application.

Before signing the papers, I asked Mr. Kluge to review the advantages of having this station, and he said if his company had been a public company, and had a board of directors and were responsible to stockholders, station WRUL would not have been sold, nor would the station be sold to a world-wide organization whose purposes and aims would not do justice to the world-wide facilities which the station has. He explained that the sale of the station to the Church, however, brings the kind of world-wide organization which would utilize the facilities of the station which are in accord with their own desires. He said it is an international short-wave facility much different from national facilities because these facilities reach people in the jungles of South America, Africa, and Asia, and with such facilities the station reaches two-thirds of the world on any twenty-four-hour period.

I commented that we have the means of reaching people all over the world through our Church organization.

Mr. Kluge agreed that with the Church’s 12,000 missionaries, which may some day be 30,000, the Church has an excellent, practical means of increasing the scope of the short-wave station over the world. He said the company does not, and could not have a coordinating organization like that, and that the Church, therefore, is a natural organization to utilize to a maximum good the facilities which the station offers.

Mr. Ralph Brent said that by pre-arrangement over this station missionaries of the Church throughout the world in possession of transistor radios equipped to bring in short-wave stations, could be brought into communication with the Church anywhere in the world.

Mr. Kluge explained that the facilities of this station had been in existence for more than thirty years and that it is a national company. Mr. Brent said that the facilities of this station came into fame during World War II when ships of the Norwegian navy were at sea and the king of Norway used the station to advise the ships not to return to their home ports lest they be captured by the invading German army and navy.

I inquired about the use of the station for advertising, and Mr. Kluge said advertising goes out over the station to listeners overseas and that the potential overseas market is very large.

Mr. Brent explained that magazines of international circulation like Time, Life, the Reader’s Digest, Popular Mechanics, carry advertising of American products to overseas markets. The same advertisers are called on by this station to get their business since this is the only short-wave radio station which carries advertising world-wide. He said fifty per cent of the people of the world cannot read, but they can listen. They can receive the news and receive ethical, moral, spiritual information by listening.

Mr. Austed said he had returned from Africa two and one half years ago where he was in Gaboon with Dr. Schwitzer and he received this station in Gaboon [as] loudly as you can hear KSL here. He said that two thirds of the world is available through the facilities of this station.

I stated that a cable had been received from South Africa reporting that the conference program was well received.

In response to Mr. Kluge’s inquiry, Mr. Brent said that the station receives about 2,000 letters a month from people acknowledging receiving the programs of the station, and that with better programming these results can be improved.

In response to James Conkling’s question as to whether the station can confirm that it is the biggest advertising medium in the world, Mr. Brent said we suspect that this is true. The Reader’s Digest has nine million circulation outside the United States; there are 88 million listeners on short-wave receivers. This would mean that our potential is larger than the Reader’s Digest.

Mr. Kluge said that the fact which is making international short-wave radio broadcasting of such importance is the transistor radio, battery-powered, the batteries being renewable over a six-month period. The transistor radios with short-wave bands enable people to pick up short-wave signals all over the world. These radios are not dependent upon electrical outlets being available, but operate on power of the batteries. Many of them are pocket radios. Mr. Austed estimated that the transistor equipment with short-wave components can be purchased from $40.00 to $250.00. He said Zenith, RCA, Hallicrafters, Motorola, are producing transistor equipment of this type for prices ranging in the upper brackets, but that the Japanese manufacturers and Phillips offer sets for $40.00 and $50.00 and $60.00 and even lower.

Mr. Brent said some car radios have adapters for short-wave reception. He mentioned a letter received from a man who was driving along the Autobahn in Germany who reported picking up their signal and hearing their station’s program. More home radios are short-wave in Europe than in America. He explained that radio manufacturers, Zenith, Magnavox, Motorola, Hallicrafters, are specializing in production of short-wave transistor radios to extend their markets for theSe products in foreign lands as well as in America.

In reply to President Moyle’s question as to whether this station can broadcast to the United States or whether there may be any regulation or law preventing it, Mr. Brent explained that under the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission this station may broadcast to the United States as an incident of its broadcasting internationally, and that in actual performance the station’s signal is received well from Pittsburgh and Washington west on five frequencies, although they are not beamed to them but rather to overseas countries. He said that there is a rule in FCC requiring that the station must never broadcast solely to the United States; we should have to be broadcasting overseas as well as to the United States, such as to Tokyo, Australia or New Zealand. He explained that the station must have adequate antennae to broadcast its signals. He explained that the short-wave beams go around the world; KSL ends at a particular spot because its power, though high, is limited; short-wave radio waves go around the world many times. Many ships around the world listen to this station. They give us a log of their going around the world and send in a complete log of where they receive the signal.

He reported instances of refugees, an American pilot and a Cuban woman doctor, who, while in prison in Cuba, clandestinely listened on short-wave radio station and reported that it was the main means of their retaining their sanity because of the contact with the outside world. He explained that this morning at 7:00 o’clock, the station would be on the air with a three-hour program, repeating it at intervals telling the people in Cuba in Spanish what is happening to their country. An ex-president of Cuba broadcasts on this program as well as a man who was Castro’s lieutenant. The station has students who have left Cuba who can find in the United States the academic freedom which has been lost in Cuba. They are telling the Cuban people what is happening to their country. It is in their language and by their countrymen. Mr. Brent said it is our idea that things are building to a head in Cuba and we thought someone should review the facts for the people of Cuba.

James Conkling explained that if the short-wave is to go to Japan and Australia, it would more likely be from a transmitter not in the eastern United States but in the west on Guam or Hawaii for the reason that the signal would be clearer and stronger.

Mr. Brent said if the short-wave frequency is available and we have the antennae and the transmitter to deliver the signal to the target zone, FCC will probably authorize broadcasting to special places overseas.

Robert Barker explained that Arch Madsen made special arrangements for the conference to be broadcast over facilities of this station and the performance was regular. This required special arrangements for the broadcast power and facilities were normal facilities. This can be done every day.

Mr. Austed said “You could reach every missionary from here every day.” Mr. Kluge confirmed this and cited examples of the Northern Abrasives Company beaming a special message to people all over the world. Mr. Brent said that was done quite a while ago. They had a five-minute program on the subject of how to use abrasives in grinding wheels and in such equipment and they offered a screw driver to anyone who would write in. They received thousands and thousands of requests for the screw driver. He referred also to the broadcast program of the institute of radio engineers who offered a transistor radio for Europe, Africa, and South America, with surprising results.

The American Bible Society over short-wave offered free Bibles in the language of the countries throughout the world. Robert Barker said think what we can do with the Book of Mormon.

Mr. Brent said there is not a man in this room who can tell you how radio works and what it is. I defy anyone to tell how it works — that your voice and my voice can travel around the world and be in hundreds of thousands of homes at the same time we speak. This is truly a God-given instrument, and it has got to be used that way and particularly this radio station because if we do not broadcast messages of good will, ethics and morals, and the way we believe in things to the people of the world in other areas, there is something very, very wrong with how the communications media are being used today. They are not used enough and for this particular station with this kind of mission that is why I am delighted that your organization has decided to use it and to send its voice around the world.

Mr. Kluge said we have had all kinds of opportunity to sell this station to what I would consider to be wrong hands, and it is such a big job, the station is such an effort that a company can be run just on this station alone. He said the station could be devoted to many uses which would mean nothing to and would do no good to other people. “I feel very much relieved of the responsibility of this station in the sale of it and in its going into the right hands. Ralph and I have had a running conversation for over a year and actually I feel delighted that the Church will have this facility because it is a great responsibility and it is really someone like yourselves who can measure up to it.

While I was signing the documents, Brother Arch Madsen asked the group to line up behind me to enable the photographer to get a picture. He explained that it is desired that publicity be not released for a week and that it be released simultaneously then in Salt Lake City and New York.

I said this is the realization of a dream come true. We have hoped for short-wave for 25 years. That was just in the imagination.

Robert Barker said that Mark Austed said that that may be the reason he quit Columbia Broadcasting System and went with Mr. Kluge to help us get this station.

I remarked that some power has been working, that I am happv and thrilled with what they have explained and with the possibilities of this station. Brother Austed recalled when he was talking with me personally many years ago when I was at the railway station in Ogden saying good-bye to David Lawrence McKay, who was departing for his mission and that he was also departing for his mission at the same time, that several of his girl friends were kissing him good-bye and one of the girls kissed his white collar and that I “ribbed” him for it.

He then explained that most short-wave stations are government and that the people accept them with reservations and doubt because of their use for government propaganda, but that this station is not a government station. It is independent, and it is believed.

This has been an historic occasion and more far-reaching than any of us can realize!

(see newspaper clippings following)

Mr. Kluge and his party then left the office of the First Presidency.

Tues., 8 Jan. 1963:

“Tuesday, January 8, 1963

MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY AT HUNTSVILLE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1963, AT 3:30 P.M.

UNIFIED CHURCH SCHOOL MATTERS

At a meeting held with President McKay at his home in Huntsville on January 7 where he graciously received me, the following decisions were made:

8.  Merger of Radio Service Corporation of Utah and International Educational Broadcasting Corporation

I pointed out to the President that it now looked as though the first of the above corporations would have substantial profits from here on out whereas the second of these corporations would be devoting its time largely to Church proselyting and would have large losses.  I suggested therefore that if the two were merged the losses could be offset against the profits with a consequent reduction in taxes.  I pointed out that this might, however, require the Church to purchase the minority interest in KSL.

The President informed me he had appointed a committee of Messrs. Madsen, Conklin, and Isaac Stewart to study the acquisition of even further television companies and that when he got their report he would like to talk to me about the entire matter.

Friday, January 18, 1963

MEMORANDUM

January 18, 1963

TO: Clare Middlemiss

Concerning meeting with President McKay January 18, 1963:

. . . .

Reported to the President that the Tabernacle organists had been asked to reduce their time on the broadcast, and that we would watch this matter as carefully as we could.

Also assured the President that my part on the broadcast could be shortened or dispensed with — that I had heard some comment from an unnamed source that led me to believe that some people might have felt that I had been there long enough.  The President indicated it was his wish that I should continue, and that I was not to pay attention to rumors or to ‘fleas,’ as he called them.

Richard L. Evans

RLE:ky”

Tues., 26 Feb. 1963:

8:30 a.m.

Went into the Office of the First Presidency where we held our regular meeting.

International Educational Broadcasting Company

President Moyle reviewed a report of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the International Educational Broadcasting Company which he attended in New York.  He said that President Conkling conducted the meeting with most commendable dispatch.  Brothers Stoddard from Michigan, Marriott from Washington, D.C., Isaac Stewart from San Francisco, David Kennedy, Chicago, attended.  All were very appreciative of having been appointed directors of this corporation.  The directors independently had already asked Frank Wangeman, President Moyle’s son-in-law, to be a member of the Board in New York, to fill one of the vacancies on the board.  Brother Wangeman is Vice-President of the Hilton International Hotel Chain, which does business all over in Europe, and in part of Asia.  They think that he will be helpful to the board in assisting in getting business abroad.  President Moyle said he was in no way responsible for the appointment, but hoped the President would approve of it.

I said there is another vacancy, and President Moyle said it was filled by the election of Saul Haas of Seattle.

President Moyle said that something between $500,000 and $600,000 of the stock was purchased and Brother Arch Madsen came in last week for the money which had to be paid last week under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.  President Brown and President Moyle, in my absence, authorized Brother Tingey to pay this amount at Brother Arch Madsen’s request.

President Moyle explained that the United States government has given up the using of the antennae for broadcasting the Voice of America from Long Island, having moved its facilities to Cape Hatteras, and that Brother Conkling hopes to obtain the Long Island antennae from the government for nothing, or for a token payment.  The ground upon which the antenna stands is owned by private interests and in order to capitalize upon having the antenna it will be necessary to own the land.

In response to my inquiry as to the cost, President Moyle said a half million dollars, and said it would be necessary to have the antenna a sufficient distance from houses and other buildings to be free of disturbance.  The management of the corporation expects that the saving in the cost to the corporation of having the antenna nearer to New York as against the cost of transmitting the programs from New York to Boston by wire for broadcasting would pay the interest on the money necessary to buy the land on Long Island.  At present, the programs originate in New York and carried by wire to Boston for broadcast over the Boston antenna, and that this expense can be eliminated by acquiring the Long Island antenna.

President Moyle said he had discussed this proposal with 25 men in New York and they were agreed that it would be a good investment because there are no such large tracts left on Long Island to purchase, and that any time the Church wanted to dispose of it they would find that there would be a very great enhancement of value.

In response to President McKay’s inquiry as to whether or not President Conkling proposes this, President Moyle said that he is very much in favor of it.  He said the board authorized President Conkling to go forward to obtain the antenna from the government and that if possible the land be purchased only when he has a firm commitment on the antenna.  The Long Island antenna is several times more powerful than the antenna in Boston, the opinion was expressed that sooner or later the Boston antenna will be inadequate to carry the greater coverage, that the Long Island antenna will be excellent for the use of the corporation.

In response to my question, President Moyle said that the Long Island antenna they think will be able to broadcast around the world and cover Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America without trouble; that it would be as extensive as the Voice of America has been.

Radio and Television Syndicate – Offer for Church to Buy

President Moyle reported that at 3:00 p.m., he went with Stanley McAllister to a meeting of a group of 25 Latter-day Saint Businessmen in New York who are not active in the Church.  One was William McKell, chairman of the board of the American Surety Company.  The group is a formidable one.  They were pleased to be recognized in being invited to meet.  President Moyle told them about the offer to buy into a syndicate of radio and television, that Arch Madsen had a statement of the earnings and had copies for each one of the men at the meeting.  They came to the conclusion that the cost was 100% too high, that it was not a good buy at half the price.  Brother Wangeman at that meeting said that by analysis made by his hotel company chain not one of the cities in which this syndicate has stations is a progressing city.  They look upon these cities as going backward rather than forward.  President Moyle expressed appreciation to the group for spending an hour and a quarter on the subject.  Elders Isaac Stewart, Stanley McAllister, Willard Marriott, David Kennedy and Brother Stoddard said they thought it was a very good missionary contact with these men that the men themselves were appreciative of the recognition given them.

President Moyle said that Brother Conkling reported that last year the corporation (IEBC) lost $5,000 a week, but that this year he expects it will be operating at a profit.  A schedule of programs and frequencies of WRUL was distributed.  President Moyle said that Brother Conkling is working with Zenith Company in America and Phillips in Europe to obtain at reasonable cost for the mission presidents short-wave equipment which will receive the programs broadcast by WRUL.  Copies of the schedules of programs and the frequencies are sent to all mission presidents now.

President Moyle referred to a clipping from the New York Times published in Europe containing the weekly listings of the programs of WRUL.  Every mission president can pick up a copy of this paper in Europe and have the whole schedule.  The broadcasts are in English and Spanish now.   WRUL officers think the time is right to begin broadcasting some programs in German and that German should be the second language.

I inquired about the use of French.  President Moyle said that they would like to do that also.  He said the Quorum of the Twelve recommended a third mission in France and that this matter will be held for my consideration.

Wed., 13 Mar., 1963:

International Educational Broadcasting Company

We considered a financial report prepared by James B. Conkling, President of the International Educational Broadcasting Company showing the loss accumulated each month from the present operation of the Company.  After the statement was read, we decided that the Company needs help in stopping this loss and in turning operations into a profit.  This is the objective of Brother Conkling.  It is recommended that the Long Island property be obtained and that the present cost of broadcasting from New York to the Boston station be saved.  President Moyle said he sees no other way than to set up $1,125,000 for the 1963 operations, and that it was the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company that if they go over to the Long Island facilities they will have no trouble bringing the Company into profitable operations.

I said that these men on the Board are competent men, and it is good that we have them; that having this facility is something the Church has looked forward to for fifty years.  I said that I have a letter from Brother Conkling relating to the correlation of the station’s broadcasting to the missions.

I said that if there is no objection, there is nothing else we can do but to furnish the funds needed.

Wednesday, March 13, 1963

March 19, 1963

Mr. James B. Conkling, President

International Educational Broadcasting Corporation

14200 Ventura Boulevard

Sherman Oaks, California

Dear Brother Conkling:

Your letter of March 12th addressed to President Henry D. Moyle has been read with interest by the First Presidency.  Accompanying your letter is a condensed version of the financial picture of the company for the year 1963.

In glancing over the statement we note that there is a total loss from operational expense of $322,500, and that your total cash requirements for this year are $407,500, that you had cash on hand as of March 1, 1963 approximately $565,000, leaving a surplus of $158,500.  You mention as special expense items not included in the budget the proposed purchase of 500 receiving sets for mission areas, and also mention the proposed purchase from the government of approximately 100 acres of real estate in Central Long Island which you estimate will cost from $400,000 to $500,000.

We understand that your Board of Directors have recommended the securing of this Long Island project, with which recommendation we feel to concur.  In view of the facts as presented we are allocating to the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation a sum of $1,250,000 for this year’s operations, $500,000 of which would be used only in the event we make the deal with the government.  The other expenses it would seem would have to be met.  It would seem to us providential if we are successful in securing the government station on Long Island because of the world-wide coverage it would give us.

We assure you of our appreciation of the qualified and devoted service you are rendering.

Sincerely yours,

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

By  David O. McKay

      Hugh B. Brown

Thurs., 14 Mar. 1963:

“Public Relations Through Communications

I asked if Brother Madsen had anything to add to Brother Conkling’s suggestion about a board of public relations.

Brother Madsen said in dealings with lining up television stations we have found the need to coordinate our public relations.  We have requests from several broadcasting systems which want the story of our Church and the statement of its principles.  We do not have these to give.  We have found great need to tie in with the magazine people and the newspapers all over the country as well as with radio, television and motion pictures and every form of communication.  We would like to recommend that something be done to offer coordinating writing from here of our relationship with people outside the Church.  Some missions and some stake presidents have appointed and selected men who are working under them to handle public relations, but there is no organization up here.

President Brown said it should be brought together under one head.  Some of the public relations are poorly handled.

Brother Madsen said we compete in a highly professional world for public relations.  He cited an example of the United Lutheran Brethren professional public relations services which are handled by experts.  The public relations department would be directly responsible to the First Presidency.

I asked Brother Madsen to put his suggestions in writing and submit them to the First Presidency and that they will be considered with the suggestions Brother Conkling has offered.

At this time Brother Madsen withdrew from the meeting.”

Tues., 30 Apr. 1963:

“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Tuesday, April 30, 1963, at 9:30 A.M.

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay and Hugh B. Brown.  President Henry D. Moyle in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

IEBC and WRUL Report

By appointment Arch Madsen, manager of KSL, James Conkling and Ralf Brent of IEBC and WRUL, Robert Barker, attorney from Washington, D.C., and David Lawrence McKay, Church attorney, came into the meeting.

Brother Conkling explained that for the information of the First Presidency he would like one, to make a report on conference reception overseas; two, to present two general policy matters with which the company and the station are faced and to receive guidance of the First Presidency.  He presented a written report giving details about the conference broadcast which he said he would leave and not read now.  It includes many interesting quotations from the field.  Thirty-five missions were covered with advance information about the broadcast of the April conference meetings and also with instructions about how to find the station, how to check their equipment ready for reception.  The station asked the missions to report back on a questionnaire sent to them.  Twenty-three of the thirty-five stations have responded.  Nine sent tape recordings of the receptions they picked up from the receivers.  Excerpts from these were reproduced for the Presidency to hear.

In response to President McKay’s inquiry as to the foreign language broadcasts, Brother Conkling explained that the broadcast was in English and in Spanish and they were picked up in countries of other languages where they were translated.  By this means WRUL was able to get the quality of reception desired.  The signal was well received on the European continent, except in the Scandinavian countries where it was not received at all; in South America and in South Africa.  Reception was average in the British Isles.  The reasons for this are not known but surmised to be average because of electrical disturbances and heavy storms in the British Isles at the time.  ‘We are very much encouraged to have this much reaction from the broadcasts.  We think next time it will be better.’

The excerpts played back were of the Sunday morning conference session as they were picked up by the listener placing a microphone attached to the local tape recorder in front of the speaker of the short wave receiver, not usually a very satisfactory way of making a tape recording, but nevertheless indicative of what the listeners received.  The excerpts reproduced were one, from the North British Mission — a portion of Elder Ezra Taft Benson’s address; two, the English broadcast received in the Central American Mission — a portion of Elder Nathan Eldon Tanner’s address; three, President McKay’s preliminary remarks received in the Argentine Mission and translated by Brother Eduardo Balderas (President McKay’s voice was heard in the background and a louder voice was clearly heard being the voice of Brother Balderas); four, Southwest British Mission reception of President McKay’s introductory remarks; five, East French Mission reception of a portion of Elder Howard Hunter’s remarks closing with ‘the resurrection is an historic fact amply proven by authenticated documentary evidence and testimony of competent witnesses.’

The explanatory remarks of Elder Richard L. Evans at the beginning and the end of the replaying of the excerpts were also heard as they were received by the listeners overseas.

Brother Conkling:  I played these for one purpose:  so that you can see where we can make progress.  The first and the last segments which came from Geneva indicate that the signal is strong and intelligible.  The signal from other areas would indicate that the receivers are not as strong as they should be.  We have been authorized to get better equipment.  We have not been able to make the right recommendations to them so they can buy the right equipment.  The reception in the French Mission indicates that the equipment is good.  This is representative.  We do not try to pick up only the good things.  We tried to give you a picture across the board of how the broadcast is received in the missions.  In this report are comments and quotations from many of the twenty-three missions which will give a picture of what they thought of the reception; how they got it; and what it meant to them.

President McKay:  Unless the last illustration you gave is what we can expect — it is good– unless we can get something like that it would not pay to go ahead.  We must get clearer transmission. 

Brother Conkling said that is what we are trying to get.  The signals you have heard were difficult to get.  They were taken with a microphone in front of a short wave receiving set, which is not a satisfactory way of getting an authentic reproduction of the signal actually received.  Also this is important.  Our missions must understand that short wave radio is a technique to be learned, and that it also must be remembered that it is not as perfect as long wave radio.  Short wave is subject to other forces and limitations but it must be intelligible.

Brother Madsen explained that Brother Mark Petersen reported that they were having trouble.  It was full of static and noise and one missionary took a wire and attached it to the television antennae and it came through loud and clear.  The brethren must be made to realize that they must put up a right antennae to get the best reception.

Brother Conkling said we must be sure that we give them the right information.

President McKay:  This shows that it can be done and so let us make the necessary improvement and installation so that all will receive it as well as they received the first and the last.

Brother Conkling:  Do you remember the one from the Argentine Mission having the Spanish translation, it was not intended to bring your voice loud enough to be heard but to hear the Spanish clearly and let them know that it was a translation.

David Lawrence McKay asked how direct is this beam to Geneva; would it go to Frankfurt also.

Brother Conkling said yes.  Mr. Ralf Brent explained that WRUL has two antennae beamed at Europe, one at the British Isles and the other to Central Europe.  All of Central Europe will have a choice to two frequencies as the British Isles would have choice of two frequencies.

James Conkling:  We are in the process of endeavoring to acquire facilities on Long Island that the Voice of America has used until two or three months ago which were of such a nature that they would deliver a strong clear signal to Europe and the British Isles.  We have pieces given to us.  CBS has given us transmitters.  We are in the process of acquiring the antennae and if we can get the pieces together we can probably transfer our operation into the Brentwell operations.  We may have to buy some real estate.

President McKay:  This shows what can be done.  Let us reach that goal.

James Conkling:  I believe that by next conference we will show more improvement but we still have a ways to go.

President McKay:  You should know first all the trouble of transmission and second, you must have the proper kind of reception.

Ralf Brent:  We have to train people to tune in properly and to use the equipment properly.

President McKay:  We asked you gentlemen to tell us what to tell these presidents of missions and we will send them the necessary funds to get the right equipment.

James Conkling:  We have the problem now of finding the best equipment to recommend to them in the foreign countries.

President McKay:  This is what we have dreamed of for forty years.

Brother Conkling:  This probably sounded as KSL did forty years ago.

Arch Madsen:  This is just enormous, President McKay.  One of my friends has a son on the Indian Ocean in Africa and they received it very well there.  We are well on our way to solving most of the major problems.

President McKay:  That is a hopeful note.

James Conkling:  This brings us to the other part of our program.  We have already gained a position in international broadcasting.  We are beginning to get comment on the type of things going through — The Church’s part on WRUL and the other parts of the program.  I want to tell you about it.  You will recall initially we determined we would build an operation in Florida and one in Guam and would apply for licenses for these two operations.  My friends in Washington advised us to do something more quickly because it looked like the government was going to put on a freeze, and based on this WRUL was purchased.  Advice from Washington was very good.  Ten days ago the government put a complete freeze on international facilities for private broadcasting.  We are in this position, we are one of three privately owned broadcast operations in this country.  There can’t be any more under this freeze.  In the area of these operations we have two of the three when this freeze came.  If it were not for this we would not have been in international broadcasting.  IEBC has two of the applications pending still.  Of the existing stations there are only three and WRUL is one of the three.  The other two are one transmitter and we have five.  We have five of the seven short wave transmitters.

President McKay:  We believe we have the best.

James Conkling:  We will improve them.  We have tried to discover the reason for the government action.  One of the technical reasons — the governments of the world are taking over the airways, and the other is political.  Here we are trying to defend our rights and to recognize the government’s problem.  Unless it is carefully policed, short wave could get into improper hands.  One of the three stations that does exist is preaching strongly against the government with very right wing type of material and very much anti-government policies, and we feel the government has become sensitive to this and feels that they should not have other short wave stations until they have better conditions of control.

We do not look at the freeze as anything that will harm us because we are not looked at by Voice of America or FCC unfavorably, but they look upon us as favorable.  We are believed in and we are not government and therefore we are not under government control as is the Voice of America.

Arch Madsen:  WRUL is an important tool in international affairs.  We are the only station of three privately owned which provide general program and services.  The other two are very limited.  We are speaking representing our culture to the world and as a result we are being watched by our own as well as other governments.  We are being watched by our own people and listened to by people in other countries and everything we do and say has a bearing upon our nation’s international relations.  It places a very heavy responsibility on our fine men here to make certain that it is done right, and that is the reason they want to report to you and ask for permission to establish some policy in regard to our relation with the Voice of America and other broadcasters who may be involved in our field.

Robert Barker:  Following up what Brother Madsen has said, one of the stations is ‘Red Lion’ station, which has been broadcasting the messages of Reverend McIntyre.

James Conkling:  He represents the American Council of American Churches which is not the National Council of Churches.

Brother Barker:  It is his own off-shoot.  He is a Presbyterian breakoff.  He has been talking and has a series of programs and he is very critical of the government fiscal policies and also its social programs.  Primarily he has been talking about freedom of speech in America and the Voice of America responsibility for the government’s propaganda.  The government has been watching him very carefully.  There has been a lot of complaint about his program.  They are very upset about what he is doing.  I think because of his activity the Voice of America is very concerned about the programming on international short wave stations throughout the world.  They expressed to us in Washington concern that we do nothing which will be detrimental to our image throughout the world of the United States.  It will be proper to mention that this Reverend McIntyre a few months ago we had a flare up about the Birch Society and one of the representatives of the Voice of America sent word to me through one of our partners not a member of the Church that they hoped we would not have Brother Benson or other representatives of the Birch Society speak on WRUL.  We followed that up with a conference, Brother Conkling and I, that we would take a position consistent with the international point of view and position of the Church on freedom of expression, but also our plans are to be in harmony with the point of view of the government.  We explained for instance that Brother Benson had been appointed to go down to New Zealand to dedicate chapels and we had that on WRUL because we thought it was of international importance and that where the Church might seem not to be in harmony we would have the discretion in that matter.  They were concerned about our program and policy.  We have given them good assurance and we have stood our ground too.

They asked Brother Conkling if we would use their news.  He said this would not be in the interest of the United States to repeat and parrot the news that had been used by the government stations.  We must be free to comment and to report the news as we see it.  We made clear to them that we are standing upon our basic principle of freedom of expression.

James Conkling:  There is a matter of sensitivity we need to know about.  We do not need a decision.  We will be watched and if we permit any vocal expression that is tremendously contrary to the government’s point of view — we are trying to decide how do we apply our rule.  We have on one side our job which is to maintain our facilities and not let the government control us and not lose our investment.  On the other side of the coin we recognize that the government does have a job and we need to cooperate with them in this respect — how to apply this middle line.  We feel before we come into conflict area or in any argument with the government as far as our policy applies, we would like to feel free to come back to you and ask your specific advice before we take a position.  We are not faced with that now.  I would hope that we could come back.

President McKay:  There are two things we want to do:  to use WRUL short wave system in preaching the gospel and to that end we would like to bring into operation our presidents of missions in the Church.  This is a means to that end.

Second, we believe in upholding and sustaining the law.  We will be free to say what we like and what we don’t like.  That is the right of the people.  Our government exists for the people.

James Conkling:  That’s why we won’t use Voice of America news.  We want to present both sides of any public question.

President McKay:  We believe we can win the good will of the government in maintaining that stand.

James Conkling:  We believe we can.  We can resist the pressures.  We don’t want to take the attitude that they are our enemies because they are competitors.  The Voice of America is competitive.  We have a rather specific area in which we need some guidance because it combines religious topics with our own operation.  The other broadcasting facilities, short wave, the one Brother Barker mentioned — Red Lion and the other in California, are operated for religious purposes only.  The time may come when they will be in a position, and that may be rather soon, of arguing our case under these new rules which will be coming forth to break this freeze.  They may wish us to work with them in opposing or fostering our side against the government’s side.  We are hesitant to do this.  We do not want to ally ourselves in this to the right wing.  We do not want to align ourselves with the people in California because we do not feel that they are representative.  We do not want to align ourselves with other religions without your guidance.

President McKay:  Be careful about joining with that man because he is not for us.  I would hesitate about joining with him in opposing the government.  I would favor the government wherever possible.

James Conkling:  They feel there would be strength if we do not ally ourselves with them.

President McKay:  You are right not to do it.

Robert Barker:  By this development recently the FCC are controlling broadcasting in the United States.  By this freeze they said they would not consider any applications for new stations or process any present applications until new rules governing broadcasting have been adopted.  We think, therefore, there will be new rules.  The broadcasting magazine had an article on this and they talked about the Red Lion and Reverend McIntyre and his program and tied it up with this freeze and they said this might be an effort of the Voice of America and the government to use so many frequencies as to put private broadcasting out of business and make it all public broadcasting.  We were concerned about this and we checked our contacts and considered the law and are quite reassured that the existing facilities will not be affected adversely.  There is a feeling on the part of the government that they would like to have more control over international broadcasting and they feel there should be some control of international broadcasting.  We must maintain our own protection and make sure that we are not limited or restricted and yet work with the government and see that their controls are respected and that proper broadcasting is carried on.  This is a delicate situation.  Senator Cannon from Nevada, a member of our Church, made inquiry for us of the FCC and got a good reassurance on certain areas that probably there would be no limiting of what we now have.  We have their assurance.

President McKay:  I believe we can win the favor of the government on our side.  I believe they look upon us with favor.

James Conkling:  Yes, I think we should make clear that we are trying to be cooperative.

Arch Madsen:  I think Ralf and Jim have taken program steps to improve this tremendously.

Ralf Brent:  There are many points in which we are already cooperating with the government to prove that there are things we can do with the government which the government cannot do.  The government broadcasting system cannot buy advertising to permit itself to operate in other areas of the world.  We have advertising in the New York Times, Paris edition, which promotes our programs and the British programs to get the listener to tune in to the various programs.  We offer them programs which we secured which they might not have.  We help them to cover events in New York City.  I think it will be appreciated by the government.  I think what will happen is that we will be able to show that there are things that a private station can do which the government cannot do.  We should point out to them that there are official government pronouncements of which they are more competent to speak on than we are.

President McKay:  I think we are very fortunate to have you three men at the head of WRUL and I want to express our appreciation to you.

Lawrence McKay:  What about this German station in West Berlin? 

Ralf Brent:  The Munich station.  I think it was not short wave but medium wave.

James Conkling:  When we talk about privately owned short wave licenses by the government we are talking of this country because it is the only place where the government licenses private short waves.  If an American wants to, he can go abroad and put up a transmitter in Brazil and our own government has no control over that.  There are various private stations American-owned in other countries of the world.

President McKay:  I am not just clear what our relationship is to the Voice of America.

James Conkling:  Our existence is controlled by FCC and before FCC acts on an international license they will ask the Voice of America for its opinion so it will pass upon rulings which will affect us.  Voice of America has a strong hand in what they do.  There are laws to protect us but we want to do it with cooperation rather than to invoke the law.  We feel we will be better off.

If it comes to a point where Voice of America will try to control us through their power, we may have to go to the law to protect us.  If the Voice of America took the position that they are a government operation and we are a private operation and that they would have power to control us, then we would have to act.

Lawrence McKay:  Do you have reference to taking over some of their facilities.

Ralf Brent:  Taking over some of their facilities and taking over how far they reach.

James Conkling:  The Voice of America have thirty-five language transmitters all over the world.

Ralf Brent:  Four of us, Bob, Jim, Arch and I, believe it will not come to a fight.  We believe we will get along with the government.  We will continue to exist and to expand and to carry out the mission of this Church and the private enterprise system of the United States.  We are trying to say that there is a possibility that if the government took an attitude that it wanted to be alone in this field I think it could not successfully defend.  We do not think it will happen.

Robert Barker:  A few of the personnel of the Voice of America would like to use all of these international short wave broadcasting frequencies for government programs but there are laws against this and Congress is against this and the policy of the commission is not to take away a license once it is granted.  We have been very alert to their position to be sure we protect our position and to be sure of maintaining their good will and of course see that they will be in favor of us.

President McKay:  It is quite necessary that we keep our independence.

Ralf Brent:  But I think we still need to cooperate with them.  During the Cuban crisis we cooperated completely with the government and received a citation from the government.

James Conkling:  Our taking over facilities which the Voice of America thinks is for our own benefit and which they are not likely to use will be an advantage to Voice of America as these facilities will be maintained in working shape so if there were a great national emergency they would be able to commandeer the facilities and have the added facilities.  They have facilities we could use on the other end and they will be available in the event of a national emergency so they could have them.

Robert Barker:  Voice of America has built a big facility in Greenville, North Carolina.  They will discontinue the Long Island operation.  They said they will give a gift to the Church of these facilities and we have to put in a tower and take them over because they now become surplus to Voice of America.

James Conkling:  And it would considerably improve our present facilities.  I think that kind of summarizes our present position.

President McKay:  I would just like to say that the responsibility for conduct of WRUL is in the hands of this committee here and you are answerable to nobody else but the First Presidency, and the bills you have sent to us.

Ralf Brent:  I have visited your Deseret News present plant and received a gift of a very wonderful book.  I wonder if you would sign it for me as a souvenir.  It is a beautiful plant.  I am amazed at the facilities.

President McKay signed the book.  It is a wonderful plant.  It is one of the best.

Ralf Brent:  Before you bought WRUL I had a great pride in it.  I have a greater pride now that the station is in your hands.

Robert Barker:  You are talking about the uses of spare time and Lawrence McKay said there is not much spare time for active people in the Church.

James Conkling:  There is one thing we might do and that is we extend to you an invitation when you are in New York to visit our station.  We think you will find our station interesting.  The studio operation is in New York.

Ralf Brent:  We are right next door to where the new building will be built.  The west wall of the radio station is the east wall of the new building.

President McKay:  We appreciate very much what you are doing.  I think it is providential.  It is in your hands.  Keep close to us.

Minutes by A. Hamer Reiser” 

Fri., 7 June 1963:

“7:30 a.m.

Held a meeting with Elder Richard L. Evans and Brother Arch L. Madsen of KSL and talked over matters pertaining to broadcasts of the sessions of General Conferences of the Church and expenses involved therein.

8:00 to 8:40 a.m.

Following the departure of Elder Evans, Brother Madsen remained for further conversation regarding his duties at KSL.  Brought up the matter of giving equal rights to all persons who request free public time on KSL.  Mentioned in particular requests that come from members of the John Birch Society.  Later, in the meeting of the First Presidency, I spoke to President Henry D. Moyle, who had instructed Arch Madsen not to give any time on KSL to any member or guest of the John Birch Society, that we must be careful and give equal rights to all in order that both sides of any question may be presented to the people.

8:40 to 10:00 a.m.

Meetings of the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric were held.  Among important matters discussed were the following:

Publicity Committee – Membership

The membership of the Publicity Committee was considered in view of the observation that Elder Richard L. Evans seems to be working alone since Elder Mark E. Petersen left.  From the list of committees brought into the meeting by my secretary, Clare Middlemiss, I read as the membership of the Publicity Committee Elders Richard L. Evans, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nathan Eldon Tanner, and Alvin R. Dyer.  I said that I shall call these brethren, and tell them that we should like them to meet together and to report to us.  Brother Evans this morning had brought to me some bills of this Committee and of KSL.  I said that I had met with Brother Evans and Brother Madsen this morning at 7:30.  Brother Madsen did not know why he had been called, he has not been invited to meet with the Publicity Committee.  KSL, through Radio and Television, is one of our media of receiving publicity.  Every night after 1:00 o’clock, KSL reaches the people in the Pacific area, and now we have other means of reaching millions in New York City.  President Moyle and President Brown concurred in the decision that this Committee be called together and informed that the First Presidency would like them to function.  I said we shall call them together and have then here at 8:30 Tuesday morning so we shall all understand.

Missionary Work – Better Utilization of Short Waves

I commented upon the need for missionaries to received instructions and Mission Presidents to be fully informed about utilization of shortwave, and referred to the proposal of Brother James Conkling of IEBC that missionaries and Mission Presidents be informed and trained in the use of short wave.  President Moyle said the Missionary Committee has approved this.  I stated that the Mission Presidents need instruction about the advantages of a new system and the possibilities of the use of short wave.  President Brown said that verbal instructions should be supplemented by instructions in writing.

I said also that I had asked Brother Arch Madsen to confer with Brother Lorin Richards of the Mission Home and to tell him that I had asked him (Brother Richards) to arrange for a fifty-minute presentation on short-wave to missionaries, and also to arrange for instructing Mission Presidents about this important facility.  President Moyle commented upon the advisability of each Mission President being personally informed directly of the use of short-wave opportunities in his Mission rather than to learn of it from missionaries coming into the Mission who have had this short instruction to be given in the mission home, and I said we shall notify Brother Kimball also.

Tues., 11 June 1963:

8:35 to 10:00 a.m.

Church Publicity Committee Meeting with First Presidency

Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency.  We first met by appointment Elders Gordon B. Hinckley, Nathan Eldon Tanner, Alvin R. Dyer, and Arch L. Madsen.  I inquired as to the whereabouts of Elder Richard L. Evans.  Report was made that he is out of the city today.

I asked if this is the first meeting of the Publicity Committee, and Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said that he has attended a meeting last week, and that an earlier meeting was held when he was away about a month ago, minutes of which he had seen.

I said we should like to add Brother Arch L. Madsen to the committee, which was unanimously approved.  Brother Hinckley said that at the meeting the other day the committee discussed the need for doing something in the field of television.  He expressed the opinion that the use of radio by the committee could be increased.  He said that radio programs are still handled in his office but he thinks this should be turned over to the committee.  I said:  ‘To Brother Madsen?’ and Brother Hinckley said, ‘I think so.’  He expressed appreciation for the good service which has been rendered by KSL and Brother Madsen’s staff as he has had opportunity to observe their work through the years.  He said he had nothing but highest commendation for their work.  He said he hoped he is going forward with this committee’s functioning, and that there will be no disposition to tie his hands or to channel this rigidly in a way which would slow down the work.  He needs freedom of action if he is to do this in an effective manner.

I exhibited a chart indicating increase of radio use and putting programs of the Church before the people.  I asked Brother Madsen to repeat to the committee and to the First Presidency what he had given to me earlier this morning.

Brother Madsen said that in arranging television services for the Church in distant places, situations had been encountered in which help is needed.  When arranging television time on local stations some local help proves to be invaluable.  As an example he cited the occasion when time on the San Antonio, Texas station was sought and the request was made of a man who was a former member of NBC staff whom Brother Madsen knows.  The man later expressed appreciation for sending Roland Bremer to him to assist in setting up the program and the time.  The station executive said Roland Bremer is one of the highly respected men of the community whom everyone admires.  He is a member of the City Council and the television station is delighted to do anything Roland Bremer asks.  Brother Madsen explained that this is indicative of the help local brethren of influence in communities all over the country can be to the Publicity Committee through such contacts as this with radio, television, newspaper, and other local channels of publicity which the Church can use.  This helps greatly to build audiences for the programs and to get reactions from the areas as to how we can better serve from radio and television standpoint.  ‘For that reason I would suggest that some type of arrangement be established to formalize what is being done.’

He said areas have been found in New Hampshire where local authorities appointed a young man who has obtained a great deal of newspaper space for advertising these things about the Church.  There are other instances of local competent effective service which should be centralized under the direction of this committee now.  He referred to many other instances where talented, experienced, brethren of the Church in local areas have rendered service and are willing to continue to do so to utilize their talents, connections, and experience under the central committee will be a great advantage to the Church.  He referred to a young man member of the Church in Chicago now executive secretary of Merritt and Daley’s committee on cultural and civic betterment who has access to every person of importance in Chicago and who is working constantly with that type of public relations men who can make the most of opportunities for the Church in newspaper, radio and television, and in keeping good will and supplying people in these areas contantly with information.

I commented upon the present use of which newspaper men made of their connections with the Deseret News on the Church Publicity Committee, and referred also to Brother Theodore Cannons’ bringing in visitors frequently to the President’s office, appoints for which he makes through Sister Middlemiss.  Brother Madsen explained that he did not have in mind one individual service which can be coordinated with the work of the committee but would include coordination of all facilities, equipment, and staff of other agencies serving the Church in the interest of publicity, such as the Brigham Young University motion picture productions facilities which can be used in television work.  President Brown referred to the Westinghouse program series and Brother Madsen said, ‘yes, like that.’  I said we should like to know what you are doing in New York.  Brother Hinckley said, ‘We have this organization — about as follows:  This committee of which Brother Evans is chairman, and then we have been working under the direction of this committee, the Church Information Office of which Brother Theodore Cannon is the contact or leg man, that is about the way to describe it.  He has three or four people with him — Brother Kenneth Bennion, Loring Rytting, and a lady employed in the office of the Church Information Service.  Brother Rytting is Ted Cannons’ lieutenant.  They work very closely, in fact directly under the direction of the David Evans Advertising Agency.  I think they are on the payroll of the Evans Agency.  The Evans Agency does most of the planning.  David Evans does much of the executive work.’  The question was asked if Ted Cannon is on David Evan’s payroll and the answer was ‘I am not sure, but I am inclined to think he is.’  I asked if other members of the committee know.  Brother Tanner said he did not; he has attended only two meetings of the committee.

Brother Hinckley explained that Elder Mark E. Petersen set up this organization.  Brother Petersen and Brother Evans were the committee.  They had done a good deal of work, the details of which Brother Hinckley said he did not know.  The present committee has had two meetings.  Brother Hinckley has attended one of them, but a great deal of work has been done.  I asked ‘By whom?’

Brother Hinckley said by Earl Minderman, who is a representative of the Robert Mullen Public Relations Agency in Washington, D.C.  Mr. Minderman is their contact man in New York who works out of the Mullen organization.  He is contact man for the David Evans Agency and makes their contacts in New York and arranges interviews.  When the ground breaking at the World’s Fair took place for the exhibit building, Mr. Minderman made the arrangements and arranged some contacts with newspaper writers and some of the radio contacts.  I inquired as to who paid him.  Brother Hinckley said he did not know; that he was speaking on the basis of what little he knows; that Brother Evans should be here to answer these questions.  He expressed the opinion that Mr. Minderman is on a kind of retainer with the Evans Agency.  Brother Dyer said that was the report in the first meeting.  Mr. Minderman is paid for special expenses when involved in special assignments.  The payment comes out of the budget.

Brother Hinckley explained that there are two ideas:  One, that we should have a strong central agency through which everything should be funnelled out to wherever it goes, and the other is that we should have a contact in California, an agency or bureau in New York, in Washington, in Denver, and in Seattle, which will work without compensation and through whom all this information and news can be placed.  He said we had a meeting some months ago called under the direction of Brother Madsen at my request in which we had two philosophies rather strongly presented.  Brother Hinckley said he thinks that the two can be reconciled very effectively; that we need a central bureau; that we need some original representatives; and that they need some freedom of action in which to work within their own spheres and to call upon the central organization for help.

Brother Dyer asked if this agency needs some professional assistant like Earl Minderman.  Brother Hinckley said he thought under some circumstances these men are invaluable.

Brother Madsen said we have information about men of the church all over the country who are actively engaged in publicity and public relations now for the Church.

Brother Hinckley said he thought we should use any men we have all over the country according to the strength and contacts and according to our needs for local contacts arising and according to their willingness to serve.

I said we should like you brethren to meet as soon as you can and bring in a recommendation to the Presidency about the functioning of this Publicity Committee because it is very important, and we should like to have these recommendations before us when we give instructions.

Brother Hinckley said as soon as Brother Evans gets back they would be pleased to discuss this with him and get a report to the Presidency.

I named the committee as it now stands; viz.  Elder Richard L. Evans, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nathan Eldon Tanner, Alvin R. Dyer, and Arch L. Madsen.

President Brown inquired about another committee which Brother Madsen asked permission to call.  Brother Madsen explained that this was an ad hoc committee, a one-time group which met at conference time and gave information.  It included President Anderson of the California Mission, President Madsen of the New England Mission, who made wonderful suggestions.  This committee would not have been called and will not be called again without permission of the brethren.  They came to counsel and to bring their reactions.  President Tanner said ‘For one occasion.’

Brother Hinckley said we have some agencies in the Church which we have not used effectively, the Deseret News, Metropolitan Newspaper, with its plan as fine as any in the United States.  We have KSL with its great facilities, a 50,000 clear channel station, and Brother Madsen with his wonderful contacts all over the country.  We have a big investment at the Brigham Young University motion picture department where we can produce anything we want to produce with some outside facilities.  There are scores of men all over the country who are professionally engaged at present, but there is no real coordination.  I said that we want to make this committee responsible for these matters.  President Moyle said they have the short-wave station and the Seattle station.  Brother Hinckley said they have opportunities unlimited; that a great deal has been done, but they have only scratched the surface.  I asked them to accept the assignment and to bring back their recommendations.

Sat., 10 Aug. 1963:

“In Huntsville

Newspaper account of the purchase by the Church of one of the most powerful short-wave facilities in the world reaching 99 countries — is the beginning of the fulfillment of the Prophet Joseph’s prophecy in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section One:  ‘For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated, etc.’  (see following newspaper articles)”

Tues., 8 Oct. 1963:

“7:30 a.m.

Radio and Television Stations in England and Paraguay

Met by appointment Elder Arch L. Madsen, President of KSL, who was accompanied by Elder William Bates, President of the Manchester Stake, England, regarding acquiring a television station in England.  (Later, Brother Madsen learned that it would cost millions of dollars to acquire a station in England, so no steps were taken in this direction.)

Elder Madsen also presented the proposal which has been made to him through a letter from Robert Wells, Manager of the First National City Bank of New York in Assuncion, Paraguay, a former missionary for the Church of Uruguay.  Brother Wells reported that he had learned from business connections in that country that there is an opportunity to purchase both a standard radio broadcasting transmitter of five kilowatt power on 1430 kilocycles serving the City of Assuncion and surrounding communities, and a short-wave transmitter owned by the same station.  He said the installation is old and will need some better equipment as time goes on.  The entire facility can be purchased for $30,000 or less.  To obtain license in Latin American Countries requires some careful action and especially to get a short-wave channel.  A member of the staff of WRUL who is a specialist in Latin American Broadcasting, and who will eventually spend his time there, says the location in Assuncion is ideal for building a central system for reaching ultimately every country in Latin America.  Paraguay at present is under a ‘benevolent’ dictator who can sometimes change arrangements, but Brother Wells indicates that the bank and he personally have excellent relations with the dictator.

I commented upon the methods used by the Catholics to thwart the missionaries, and Brother Madsen said that difficulties may arise, but Brother Wells has much influence, and is well received by many people in the community.  He gave Brother Madsen the impression that operation of the facility there could do much to alleviate the present difficulties which missionaries experience.

I asked Brother Madsen whether or not the station reaches into Argentina and he exhibited a map showing that it reaches into Argentina and also into Brazil; that the short-wave facility has greater range than the standard broadcasting, and that by a system of relaying the programs of WRUL these can be sent through such a station to the countries in South America.

I asked Brother Madsen to review this matter at the meeting of the First Presidency, which he did.  After a further discussion, I said to Brother Madsen, ‘You evidently recommend it’, to which he replied in the affirmative.  President Brown expressed concurrence and President Tanner said the expenditure is small compared to the advantage.

I then said, ‘Go ahead; we know our position, but this is a substantial step.  No publicity must be given to this project at present.’  (see Brother Madsen’s signed notes following regarding these conferences.)

Tues., 5 Nov. 1963:

Tuesday, November 5, 1963

Minutes of the meeting of the First Presidency

Held Tuesday, November 5, 1963, at 7:30 A.M.

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown and N. Eldon Tanner.

Enlargement of IEBC and WRUL Facilities and Organization of Holding Company

By appointment Arch Madsen, James B. Conkling, Robert Barker and Ernest L. Wilkinson came into the meeting to report on the operations of the International Broadcasting Company and short wave station WRUL and to present a proposal for enlarging the short wave station WRUL to increase its efficiency to serve the purpose for which it was acquired and to present also a proposal for combining of the Church’s radio and television stations and interests into a business unit which would operate more efficiently and economically and better serve the general purpose of the Church’s being in this field.

James B. Conkling, president of WRUL, ran a tape upon which he had recorded a short excerpt taken from a short wave broadcast of the Voice of Moscow to illustrate the kind of international competition American stations have to meet.  He also demonstrated a Russian jamming tactic by which American and other stations are prevented from getting their messages to Russian receiving sets as well as sets on the band of the Russian receivers.

Arch Madsen explained that Brother Barker, a member of the Wilkinson and Barker firm of attorneys in Washington, D.C., and Brother Wilkinson are here; Brother Barker to explain the legal proposal later and Brother Wilkinson as his firm has represented KSL in Washington for a long time.

An outline of charts forming a basis for the presentation this morning was submitted in duplicated form to President McKay constituting the detail of this presentation.  This can be referred to for the exact detail presented.

Brother Madsen reviewed the principal short wave broadcasts today, including Voice of America, Voice of Moscow, BBC, Radio Peiping, Radio Havannah, the Vatican, Radio Free Europe, WRUL, and two other smaller stations representing the only private U.S. citizens engaged in short wave broadcasting in the world today.

He reported briefly on the reception of the conference programs in European, South American and Latin American stations.

He explained that the scope of the license received from the Federal Communications Commission expressly stipulates that the short wave station shall render only international broadcast service which will reflect the culture of this country and will promote good will.

He said sometimes short wave reception is erratic and unsatisfactory as the conditions affecting the use of the frequencies vary.  These are affected by weather, atmospheric conditions, sun spots, and the quality and capacity of the receivers used in the foreign countries to pick up the signal.

When WRUL was first purchased instructions were given to obtain, if possible, a station in Florida and one in Guam.  Applications were filed for these two.  Word of a possible ‘freeze’ in the granting of international short wave broadcast licenses was circulating.  No time was lost getting WRUL in operation, and a few months later the ‘freeze’ was applied.  The licenses could no longer be acquired.  The license sought for Florida and for Guam are in this ‘freeze’ and may not ever be acted upon.

The freeze has made the license of WRUL for five international transmitters (four–50,000 watts each, and one a hundred thousand watts), and the antennae at Scituate out of Boston very valuable.  These transmitters represent five of the seven privately owned short wave stations in this country.  As long as the freeze is on that’s all there will be.

There are two privately owned stations, one the short wave station in Downey, California, and one at Redbank, Pennsylvania.  WRUL purchased 112 hours of program time per week that is extremely valuable.  One station in Geneva, Switzerland has 560 transmitter hours a week of international time.  Now it is extremely difficult to get time.  WRUL also purchased a New York office and included in the price were acquired a competent and experienced staff for engineering and programming in two languages and experienced management.  Thirty-five people of special training and experience in international broadcasting in this industry are included in this organization.  These are the ones who provide the 112 hours of time each week.

President Madsen quoted Rosell Hyde, chairman of FCC and a faithful member of the Church who said that WRUL call letters are worth thousands of dollars.  They are established and well-known throughout the world as a private, independent, non-government station which will be free from political propaganda.  This increases its acceptation in foreign countries.  WRUL is an internationally recognized factor.

Brother Madsen said when the purchase was made we knew we had some problems.  The property was old; the facilities were not modern but serviceable.  We knew new facilities would have to be acquired in time and a new location would have to be sought.  The one in Boston was crowded.  Homes are building around it.

Great strides have been taken in recent years in antennae construction.  Our present antennae to that degree obsolete.  The transmitters are old though serviceable.  We also knew we would face operational loss.  The effort has been to minimize this by selling advertising.  The station has sold nearly $300,000 worth of advertising.  The inadequate facilities we hope to correct.

Brother Madsen next reviewed what the management of WRUL has learned from its experience to this time; that international broadcasting is a very large field; that as a partner with the Voice of America to the people of the world we have a very great responsibility.  Explanation was made that the government personnel in the main are friendly to WRUL though some have selfish personal reasons and would feel more comfortable if the government station, Voice of America, had no competition at all and occupied the field alone, free from possible criticism from the private stations.  An adverse attitude by a private station, they fear, may be interpreted by foreign countries as evidence of possibility of revolt in this country and for that reason some of the government staff are uneasy about WRUL.  Some of the engineering staff would be more comfortable in the shortage of frequencies if there were no private stations taking frequencies the government could use.  The station however cooperates readily with the government.  The station has a great responsibility to maintain programs representative of the best the United States has to offer.

The services rendered by the station stir the imagination.  Experience gained in getting programs into Europe has been valuable.  Interference from weather, atmospheric conditions, sun spots, and the kind of power available, as well as older antennae have limited the results in Europe.  In this area correction is desirable so there will be greater constancy of short wave signal.

Privately owned short wave voice in foreign countries gets better acceptance than a government voice.  WRUL is believed because it is a private and not a government voice.  A chart was exhibited showing the comparative number of broadcast hours a week:  European communist countries, 1222; Russia, 1,072; Voice of America, 789; China, 732; Vatican, 200; WRUL 112.

Another chart was exhibited showing the network time purchased in foreign countries by churches, Lutheran, Baptist, International Council of Churches, the Voice of the Andes, Red Lion, Evangelist Mission, and back to the Bible organization, being some of them.

James B. Conkling said he wanted to be sure the position of WRUL is understood.  Operating in a freeze has advantages as well as disadvantages.  Operating on a year’s license is normal.  Some rules will be changed which may affect private broadcasting, but these will not be circumscribing because of the threat to freedom of the press.  In response to the question as to whether or not a license can be cancelled, explanation was made that theoretically that can be, but as long as there is nothing wrong the renewal of the license is usually automatic.  Rosell Hyde, regarded as the best radio and communications lawyer in the United States, said in the year he has been in the Commission the Commission did not move in to cancel existing facilities because of the grandfather rights, which would be continued.  We felt we could lock this up with the purchase of WRUL.

Brother Conkling explained that to put this in a business way WRUL must compete with the government voice, Voice of America, with BBC and others for the listener’s ear.  We need to give the listener the kind of program he wants.  We must compete with the area in the kind of signal he can hear.  To support the selling of advertising in a foreign country we must get a signal over the station to the foreign manager who wants to hear programs featuring the products of his company in a foreign country.  We must be able to deliver a good signal constantly with as little interference from various factors which can work against short wave.  Only by having our signal strong can we reduce and eliminate the factors which interfere.

There is always an interference factor from local stations, which from time to time illegally operate on our frequency.  This problem arose in Lisbon until it was eliminated.  We must have the kind of power that will compete.  We need a 250,000 watt transmitter for long distance, one hundred thousand watt transmitters for shorter distances.  We need to build a completely new type of antennae, one which is referred to as a ‘curtain’ type.  We need to move our location.  The one at Scituate is on 22 acres.  For Guam and Florida the engineers recommended 200 acres.  It would be wise to buy land which is cheap and removed from encroachment by airports or homes.  It can be inexpensive or otherwise marginal land.

To reach the people of the Church in foreign lands the right kind of adequate receiver must be used.  The First Presidency has authorized expenditure for this.  We are slow getting to that because we want to be sure to get the best equipment in view of all the circumstances and needs.

Ten missions have been supplied with equipment.  This has not been pushed until the most satisfactory practical type can be secured.

Arch Madsen reported that good reception gets to Switzerland and Basel and Geneva because they have good receiving equipment.  In Great Britain, with the exception of one man, the reception has not been satisfactory.  It is good in the Caribbean area and in Central America.  Distances are not so great.

Brother Conkling explained the plan for selling programs to already established networks in Latin America, the short wave programs being beamed to these existing stations and reproduced to their listeners.  By this means the station WRUL will earn a percentage of the advertising money the stations of the network receives.  These programs will be sent to a Latin American network in the language of the country.

He presented two plans for investment in enlarged and more modern equipment facilities for WRUL; one a short term type of investment and the other a longer term.  The first plan included a bare minimum plan to include five transmitters, two 100,000 watts; one 250,000 watts, and two 50,000 watts; the 250,000 watt being needed to compete with the European and other foreign stations; 100,000 being useful in two areas, in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and the combining of 200,000 watts to be beamed deeper into South America.

Now WRUL has four 50,000 watt transmitters and one 80,000 watt.  Two years ago these were considered very powerful.  The Voice of America a year ago had nothing over 50,000 watts.  Now it has nothing under 250,000 watts.  It has a 250,000 watt station on Okinawa.  In the minimum plan two six microcycle rhombas for Mexico and South America, and a modified curtain antennae for Africa, was included.  Transmitter building, test equipment and miscellaneous and microwave link were also included.  The cost of plan one would mean an investment of $1,775,000.  It comes exactly to the figure of the value of the present equipment.

The second plan proposes two 250,000 watt and three 100,000 watt transmitters.  In emergency it is possible to put two 250,000 watt transmitters together and have power for 500,000 watt signal.

The antennae to reach the major European curtain and one for a major Latin American curtain.  The curtains focus multiples the power delivered on the transmitter ten times.  This plan also included six megacycle rhombic for Latin America and two special Brazilian curtains and a modified curtain for Africa.  The transmitter building, test equipment, transmission lines, switchers and miscellaneous items such as a microwave link for automation cost $2,385,000.  He also explained that this amount would not be needed at once.  The timing would be July 1, 1964 for $600,000 and by the first of next year 1965 $1,200,000, and by July following $600,000.  He also reviewed the operational timetable of WRUL for the year 1963.  The 1962 accumulated loss was $440,000.  This year before depreciation the loss will be $419,000.  With depreciation this would be $575,000.

Projecting the operation for 1964 a loss of $400,000 is estimated before depreciation.  He reviewed usual items of cost of programming, general laboratory expense, office expense, including secretaries and travel, taxes, legal fees if the plans proposed are undertaken.  There will be expensive engineering fees as well.  He forecast that by 1966 the operation can be nearer within income.  It is possible to cover some of this expense by increasing advertising sales.  President McKay asked if there is any possibility that WRUL will pay its way.  Brother Conkling said ‘I do not think it will be a money maker.  Ultimately I think it could break even.  I don’t look at it as a money maker.’

Arch Madsen exhibited maps of North and South America with overlaid color portions to represent countries within the scope of the operations of WRUL and briefly reviewed plans for reaching these countries using the short wave beam broadcast from WRUL and utilizing the local stations which will receive these signals.

He presented a brief report on the prospective earnings in 1963 of KSL and KIRO before taxes.

He then asked Robert Barker to explain the plan for the organization of a holding company to combine ownership of all the Church’s radio stations and interests into one for the purpose of improving the business operations, including accounting, purchasing, control, as well as permitting the use of strong operations to help the weak with engineering advice and counseling and to give a tax advantage.  He exhibited a chart showing the percentage of the Church’s stock ownership in stations KSL, KIRO, IEBC, WRUL, Wasatch Radio and Television Company, KID, Idaho Falls, Boise KBOI.

Robert Barker explained that the parent company would be the new holding company.  To qualify KSL for participating it would be necessary for the Church to acquire 80% of that stock or 12% more.

To qualify the corporation for the benefit of tax absorption, the stock held by the corporation of the president should be transferred to the management holding company and that with the other stock ownership to be in the management company.  There being a business reason to be served by this combination the combined company would qualify for the absorption for the losses of some of the companies included with it.  This must always be considered from the business point of view.  There must be a business operation to tie this together.  The coordinated management will work to the advantage of all stations through combining purchases of films for television programs, sales, engineering, legal and accounting expense, and other group operations.

An organization chart for carrying out this combination and keeping it working on a day to day basis was exhibited and explained.  The First Presidency is traditionally been on the board of these corporations.  This combined company would have to be under a board of directors other than the First Presidency but nevertheless responsible to the owners, the First Presidency.  The chart made provision for representation of all corporations which would maintain their own directors and work under the direction of the board of the holding company.  He mentioned advantages of each corporation having access to some central information and counsel through combining program facilities and resources.

Brother Barker explained the advantage of maintaining separate boards of local businessmen to identify the corporation with the community as stressed by President Moyle.  President McKay expressed concurrence in this suggestion.

He mentioned the importance of the board being controlled and directed by a chief executive who would be the eyes and the ears for the separate operations.   There would be top control supervision for the 100% stock ownership and for sufficient business reasons consolidating these for tax purposes to cover the losses of some with the profits of others.  The 100% stock ownership would be in the Corporation of the President.  The First Presidency can get information from periodical meetings and from reports to be submitted.  The Corporation of the President is the ultimate 100% owner, that would give the Church control.

Robert Barker stressed the importance of right timing to recuperate the losses of WRUL by action without delay.  This combination requires the approval of FCC.  The transfer of ownership from the Corporation of the President to the new corporation must take place.  It will be necessary also to acquire 12% more KSL stock now in the hands of the minority stockholders.

To give WRUL for its loss the benefit of the profits of KSL and KIRO action must be taken.

President McKay asked if the committee is prepared to suggest names of men to serve as directors of the holding company.  The following were suggested:  Theodore Peterson, recently retired chairman of the board of Standard Oil Company, California; Samuel Carpenter, for many years with the Federal Reserve Board; David M. Kennedy, chairman of Continental National Bank of Chicago; William F. Edwards, investment analyst.

Robert Barker explained also that time is important since KIRO has a rather substantial accumulated surplus and they are likely to run into the tax problem of an accumulated surplus.

President McKay said he thought we were ready to go ahead with it, and that we would expect these brethren to give some recommendations when their plan is presented and the Church would furnish the money.

The committee withdrew from the meeting at 9:50.

Monday, November 18, 1963

November 12, 1963

The First Presidency

The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints

47 East South Temple Street

Salt Lake City, Utah

Re: Holding-Management Company for Church Owned

Broadcast Properties

Dear Brethren:

In accordance with the request given us on Tuesday, November 5, President Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brothers Arch L. Madsen and James B. Conkling and I have met to agree upon recommendations to you for the position of President or chief executive officer of the new corporation and members of the Board of Directors.  I have been asked to write this letter embodying our recommendations, which are unanimous.

President and Chief Executive Officer

We have agreed that the President and chief executive officer of the new corporation should be an experienced broadcaster.  This broadcaster should also have a strong testimony and understanding of the role of the Church and a way that the communications media may be effectively used to help it accomplish its role.  For this position we recommend Brother Arch L. Madsen, who is now President of KSL, Inc., Wasatch Radio and Television Company and Secretary and Director of International Educational Broadcasting Corporation.

Areas of Corporate Interest to be Represented on Board

Before considering individuals who might be requested to serve on the Board, we considered the basic areas of corporate activity or interest which should be represented by directors.  As a result, we came to the conclusion that the following areas should be represented:

1.  Financial and investment.

2.  Sales.

3.  Government and regulatory procedures (one person from each

    major political party to be represented).

4.  Broadcasting.

5.  Engineering (particularly someone who would understand 

    communications engineering problems).

6.  Education.

7.  Foreign business and operations.

8.  Operational directors (2).

It was our view that one director should be selected from each of the above-mentioned fields except that two directors should be chosen in the area of government and two representing the two major operational efforts of the new organization.

Individuals Recommended

Under each of the above-mentioned headings I will discuss the individual whom we recommend together with a synopsis of his background.  In some instances, we will suggest alternates.

1.  Financial and investment.

William F. Edwards.  He is Executive Vice President and Director of the First Security Investment Company, Salt Lake City, President and Director of Financial Industrial Income Fund and Financial Investment Fund, and otherwise connected with the First Security Corporation.  It is President Wilkinson’s understanding that he is the second highest paid man in the First Security Corporation organization.

Brother Edwards was the managing partner of three investment trusts on Wall Street in New York City at a salary of around $70,000.00 a year, when he resigned at President Wilkinson’s request to accept a position as Dean of the College of Business at the Brigham Young University, at a salary of about $7,000.00.  Subsequently, he served the First Presidency as a financial advisor.  Thereafter he made his present association with the First Security Investment Corporation and related investment funds.

Brother Edwards is currently serving as a member of the High Council of the Monument Park Stake.  He is 57 years old.

2.  Sales.

Theodore Scarborough Petersen.  Brother Petersen retired a year or two ago as President of Standard Oil Company of California.  He resides in the San Francisco area.

Having been born in Logan, Utah, Brother Petersen began his business career as a salesman to service stations, in connection with Standard Oil Company of California.  He successively held various positions of responsibility within the Standard Oil Company organization, primarily dealing with marketing and sales, successively becoming General Manager of Sales, Director and Vice President of Standard Oil and finally President.  He has an outstanding professional reputation, is a director of a number of prominent corporations and has served as a consulting professor of marketing in the graduate school of Stanford University for a number of years.  We understand that he is semi-active in the Church.  He is 67 years old.

As an alternate for Brother Peterson, we suggest President Roy W. Oscarson of the St. Louis Stake.  He is now Executive Vice President and a Director of Edison Brothers Shoe Stores of St. Louis, the leading manufacturer and distributor of shoes.  This firm has retail stores in 500 to 600 cities in the United States.  He has broad experience in sales and has served as General Sales Manager of this large shoe firm.

President Oscarson was born and reared in Utah and is now 54 years of age.

3.  Government.

David M. Kennedy.  He has a long experience in banking and is now Chairman of the Board of Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago.  He is also a Director of the Satellite Corporation.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of a number of important corporations.  He served in Washington for a considerable period of time with the Federal Reserve Board.  He is a Republican and served for many years in numerous important Church positions, including the Presidency of the Chicago Stake.  He is 58 years of age.

In addition to Brother Kennedy, we recommend Brother Eugene H. Merrill.  He is Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army with particular responsibility for installations.  He was born and reared in Salt Lake City, the son of Brother Joseph F. Merrill.  He has an engineering background and has served in government in a number of engineering positions.  For a short period, he was a member of the Federal Communications Commission and has served in Europe as head of the communications of the military government in Europe and the United States High Commissioner for Germany.  He has always been active in Democratic politics.  He and his wife are faithful members of the Church, residing in Washington, D.C.  He is 55 years of age.

4.  Broadcasting.

G. Stanley McAllister.  President McAllister is President of the New York Stake.  He is Vice President of Associated Dry Goods Corporation of New York City.  This is a holding company for department stores including Lord and Taylor (mainly in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the metropolitan areas in those locations).

In addition to having an excellent Church and business background, Brother McAllister served for a number of years as a Vice President of Columbia Broadcasting System, in charge of production facilities and equipment – other than engineering equipment.  He is in his early 50’s.

As an alternate to President McAllister, we suggest Brother James Lavenstein.  He is Administrative Manager of Network Programs, Columbia Broadcasting System Television, New York City.

He is a young man of Jewish extraction.  He is a fairly recent convert to the Church in his mid-30’s.

5.  Engineering.

James Chipman Fletcher.  Brother Fletcher is the son of Harvey Fletcher.  He obtained Ph.D. degree from California Institute of Technology after attending Brigham Young University and Columbia University.  He is the Vice President of Aerojet Corporation and Chairman of the Board of its subsidiary, Space General Corporation.  He founded this latter corporation which deals with space electronics problems and three years ago it was acquired by Aerojet.  He serves on a number of committees dealing with arms control with the Department of Defense and has considerable to do with the new Communications Satellite Corporation.  He spends approximately one-third of his time in Washington, D.C.; the balance of his time with Aerojet and Space General.  He is a young man approximately 40 years of age.

As an alternate for Brother Fletcher in the field of engineering and physics, we suggest Howard S. Bennion of Salt Lake City.  As you know, he is now retired, serving as Patriarch of the Monument Park Stake.  Formally he was President of the New York Stake.  He graduated at the head of his class from the Military Academy at West Point and later became connected with the Edison Institute as its Managing Director.  This institute is an electrical trade association.  President Bennion is in his late-60’s, I believe.

6.  Education.

Brother Conkling has suggested that it is desirable that there be an educator on the Board.  He has also pointed out that in the programming activities, especially in the foreign operations of IEBC, it may be desirable to rely heavily upon the Brigham Young University for assistance in programming operations.  For this reason and also because of his long association with the Church broadcasting activities in the legal field, we recommend President Ernest L. Wilkinson.

7.  Foreign Business.

Two individuals who have broad experience in foreign business activities and some interest in radio and television, as well as other communications, are recommended by us.

William Bates.  He is President of the Stake in Manchester, England.  We understand he is a millionaire and at the present time is contemplating organizing a radio and television installation in Great Britain.  In a recent visit to the United States he had extensive conversations with Brother Madsen about broadcasting and has sent considerable material to him relating to his interest in broadcasting activities in the British Isles.

Peter Grimm.  While a nonmember, he is married to a member of our Church and is  interested in its welfare.  He and his wife reside at least part of the time on their 1,100 acre ranch near Tooele, Utah.  Mr. Grimm is semi-retired and is a multimillionaire with vast holdings in the Pacific.

He was a Colonel on the staff of General MacArthur in charge of communications and transportation in the Pacific.  He owned the first television station in Manila.

In addition to his holdings in Tooele, Mr. Grimm has a large 4,000 square mile ranch in Australia and a smaller 160 square mile in that country.  He is interested in ship years in the Philippines, pearl fisheries in the Pacific, he is engaged in an insurance company in Salt Lake City, he is engaged in oil development and drilling in Duchesne County in Utah.  He has offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok and Saigon.  He is interested in ten tankers which transport molasses in the Pacific area.  He also owns a newspaper in Australia.  He is in his late-60’s.

A story is told about him that upon the withdrawal from Indonesia by the Dutch he purchased one-half interest in the Dutch holdings.  The other half was purchased by the British Government and eventually he is reputed to have purchased the British interest.  President Wilkinson has had some detailed dealings with Mr. Grimm and recommends him highly.

8.  Operational Directors.

We recommend Arch L. Madsen as an operational director for the traditional radio and television operations of the corporation.  This would fit in with his assignment as President and chief executive officer.

We recommend Brother James B. Conkling as a operational director in charge of foreign operations.  Since he heads up the operation of IEBC and the foreign shortwave operations, he would bring to the Board the operational phase of this work as well as his broad experience as a Vice President and Director of Columbia Broadcasting System, President of Columbia Records and President of Warner Brother Records.

Chairman of the Board

While it may be that the First President would want to select the Chairman of the Board or to direct that the Directors select their own Chairman, it has occurred to us that Brother William F. Edwards is strategically located in Salt Lake City, is generally acquainted with the activities of the Church in the broadcasting field and is well-acquainted with most of the personnel involved.  Should the First Presidency decide to designate the Chairman of the Board, he would be admirably suited to the assignment.

Future Members of Board

Two prominent members of the Church would be excellent Directors, but because of present positions are not now eligible.  It is suggested that at a later date, when they retire from present positions, they be considered for the Board.  They are:

Honorable Rosel H. Hyde.  Brother Hyde is a member and former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.  While working his way through law school he started work at the Federal Radio Commission as a clerk.  He later became a lawyer and in time General Counsel of the FCC.  Later he was appointed a Commissioner in 1946 and has served continuously since that time as a Commissioner.  He is 63 years of age.  His present term will end in about four years.

John Quale Cannon.  Bishop Cannon (Westchester Ward) is Secretary of National Broadcasting Company and is Secretary-Treasurer of Radio Corporation of America.  He is a lawyer by training and had government experience before 1945 when he joined RCA.  He is 62 and ordinarily would retire in about three years.

Church Membership As Criterion

All of the persons mentioned above are members of the Church, except Peter Grimm.  It has been our thought that in general those to serve on this Board would be closely related to Church operations.  For this reason, it has occurred to us that membership in the Church should be an important criteria with respect to membership on the Board of Directors.  The only exception we have made is Mr. Peter Grimm.  However, because of his wife’s attitude toward the Church we feel this largely compensates for his not being a member.

We hope that these recommendations will be of assistance to you.  If we can be of any further assistance on this matter, please let us know.

We extend to each member of the Presidency our best wishes, love and support and pray that the Lord will continue to bless you in your heavy duties.

Faithfully yours,

Robert W. Barker

cc:  President Ernest L. Wilkinson

      Mr. James B. Conkling

      Mr. Arch L. Madsen”  

Tuesday, January 7, 1964

MEMORANDUM OF MEETING WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY WHICH WENT FROM 8:30 AM TO 10:05 AM, TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1964

I came to President McKay’s apartment by appointment and by invitation, which reached me through Sister Clare Middlemiss.

The first item we discussed concerned KSL’s leadership in assisting the residents of the State, specifically those around Beaver City, Utah, in the construction of a museum honoring the accomplishments of Mr. Philo Farnsworth, the foremost television inventor of our time.  President McKay felt that we should lead out and that we should utilize modest amounts of KSL’s resources in assisting in this project, which will result, we hope, in the construction of a building containing models of his remarkable inventions that made possible our great television system.  Mr. Farnsworth is reported to have made over 200 basic patents utilized in every television set manufactured, with hundreds of smaller patents involved.

A proposed chart of organization for all Church broadcasting was studied.

We discussed at length the possible changes we should make in manpower arrangements if the KIRO transfer is completed.  I informed President McKay that I felt it best to transfer Mr. Lloyd Cooney, present KSL-TV Vice President and General Manager, to KIRO as Executive Vice President in charge of the entire operations of both radio and television with specific duties as Television Manager.  I would serve as President of KIRO.

The President stated he felt that under the circumstances, I should plan to spend six months in the Seattle area with main attention focused on the KIRO operation.  However, he stated that he intended for me to remain as President of the Bonneville International Broadcasting Company, or the overall management coordination, financial control and holding company for all the Church broadcast operations.  I told the President that with the jet plane service and the telephone, it would be possible for me to keep in close touch with the KSL operation and, with his permission, I would retain the position of President of KSL and call upon my assistants to report directly to me on the radio and television station operations.  He also stated he wanted me to remain on the Board of Directors of the Deseret News, and a member of the Church Information Service.  I informed him that I felt we had talent within KSL-TV which could be developed to replace Mr. Cooney.

I them reported to the President regarding the highlights of our Board of Directors Conference of the WRUL operation held on November 22 and 23 in Palm Desert, California.  I told him that we would be meeting every three months and that I felt we had a remarkable Board of Directors and that they were dedicated in their service to him and the Church; I felt that Jim Conkling was moving along nicely with the operation but that much time would be required before our hoped for objectives for breaking even financially would be realized.

We then discussed at length the problems of creating and producing Church television and radio programs.  I informed the President of the amount of material currently being released over WRUL concerning the Church, and pointed out that with such a volume of programs being released, and with plans for many more, that we wholeheartedly recommended the establishment of a Church television and radio program department, which would report directly to the First Presidency.  I explained that I felt this department should be manned by top people who would be well paid, and who would have the confidence of the First Presidency in making certain that all of the material we release via radio, television and shortwave be truly representative of the Church.

Also, that this unit should take the initiative in the development of material to fill the many requirements that we now have pending, and others that will develop shortly.

I informed the President that we could pay for these services from the profits of our radio-television operations.  He told me he expected me to bring recommendations as to organization and personnel as quickly as possible, and to keep very close and in charge of this matter.  I, in turn, told him that I would be delighted to do so, but that as far as the materials and subject matters covered by these programs, the individual in charge should report only to the First Presidency.  I understood from our conversation that he agreed in this wholeheartedly.

We discussed the area of manpower development at KSL.  I told the President that I felt that Mr. Joseph Kjar had excellent potential as an overall executive, but that his experience in the television area was not broad enough for him to assume an overall KSL responsibility at this time.  I also expressed the hope that within the next year or two, that he could develop to a point where he would be of service to us in a broader area of broadcasting.

We next discussed the item of the Church acquiring 80% of the stock of KSL, Inc. to enable the company to come under a holding company type operation.  I reported to the President that we required 236 shares, and had available 241 shares without disturbing the ownership of Mr. Wallace and Mr. Felt.

I mentioned to the President that due to the increased earnings of KSL that the price of the KSL stock has increased substantially, and that we feel it only fitting and proper that the Church offer at the rate of $1,000 per share for the 241 shares which we feel are available.  The President asked about the funds required and I told him that we could use money already on hand, either advanced for the purchase of KIRO, or from the KIRO operation as soon as we have consolidated it with our overall company.  He approved our buying the 241 shares as soon as convenient.

We next reviewed the Latin-American situation where we have been invited to participate in minority stockholdings in broadcast properties.  I reviewed with the President the offer, of an outstanding company in Montevideo, Uruguay, inviting the Church to acquire approximately a 25%-30% interest in Sadret AM Radio and Saeta Television, and CXA-13 shortwave station.

I pointed out to the President that Radio Carve (Sadret AM Radio) in Montevideo has a power of 50,000 watts and reaches a potential audience of 16 million people:  12 million in Argentina; 3 million in Uruguay; and 1 million in Southern Brazil.

By map, I showed him the location of the radio sets — 3 million in Argentina; quarter of a million in Uruguay and approximately 500,000 in Southern Brazil.

CXA-13 shortwave radio covers an area where some 100 million people reside.  In this area there are over 7 million shortwave sets.  I pointed out that this would supplement and greatly enhance the work of WRUL in Latin-America.

Saeta Television, located in Montevideo, is the oldest television station in Uruguay.  It is seven years old.  The station reaches over 10 million potential viewers:  6 million in Argentina; 3 million in Uruguay; and 1 million in Southern Brazil.  According to best estimates, there are approximately 500,000 sets in Argentina; 60,000 sets in Uruguay and 2,000 sets available to the signal in Southern Brazil.  The situation in television is particularly significant since it reaches into Argentina and covers the City of Buenos Aires, as does the radio and television station.  The total number of television sets in reception area for this station are 562,000.

I pointed out to President McKay that this broadcasting company is the one which gave President Brown a one and one-half hour interview last year.  I also pointed out to him that the ownership is most friendly to the L.D.S. people and that President Tuttle had written to the First Presidency his own reactions regarding the possible acquisition and, also, reporting the high character of the station’s present ownership.  I pointed out to President McKay that Brother Tuttle reported in his letter that the facilities would not only be a real asset in the work of the Church, but would, also, be a good solid business investment.  I also told him that I understand that the Mission President for Uruguay shares Brother Tuttle’s feeling.

 We reviewed the fact that these companies, Sadret Radio and Saeta Television, and  CXA-13 shortwave value their properties at $1,200,000 in American money, and that they are suggesting an L.D.S. investment of approximately $240,000:  $180,000 in Sadret Radio, and $60,000 investment in Saeta Television.  This, I am told, would purchase approximately 25%-30% of the stock.

I then reviewed with the President the fact that the stock in the Uruguayan station would need to be held in the name of an Uruguayan corporation.  It is suggested that the President be Jose Hugh Nunez, an architect, who is President of the Capital District of the Church.  The Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation recommended is Ariel Fedrigotti, who is a colonel in the Uruguayan Army, and also Secretary of the Carrasco Branch.  As Chairman of the Board of Directors, it is recommended that Mr. Washington Gonzales, Customs Official and a Counselor in the Branch Presidency, be named.  As Board Members:  1) Dr. Pedro Garino, Attorney for the Church who is a non-member.  2) Vincente-Rubio, employee of the State-owned electric company, who is a counselor in the Mission Presidency.  3) Jacobo Canals who is Secretary and Director of radio communications for the government of Uruguay, who is also a recent convert.  4) Oscar Llorans who is a Colonel in the Uruguayan Army, and a high school professor.  He is a non-member but his wife is the President of the Y.W.M.I.A. for the Mission.  5) Lino Maria Avila who is a banker and who is a member.  I also told the President that there are members of the Church in Uruguay who are trained in radio and TV work, and who would be able to assist.  I referred him again to a letter from Brother Theodore Tuttle, dated December 24, regarding this entire matter.

We discussed the amount of money, $240,000, tentatively requested for this South American project.  I told him that I felt it could be taken from the large cash reserves we were acquiring at KIRO if he felt we should proceed.  He asked for my recommendations, and I said that I had not been to Uruguay and knew very little about the country.  I told him that we had had Mr. Ron Todd go to Uruguay at the suggestion of the First Presidency to investigate the matter and that to the best of my knowledge, I would agree with President Tuttle; also the President of the Uruguayan Mission, and Brother Todd, in recommending that we proceed with this development, acquiring a partnership in the broadcasting interests in Uruguay, and look upon it as a stepping stone and an opening for us to become much closer to the people of the wonderful countries in Latin-America where so much help and interest on the part of all citizens of the United States is so vitally needed.

I informed the President that he had approved some months ago of my being elected to the Board of Directors of the Institute for Human Progress with headquarters in Washington, D.C.  This organization is headed by Mr. J. Peter Grace, President of the W.R.Grace Company, and includes a number of the very prominent business men of the United States.  The purpose of this organization, as I understand it, is to assist the peoples of other countries through directing U.S. foreign aid and contributions into the hands of people, rather than into the hands of governments, initially in Latin-America.  President McKay indicated he felt this would be an opportunity for us to extend our service to many worthy people of other lands, and asked that I send the First Presidency a detailed report as soon as I was able to do so.

I presented the President with a Telstar trophy from the Staff of KSL thanking him for his leadership and inspiration in helping us arrange for the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir to go to Mt. Rushmore for the first Telstar broadcast in July, 1962.”

Wed., 8 Jan. 1964:

“Meeting Held In President McKay’s Apartment at 2:30 p.m. on January 8, 1964

Present:  President David O. McKay, President Hugh B. Brown, David Lawrence McKay, Robert Barker, Arch L. Madsen and Blaine W. Whipple.

Purpose of the meeting with the First Presidency was to review the transactions concerning the purchase of station KIRO in Seattle, officially known as Queen City Broadcasting Company.  Mr. Madsen related the history of the negotiations with Mr. Saul Haas pointing out the significant efforts made by various corporations, from one end of the country to the other, to purchase the station from Mr. Haas for amounts considerably in excess of the price Mr. Haas agreed to accept from the Church.

The First Presidency was informed that final settlement of the contract which was entered into with Saul Haas on July 5, 1963, is set for January 14, 1964, and that preliminary papers have already been submitted to the attorneys for Mr. Haas.

Mr. Barker presented the proposal that all of the stockholders who still remain with KIRO will be asked to consider trading Queen City stock for Wasatch stock in the ratio of 35 shares of Wasatch to one share of Queen City in order to facilitate the collapsing of the Queen City Company.

Next Mr. Barket presented a plan relating to the proposed organization of a holding company to provide economies of management for Church broadcasting properties.  President Brown introduced notes relating to conversations had with President N. Eldon Tanner and D. Lawrence McKay, and the agreement that was reached was that Mr. Arch L. Madsen will be retained as President of KSL; he will present further information relating to organizational changes at KSL in the very near future.  Mr. Madsen will probably be spending six months at KIRO and after directing those affairs will return to Salt Lake City.  The new company will be made up of the Presidents of each of the Church’s broadcasting properties (KSL, KIRO, WRUL and others as may be determined), one member of the First Presidency, the President of the new corporation, and possibly one other director.  This will resolve the problem that Jim Conkling pointed out might exist; that the Board of Directors of IEBC would not have direct access to the First Presidency, in that Mr. Conkling would be a member of the new corporation’s Board.

Agreement was reached that President David O. McKay would be Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Arch L. Madsen would be President of the new corporation, Mr. Blaine W. Whipple would be the Secretary-Treasurer, and such other officers as needed would be appointed.

Blaine Whipple also requested that consideration be given by the First Presidency to the request of the Board of Directors of Wasatch that Mr. Madsen be reimbursed for his expenses incurred in the amount of $3,000.00 and monetary consideration for services rendered in the amount of $7,000.00.  Presidents McKay and Brown agreed that the requests were reasonable and asked D. Lawrence McKay to prepare a statement for the files to that effect.

Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.”

Thurs., 23 Jan. 1964:

‘Thursday, January 23, 1964

NOTES OF MEETING WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY IN HIS APARTMENT ON THE MORNING OF THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1964, 8:00 AM TO 9:05 AM

President McKay called me at approximately 12:30 on Wednesday, January 22, from his office and gave me the welcome news that he was able to come to his office on this day and had already attended two Board of Directors meetings, but felt that wisdom dictated that he should return to his apartment and not attempt to attend the KSL Board of Directors Meeting which was scheduled for 2:30 PM that afternoon.

He informed me that he wished me to come to his apartment at 8:00 AM the morning of January 23, with a report of the events of the Board Meeting and for other matters which he wished to discuss with me.

In my meeting with President McKay I reviewed the slide presentation which I had given to the Board of Directors telling the story of KSL’s progress and activity during 1963.  He carefully reviewed all the elements of our activities in public service, in a development of our employees and in the improvement of our facilities.  I told him that the financial information for the year was being audited and would be ready for our regular meeting in February.  He expressed his pleasure in our activities and wished us well during 1964.

The President discussed with me the need for the First Presidency to be in charge of the overall direction of all Church programming bearing the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He stated that it was his desire that Brother Richard Maycock should be employed immediately as the person in charge of this activity.  Brother Maycock is to report directly to the First Presidency and is to be a part of the overall Church broadcasting holding company.  He stated that President Maycock’s salary should be based at $12,000 per year and improved as he learns more of his assignment, and as he increases his ability to serve the Church.

The President then asked me about WRUL and wanted to know how it was progressing.  I told him that we held a board meeting on November 22 and I was elated with the wonderful response and the way the meeting had gone; and that I felt much better about the operation since we had decided to hold regular board meetings every three months.  He stated that he had not been advised of this meeting or of the items that were discussed.  He requested that I send him a copy of the minutes of the meeting.  I told him that I had recorded a rough draft of the minutes but they were in the possession of Brother Conkling, but that I did have a carbon copy and would be delighted to supply them to him if he wished.  He told me to prepare these minutes and get them to him in the near future.  He is not pleased with the lack of reporting by Brother Conkling.

As I left the room, the President stated that he wished me to give his best regards to Mr. Saul Haas of KIRO, and for us to proceed with the organization there as outlined previously to him; and for me to be sure to reach Brother Maycock as quickly as possible and inform him of his appointment by the President and advise him to move as quickly as possible to get organized to take over this very important responsibility.  I again reviewed with the President the fact that while I would be delighted to function in any capacity he desired, I did not feel that I should be responsible for the programming and the concepts of the overall Church programming — that this should come directly to the First Presidency, and that all programs should be cleared by them.  He told me that he wanted me to be directly in charge of the administration of all Church broadcasting and to make certain that I correlated the resources of all Church broadcasting facilities, both personnel and equipment, in the assistance of this programming work which was, after all, the real reason why the Church was in broadcasting activity.

I left the President’s office at 9:05 AM.

/s/Arch L. Madsen”

Wed., 29 Jan. 1964:

Bonneville International Broadcasting Corporation

Consideration was given to a decision heretofore made that a holding company should be formed, the directors for which company would consist of members of the First Presidency and representatives of the KIRO, WRUL, and KSL companies.  President Tanner said that he could not be an officer of the company, because he is a Canadian and he did not know whether or not he could be a director.  He agreed that a representative of each of the companies mentioned should be directors of the holding company.  He mentioned that Brother Madsen had said that I want him to be President of both KIRO and KSL and that Brother Conkling would be representing WRUL.  President Tanner said he did not think it was good business for Brother Madsen to be President of two companies that are part of the central holding company, and Brother Conkling to be President of only one company.  He thought it would cause some difficulty as Brother Conkling is not happy with such an arrangement.

Referring to the meeting held a few days ago, President Tanner said it was the unanimous feeling that there should be a programming committee through which all Church activities, information, publicity, etc. should be funneled.  He thought one of the Twelve should be the chairman of that committee in order that he could bring reports to the Twelve and that the Priesthood would be directing the entire program; that he had in mind Richard L. Evans as chairman.  He also thought it might be well to have one of the members of the Missionary Committee on that committee.  He mentioned that Brother Madsen has recommended that Richard W. Maycock be the manager.  He also suggested that Lawrence McKay should be on the board of KIRO, which suggestion was agreed upon by the First Presidency.

Some consideration was given to the designation that should be given the holding company, but no decision was reached in regard to this matter.

In discussing these matters, the Brethren were agreed that any instructions regarding this work should come through the First Presidency rather than through Brother Madsen.  I told President Brown that I would like him to take care of the situation, get matters in hand, and direct Brother Madsen.”

Wednesday, March 4, 1964

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 

HELD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1964, AT 9:00 A.M.

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay and N. Eldon Tanner.  President Hugh B. Brown absent, being indisposed.

IEBC, WRUL Need for Money

President Tanner reviewed the need of International Educational Broadcasting Corporation for money as presented in the letter received from President James Conkling.  He explained that a note had been prepared for the Corporation to sign, the note bearing 4 1/2%.  President Tanner explained that President Conkling had asked to whom the board of directors is essentially responsible.  President Tanner answered ‘To the First Presidency and that the First Presidency would like 1) Copies of the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors, and 2) that these meetings should be held regularly.  President Tanner said financial operations report should be submitted and a statement of plans which the board proposes to carry out should also be given to the First Presidency.  This was after President Tanner had talked with Arch Madsen as President McKay had suggested.

Directors for KSL, KIRO, WRUL, IEBC and the Holding Company

President Tanner reviewed the plan for Gordon B. Hinckley as a representative of the General Authorities to be on the board of KIRO; Richard L. Evans on KSL and he said it would be wise to have one of the General Authorities on the board of WRUL so the Council would be represented throughout.  There is no Latter-day Saint man in a top position on WRUL.  The active manager now is vice president (Ralf Brent) who is a good man and a Catholic.  President Tanner suggested Thomas Monson.

President McKay said he had informed Brother Conkling this morning that the First Presidency hold him responsible.  President Tanner explained that Brother Conkling has a man in New York who is directly in charge while Brother Conkling may be in California.  President Tanner said he thinks one of our men should be close to the top management of the company.  He considered the present manager (Ralf Brent) to be a good man who manages the company under Brother Conkling.  President Tanner said he has not heard criticism of this man; that he is a good man but as this company is to be put to use helping in missionary work to whatever extent it can, that we should have someone with the manager who can carry out this purpose.  President Tanner reviewed a suggestion he had made for the organization of the proposed holding company for KSL, KIRO and WRUL; that the board members be President Brown, president, Gordon B. Hinckley for KIRO, Richard L. Evans for KSL, and that Thomas Monson be for WRUL; and the chief executives of each of the companies as other members of the board: James Conkling for WRUL, Arch Madsen, KIRO, and Lennox Murdoch for KSL.  Nothing has been done yet to set up this holding company.  President Brown is president.  He suggested that Thomas Monson be a member of the WRUL Board.  He commented that it would be wise to keep control of these companies with the General Authorities and the First Presidency.  President McKay repeated that this morning he had informed Brother Conkling that the First Presidency hold him responsible and want him to report every month.

President Tanner read a letter given him by Arch Madsen, Wednesday, February 26, 1964 reporting a special stockholders meeting of the Queen City Corporation where resolutions were adopted leading to the Queen City Broadcasting Company and the Wasatch Television Company being organized into one company known as KIRO.  The letter referred to the tax reporting advantage of this reorganization and gaining the benefit of high depreciation schedules.  It recited that legal requirements of the Federal Communications Commission must be met as well as the requirements of the laws of the states of Utah and Washington which the officers hope to have completed in 60 days.  

The next step is the implementation of the organization, the first step in this to be a selection of the board of directors.  Brother Madsen then added his humble and urgent suggestion that a member of the General Authorities be named very soon to the board of directors of WRUL as a mean of integrating and coordinating the broadcast connections of the Church.  He expressed a desire that these companies have the benefit of the inspired attention and guidance of the General Authorities of the Church as both KSL and KIRO now have.  He expressed the opinion that WRUL needs the help of the General Authorities.  The letter recited the Church’s investment in these stations and the expansion program proposed for WRUL.

President McKay expressed the wish that he had had this in mind when he talked with Brother Conkling earlier this morning.  President Tanner said a meeting is being held this afternoon.  He explained that he is carrying on while President Brown is away.  President McKay asked that President Tanner talk with Brother Conkling about these proposals.  President Tanner asked if he should speak about having a General Authority on the board of WRUL and also on the board of the Holding Company.  President McKay answered in the affirmative.  The present assignments were reviewed again:  Gordon B. Hinckley to KIRO, Richard L. Evans to KSL, and the proposal that Thomas Monson represent the General Authorities on the board of WRUL.  President McKay concurred.  President McKay expressed the opinion that having a General Authority would please Brother Conkling, and President Tanner agreed.

President McKay reviewed the hope that having KSL, KIRO and WRUL together will help pay the cost of WRUL.  President Tanner said one of the main reasons for organizing the holding company is to give that advantage.  The present members of WRUL board were reviewed including J. Willard Marriott, David M. Kennedy, Isaac Stewart and possibly David Stoddard.  President McKay considered with favor Brother Monson and President Tanner said he would come back to President McKay with it after he had talked to James Conkling.  President McKay asked President Tanner to talk with him.

WRUL Programs Created in Salt Lake City

President Tanner commented upon programs created in Salt Lake City for WRUL at a cost of $83,000 and expressed interest in Brother Conkling’s explaining this item of expense.  President Tanner addressed a letter to Brother Conkling suggesting that minutes of the board meeting be sent to the First Presidency and that meetings be held regularly.  President McKay said he had made a similar suggestion to Brother Conkling this morning.

Fri., 13 Mar. 1964:

NOTES OF MEETING WITH PRESIDENT MCKAY, 10:45 AM, MARCH 13, 1964 IN PRESIDENT MCKAY’S OFFICE, 47 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE

(By Arch L. Madsen)

I went to this meeting at the request of President McKay relayed through Sister Clare Middlemiss who called me in Seattle on Tuesday and asked that I report at the earliest moment:

1.  Reported to the President that we have received a most reassuring letter from Dr. Frank Stanton of CBS regarding our ownership at KIRO.  I am to send him a copy of the letter for his files.

2.  We discussed the benefits which would accrue to the Church in notifying the Brethren some weeks prior to their appearance on the televised sessions of Conference thus enabling them to make special preparations.  I reported to the President that there is no doubt that we are reaching at least ten non-members of the Church for every member of the Church through these televised sessions, and that advanced preparation and planning would be most helpful in making certain we give all of these non-members of the Church the best message possible.

3.  Reported to the President that Brother Maycock seems to be doing an excellent job, but that he had been accepted with reservations by some of the brethren involved.

4.  I told the President how pleased I was that he had asked Brother Thomas Monson to serve on the Board of Directors of KSL and WRUL.  I suggested to the President that Mr. Westerman Whillock, the President of KBOI operations in Boise, be elected to the Board of Directors of KSL at the next stockholders meeting.  He agreed and stated that we should elect Mr. Whillock to the Board at the same time we elect Brother Monson.

5.  The President questioned me regarding the Church broadcasting holding company and, also, the Church Committee working on the communications.  He had me repeat three times the names of the brethren serving on the committees.  

I did so, and gave him the following:

President Brown and President Tanner of The First Presidency; 

Elder Richard L. Evans and Elder Gordon Hinckley of the

Council of the Twelve;

Arch Madsen, Ike Stewart and Jim Conkling as members of the Church

Communications Committee; and Elders Evans, Hinckley

and Monson, plus Arch Madsen, Jim Conkling and Lennox 

Murdoch on the holding company board.

He asked me questions regarding the organization of the holding company and I told him that I had been informed that it was the desire to have an Apostle re-presenting each of the three stations, KIRO, KSL and WRUL; and that the presidents of the respective companies would also serve on this Board of Directors.  I told him that this was the extent of my knowledge and that President Brown and President Tanner were working on the matter.

Since he questioned me so thoroughly on the above, I asked him if it was still his desire or intention that I should serve as the president of the Church holding company and correlate the Church broadcasting activities.  He said by all means that I was to continue in such assignment until I was released and to proceed as he had previously instructed.  I asked if he would communicate this information to all members of The First Presidency.

6.  During the remaining portion of the meeting I was joined by Mr. Frank Browning, a member of the Board of Directors of The Deseret News.  He took over the discussion and reported the dismay and discouragement which had been evidenced in The Deseret News Board of Directors Meeting this morning when it was announced that our contract with Brother Hawkes could not be executed as it had been drawn up and as it had been accepted.

We explained to the President that this was not an unusual contract and that it would actually provide Mr. Hawkes with less than he would receive if he remained with the company where he had established himself; and where he is highly respected for his competence.  I told the President that this man undoubtedly was one of the nation’s finest, and that it would be a tragedy if anything were to be permitted to stand in the way of his coming with us.

I related to the President that we were discussing the Brother Hawkes situation with him at the request and authorization of the Board.  We suggested it would be timely for the Board to meet with The First Presidency and any others involved in order that all might be fully informed.

As I left, the President again told me that he expects me to keep him posted and report to him on the activities of Church broadcasting.”

Tues., 24 mar. 1964:

“Bonneville International Corporation – Organization of

President Tanner reported the organization of the Bonneville International Corporation on Friday last, March 20, 1964, with President Brown as President, Arch Madsen, Richard L. Evans, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James B. Conkling and Lennox Murdoch as members of the Board;  Robert L. Barker, Secretary and Legal Advisor; Brother Madsen to be the Managing Director.  President Tanner said that Brother Madsen had recommended a Brother Whipple for Treasurer and he had also recommended someone for engineer whose name Brother Tanner could not remember.  He also reported that Richard L. Evans was made Vice President so that in case of President Brown’s absence, he could take charge of affairs.  Arch Madsen was also given the designation of managing director.  President Tanner referred to the decision originally made to have as members of this board eight or nine people chosen from different vocations including William F. Edwards, Peter Grimm, Ernest L. Wilkinson, David Kennedy, Stanley McAllister, and others; that, however, in subsequent consideration of the matter it was felt that with such a set-up the members of the boards of KSL, KIRO, and WRUL would feel that they would just be puppets if the other group are going to take charge of things.  It was accordingly decided to abandon that proposition and to have as members of the Board of the Holding Company one of the directors from each of the companies involved, and also an executive of each company.  President Tanner said it had been agreed that he and President Brown would speak to the men whom they formerly had approached regarding serving on this board advising them of the change; that, however, they had not as yet done this.

After rather lengthy discussion of this matter, I suggested that William F. Edwards and Peter Grimm be added to the Board of the Bonneville International Corporation, which suggestion was unanimously approved.

In regard to the name, President Tanner said that the Board had decided to call the company for the time being at least, until we get it registered, the Bonneville International Corporation; that, however, they are trying to get a name where the first letters of each word would provide a catchy word to be used in referring to the organization.  President Tanner explained that the meeting held on Friday, March 20, was called, and the appointment of board members as indicated, was in accordance with the recent decision of the First Presidency on these matters.”

Sat., 4 Apr. 1964:

“10:00 a.m.

Conducted the first session of the 134th Annual Conference of the Church, and also delivered the opening address.  This was a Broadcast Session and the messages delivered this morning were given to the world.  They were video-taped to be heard throughout America by special television broadcast from coast to coast Sunday morning, and also short-waved to Europe, Asia, South and Central America, and the Far Pacific in English, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.

It was truly an inspirational meeting!  (See Note by CM following)  (See newspaper clippings following for details.)

Tues., 14 Apr. 1964:

“South America – Radio-Television Short-Wave Station in Montevideo, Uruguay

We received into the meeting of the First Presidency, the following:

A. Theodore Tuttle, President of the South American Mission, Arch L. Madsen, President of KSL, and Paul Evans and Ron Todd also of KSL.

Brother Tuttle reviewed an opportunity for the Church to purchase an interest in a radio-television and short-wave station in Montevideo for approximately $250,000, the radio station ‘Carve’ having 50,000 watts, the television station having approximately 10,000 watts power, and the short-wave station being a good supplement for Station WRUL, which would provide short-wave coverage over a great part of South America.

I asked Brother Madsen if the Church did not take this recommendation, where would these people go, who would take the offer, and who would make the investment.  Brother Madsen said he is not sure who should buy; that the owners are in a frame of mind to sell a part of their station.  He said that he is sure there would be quite a few people interested in it; that he looks upon it as an opportunity to open the door in Latin America to our communications interests.

I asked Brother Madsen if he would recommend that the Church put that much money into the business, and he said, ‘I would recommend that the First Presidency authorize us to make no commitments, but be specific in negotiating and bringing here a report leading to specific information to support the hope that we can acquire a substantial interest, what the cost would be, and how we could work with them.’

I then said to Brother Madsen, ‘You look into it and bring us something specific.’

At this time, Brother Madsen, Paul Evans and Brother Todd withdrew from the meeting.”

Thurs., 16 Apr. 1964:

“Convalescing at Home

8:00 to 8:35 a.m.

KSL and Radio-Television Matters

At my request, Brother Arch Madsen came over to the apartment to discuss some very important radio and television matters with me.

Thursday, April 16, 1964

Confidential

Meeting Held April 16, 1964 in President McKay’s Apartment

8:00 to 8:35 AM

I was called about 4 o’clock Wednesday, April 15, by Miss Clare Middlemiss, Secretary to President McKay, with the request that I report to him at 9 o’clock the following morning in his apartment.  She later called back stating that the President understood that I was coming Friday morning and he didn’t want to wait that long; he wanted me to be sure and be in his office at 8 o’clock Thursday morning.

The President opened the discussion by asking me the question, ‘What is our problem at WRUL?’  He felt that things were not moving as he had hoped.

I reviewed with the President the conditions under which we bought WRUL and reminded him of the fact that rather than obtaining a new station license, and building high power transmitters which we could not do, due to FCC freeze on new stations, we had purchased an old station (WRUL) with full knowledge that we would need to invest substantial money in the development and improvement of this property.

I sensed that the President was concerned regarding reports he had received from mission presidents regarding poor reception of WRUL.  I pointed out to the President that it was unfortunate the presidents and the missionaries were expecting so much of WRUL which it could not possibly deliver until the new high power equipment was installed and operating.  I told him I hoped the mission presidents and members of the Church overseas were not discouraged or disillusioned with the reception results from WRUL in many areas.  With the installation of new equipment this could be vastly improved.

The President told me that he was concerned about Brother Conkling and WRUL and wondered if he really grasped the details and the concepts that were necessary for its successful operation.  He stated that he wanted to remind me he held me totally responsible for the WRUL operation, as well as the other Church broadcasting properties, and that he wanted me to do everything possible to make certain that we move ahead as he had originally envisioned.  He is concerned with the fact there are still no members of the Church on the WRUL staff, and feels that a much closer contact needs to be maintained between the Church and the WRUL operation on a day-to-day basis.  He stated that he wanted me to bring some specific recommendations on this to him as soon as possible.

We discussed the appointment of Brother Maycock and some of the problems which had been encountered in this appointment.  He stated that Brother Maycock was very well qualified because of his mission presidency experience, to successfully administer the work of this department; and that he wanted to move ahead with Brother Maycock coordinating, encouraging and stimulating the development of programming for the Church in all facets of radio and television.  I mentioned briefly some of the opposition which had been encountered by Brother Maycock’s appointment, but told the President I felt all had now pledged their support and help to Brother Maycock in successfully fulfilling his responsibilities.  He specifically charged me to keep very close to Brother Maycock and for Brother Maycock to keep close to me; and for me to report directly to him on the progress of this activity.

The President asked regarding the operations at KIRO.  I told him that we had encountered some tough problems but that they were mostly anticipated and that we knew it would take a couple of years to make headway against them; but in the meantime the station was doing as well, or better, financially than last year and we saw no reason why it shouldn’t continue to improve as we solved the problems involved in the operation.

I told him we felt the morale and staff spirit had improved at KIRO and that we were being accepted into the community; that we are doing everything possible by way of public relations and meetings with various groups to let them know of our standards of operations and to make friends and win our way into the hearts of the people in Seattle area.

The President again, as we concluded, told me he held me totally responsible for the operations of the Church broadcasting.  He also expressed his complete confidence in me and my abilities and wanted me to know of his feelings.  He reminded me that I am to bring him specific recommendations regarding an improvement in the WRUL situation as soon as possible.”

Tues., 23 June 1964:

“8:00 a.m.

Bonneville International Corporation, Organization of

Presided at an organizational meeting of the Bonneville International Corporation.  The following individuals were elected to serve as Directors of the Corporation until the first annual or special meeting of the shareholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified:

David O. McKay

Hugh B. Brown

Nathan Eldon Tanner

Gordon B. Hinckley

Arch L. Madsen

Thomas S. Monson

James B. Conkling

William F. Edwards

Peter Grimm

David Lawrence McKay

Lennox Murdoch

Robert W. Barker

G. Stanley McAllister

At this meeting, upon motion of President Nathan Eldon Tanner, seconded by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, I was elected Chairman of the Board of the Corporation.

President Hugh B. Brown was elected Vice-Chairman of the Board, and President Nathan Eldon Tanner a consultant to the Chairman of the Board, but not an officer of the Corporation.

Arch L. Madsen was unanimously elected President of the Corporation.  Richard L. Evans, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Thomas S. Monson were unanimously elected Vice-Presidents of the Corporation, with seniority in the order named.

Robert W. Barker was elected Secretary, and Blaine W. Whipple was elected Assistant Secretary and Treasurer.

Vincent E. Clayton was appointed and approved to serve as Director of Engineering, and as an employee, but not as a Corporate officer.

After reports by Dr. William F. Edwards, Blaine Whipple, and Robert W. Barker as to alternative ways of handling KSL shares, it was unanimously voted that the Corporation of the President acquire enough additional shares to give it eighty percent ownership at a price of $1,000 per share.

I shall consider further whether it is desirable for the Corporation of the President, or this Corporation to attempt to acquire 100 percent ownership of KSL, Inc.

Other matters pertaining to stock were considered.  The by-laws were also read and adopted.”

Wed., 15 July 1964:

“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Wednesday, July 15, 1964, at President McKay’s Home in Huntsville, Utah at 8 a.m.

Present:  Presidents David O. McKay and N. Eldon Tanner.  President Hugh B. Brown in Europe.

International Educational Broadcasting Corporation Loan

President McKay and President Tanner discussed a letter that had been received from James B. Conkling, president of the International Educational Broadcasting Corporation, stating that this company is now in need of funds for operating expenses to carry them through October 31, 1964, totaling $250,000.00 to be used as follows:  Normal operating expenses, $175,000; new construction needs, $75,000.

President McKay asked President Tanner to discuss this matter with Arch Madsen and to make available to Brother Conkling as a loan the money that they feel necessary to send at this time at 4 per cent interest, on the same basis the other amounts have been made available.

IEBC and WRUL Board Meetings

President Tanner read a letter from James B. Conkling inviting members of the First Presidency to attend the board meetings of the IEBC and WRUL, the first one of which will be held in New York Saturday, July 25.

President McKay said that President Brown had been asked to attend this meeting inasmuch as he would be in New York at that time on his return from England, and he would also meet with the Tabernacle Choir at the World’s Fair.

Thurs., 17 Sept. 1964:

8:00 a.m.

Brother Arch Madsen, President of KSL, called at the office by appointment, and presented the following matters:

1)  Content of Church Radio Broadcasting over WRUL

He said that to the best of his knowledge, the WRUL Church-sponsored programs still are not being cleared through the General Authorities as I had directed.  He said that Richard Maycock was appointed to serve as radio-television program coordinator, reporting to the First Presidency and other General Authorities as directed.  Brother Madsen asked that a letter be released to the Board, over my signature, calling their attention to Brother Maycock’s appointment and responsibility.

I agreed to this letter being sent out.  (See copy of letter following.)

2)  Appointment of Elder Gordon B. Hinckley on the WRUL Board

Brother Madsen said he would like to have Brother Gordon B. Hinckley appointed to the WRUL Board as he felt that he would magnify the WRUL opportunities, as he is well informed in all other radio and television Church operations.  Would like a letter sent out under the signature of the First Presidency on this appointment before October 1, prior to the next Board of Directors Meeting.  Said that Brother Thomas S. Monson is currently on the WRUL Board and is providing indispensable services.  (See copy of letter regarding Brother Hinckley’s and Stanley McAllister’s appointments to the IEBC Board following.)

3)  Said that he had received a telephone call from Mr. Rex Howell, a member of a special committee of broadcasters, who has been chosen to select the new President for the National Association of Broadcasters.  This Association represents most of the television and radio stations in the United States, as well as all radio and television networks, and is a very vital factor in the present operation and future development of the nation’s great system of broadcasting.  According to Mr. Howell, the name of Brother Ezra Taft Benson has been selected for consideration.  Brother Madsen said that he had been asked to check with me to see if Brother Benson could be spared from his Church assignment to accept the position as full-time President of the National Association of Broadcasters in the event he is selected for this important position.

I asked Brother Madsen to remain and meet with the counselors, at which time we would discuss the matter regarding Elder Benson’s being considered for the new President of the National Association of Broadcasters.

8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Held a meeting of the First Presidency.  Elder Arch Madsen met with us and pursuant to invitation, discussed the matter of the possible selection of Elder Ezra Taft Benson to serve as the new President for the National Association of Broadcasters.  Brother Madsen reiterated what he had presented earlier to me.

After hearing all the facts pertaining to the matter, I indicated that so far as the Church is concerned, Brother Benson would be available for such an appointment; that, however, before his name is presented the First Presidency would like to talk with Mr. Rex Howells about the matter.  Brother Madsen will arrange for Mr. Howells to meet and discuss this matter with the First Presidency.

After Brother Madsen left the meeting, in discussing this matter further, President Brown said that the only concern he had is Brother Benson’s attitude toward the Birch Society, which Society, President Brown claims, is becoming more and more unpopular with both the Republican and Democrats.  He said he felt if Brother Benson severed his relationship with that organization and accepted this position as a non-partisan assignment for the benefit of the Church primarily, he could do a lot of good; otherwise, he could do us a lot of harm. 

I said that if we find later that there is a probability that Brother Benson will be named for this position, we shall have a talk with him about the whole matter.  (See First Presidency’s minutes of this day for further details.)

Wed., 14 Oct. 1964:

“Bonneville International Corporation – Purchase of Interest in Radio Carve in Uruguay

President Tanner read to President McKay a letter signed by A. Theodore Tuttle, Thomas Fyans, and Arch Madsen, regarding the opportunity to purchase a 25 percent interest for $250,000 in radio and television station Carve in Montevideo, Uruguay.  These brethren in their letter strongly recommend that the Church make this purchase.  In their letter they give a full description of the facilities of the station, indicating that it is a 50,000 watt station and much more powerful than KSL, and in connection therewith there is a television station that serves only the city of Montevideo and immediate surrounding areas; also a short-wave station with several short-wave transmitters which could serve very effectively with our own short-wave WRUL, and which station would be capable of reaching most of the South American continent.  Ninety-five percent of the ownership is now in the hands of two men of responsibility.  This station would provide a strong link with all the private broadcasting interests in South America.  In their letter the Brethren suggest that it is preferable that we have a minority ownership rather than control, that there could be opposition to a foreign organization controlling an operation of this kind.  The owners promise board membership and staff membership in connection with our proposed part ownership.  The estimated total value is $1,200,000, and they would sell us one-fourth interest for $250,000.  It was also reported that a Mr. Fontana, the son of one of the owners, has recently been in the United States having in mind recommending some organization here as a partner in the operation and that they have chosen the Church as the organization they would prefer to have interested with them.

We decided to tell Brothers Tuttle, Fyans, and Madsen that we are prepared to take the necessary steps to acquire this 25 percent, Arch L. Madsen to go to Montevideo and take the steps necessary to effect the purchase.

It was our sentiment in discussing the matter that the only question they would have about this proposed purchase is that there is some instability about the government and that we could lose the money we put into the project.  It was agreed, however, that we could strengthen the operation in fighting Communism, and if we should lose in the struggle and as a result lose the station, that would be the worse that could happen to us.

Tues., 15 Dec. 1964:

“7:30 a.m.

Bonneville International Corporation – Situation at WRUL

Held a meeting with Brother Thorpe B. Isaacson and Brother Arch L. Madsen.  Matters pertaining to the Church-owned short-wave station were discussed.  Since reports have come that conditions are not just right at WRUL, I asked Brother Madsen to serve as President of WRUL, and to make such investigations and changes as may be necessary so that this Station can be operated as was originally intended when it was purchased.  Brother Isaacson is to contact James Conkling and arrange to have a meeting with him in regard to WRUL.  I also instructed Brother Madsen, who is President of the Bonneville International Corporation, to arrange to have Brother Isaacson appointed to the Board of Directors of that Corporation.  (See following memorandums concerning this meeting.)

Tuesday, December 15, 1964

Memorandum

To: Date: December 15, 1964

From: Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson

Re: Meeting with President David O. McKay, Tuesday morning, December 15, 1964, 7:45, in his office in the Church Office Building.  Arch Madsen was also in attendance.

President McKay instructed Bishop Isaacson to call Brother Conklin in California and arrange to have a meeting with him in regard to WRUL Radio Station in New York City.

It is President McKay’s wishes that Brother Arch Madsen serve as president of WRUL in the hopes that this station can be operated as intended when it was purchased.  Since Arch Madsen is available and qualified, he wants him to serve as president of this radio station and bring about such changes as may be necessary.

President McKay instructed Brother Madsen to put Brother Thorpe B. Isaacson on the board and is to assist in every way possible, particularly with WRUL Radio Station.

Tuesday, December 15, 1964

MEMORANDUM

CONFIDENTIAL Tuesday, December 15, 1964

TO: President Hugh B. Brown

President Nathan Eldon Tanner

FROM: President David O. McKay

After giving serious consideration to matters pertaining to short-wave station WRUL, I have this day asked Brother Arch L. Madsen to serve as President of Radio Station WRUL, and to make such investigations and changes as may be necessary so that this Station can be operated as was originally intended when it was purchased.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Board of Bonneville International Corporation, I have instructed Brother Madsen, President, to arrange to have Brother Thorpe B. Isaacson appointed to the Board of Directors of Bonneville International Corporation.  This is to be done at the meeting to be held Thursday, December 17, 1964.

I have also instructed Brother Isaacson, who has been investigating conditions at Radio Station WRUL, to call Brother James B. Conkling in California and arrange for him to meet with Brother Arch L. Madsen and Brother Isaacson for the purpose of discussing WRUL reorganizational matters.

Brother Madsen has been appointed to follow through with this, and to report back to me.

Sincerely yours,

David O. McKay

(President)”

Fri., 18 Dec. 1964:

“8:30 a.m.

Met with President Brown, President Nathan Eldon Tanner is enroute to Hawaii for a Christmas vacation.

Several matters were considered, among them were:

Building Committee – Investigation to be Made Relative to Reorganization

I told President Brown that I had appointed a committee consisting of Elder Delbert L. Stapley, Chairman, and Elders LeGrand Richards, Howard W. Hunter, and Thorpe B. Isaacson as members, to investigate the matter of reorganizing the Building Committee; that the Building Committee has gone overboard in expenditures, and that we have now reached a point where we must curtail.”

Mon., 21 Dec. 1964:

“8:00 a.m.

According to appointment, I met with Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson, who brought up the following matters:

1.  Christmas turkeys for General Authorities

2.  Growers Market – Sale of 264 shares to E.O. Muir and Company

3.  Report of Committee appointed to investigate the reorganization of the Building

     Committee

4.  WRUL Radio Station, New York City – Management of

(See following memorandum from Elder Isaacson on these matters.)

Monday, December 21, 1964

MEMORANDUM

TO: President David O. McKay Date:  December 21, 1964

FROM: Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson

RE: Meeting Monday morning, December 21, at eight o’clock in President McKay’s Hotel Utah Apartment

This morning, as per appointment, I met President McKay in his apartment at eight o’clock.  President McKay requested that I make a memorandum regarding the topics which we discussed and to give them to his secretary, Clare Middlemiss, who will take the memorandum to him.

1.  We discussed turkeys for the General Authorities for Christmas.  He wanted me to make a memorandum of this and to talk to Bishop Vandenberg.  Bishop Vandenberg referred me to Gordon Affleck, who advised me that first they had decided to give turkeys to the General Authorities and then later it was revised.  So there was first a decision to send turkeys out as in the past (35 years), and the next decision was not to send them out.  Brother Affleck is waiting for word from President McKay as to whether or not these turkeys should go to General Authorities as per usual.

2.  We discussed the stock in Growers Market.  Brother E.O. (Ed) Muir had offered $250.00 per share, and I thought that was hardly enough.  I suggested that he consider $300.00 a share, and President McKay authorized me to have E. O. Muir buy the stock at $300.00 a share, if he so desires.

3.  I informed President McKay regarding the request he had made of me that a special committee be appointed with Elder Delbert L. Stapley, chairman, and the following committee members – Elders LeGrand Richards, Howard W. Hunter, Franklin D. Richards, and Thorpe B. Isaacson – for the purpose of studying and making recommendation for the reorganization of the Church Building Department.  I reported to President McKay that we had held two or three meetings and would hold another one today, but we could not go any further until he decided whether or not he wished the present Building Committee to be released and reorganized.  President McKay said that would be a rather difficult thing to bring about.  Brother Isaacson said they couldn’t go any further until that was decided and they would give him three or four names to consider.  President McKay asked for a memorandum so that he could give it further consideration.

4.  We discussed WRUL Radio Station, New York City.  I reported to President McKay my interview with Brother James Conklin of California, since last week President McKay requested that I talk to him about the future operation of WRUL.  I reported to President McKay that I had had two visits with James Conklin.  I had not met him before, and I was favorably impressed with him.  He was frank and honest and had a wonderful attitude.  He was willing and anxious to do whatever President McKay and the Church wanted him to do.  I reported to President McKay there was a great difference in opinion between Brother Arch Madsen and Brother Conklin.  They do not get along very well.  Brother Conklin did not blame Arch Madsen, but said it was just a difference of opinion.  It is my opinion that Brother Conklin has great ability and wants to do a good job for the Church.  He told Brother Isaacson that he could not do what he would like to do because of the friction that exists between him and Arch Madsen.  President McKay said he would like it to stay as it is at the present time but to give consideration to a new board for WRUL in New York City.  I reported that I felt Brother Conklin could do a better job than he is doing.  President McKay suggested that Brother Isaacson write a note to Brother Conklin to proceed as he is doing until he is notified.  Brother Isaacson reported to President McKay that he felt that Brother Conklin should not be released at this time, but due consideration should be given sometime in the immediate future so that we can get a man who can spend more time in New York; and at the same time that the present manager, who is a non-member of the Church, should be replaced.  That should be handled with great care.

This is the memorandum of the items that we discussed this morning.  President McKay felt well and alert, better than I have seen him for sometime.  It was a great joy, privilege and blessing to have been with him. 

T.B.I.”

Thurs., 21 Jan. 1965:

3:30 p.m.

Bonneville International Corporation – Thorpe B. Isaacson’s Appointment to the Board

Signed letter addressed to Presidents Hugh B. Brown and Nathan Eldon Tanner, informing them that I have this day instructed Brother Arch L. Madsen, President, to arrange to have Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bonneville International Corporation.  (See copy of letter following.)

Thursday, January 21, 1965

January 21, 1965

President Hugh B. Brown, and

President Nathan Eldon Tanner

Counselors in the First Presidency

Building

Dear Brethren:

As Chairman of the Board of Bonneville International Corporation, I have instructed Brother Arch L. Madsen, President, to arrange to have Brother Thorpe B. Isaacson appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bonneville International Corporation.  This is to be done at the meeting to be held Saturday, January 23, 1965.

Sincerely yours,

David O. McKay

(President)

cc:  Arch L. Madsen, President

       Robert W. Barker, Secretary”

Fri., 28 May 1965:

“Bonneville International Corporation – Advice of James Lavenstein, Radio and Television Consultant

President Tanner reported the conversation with James Lavenstein, radio and television consultant serving KSL and KIRO, who expressed concern about the Church’s approach to and support of its position against tobacco advertising on radio and television.  Mr. Lavenstein was with CBS and knows the president.  He understands and appreciates the Church’s position against smoking.  He advised caution in the way the Church expresses its views to the world through KSL, WRUL, and KIRO, and said unless we handle this very wisely, we could lose CBS affiliation.  If we lose that, we would lose other things and our voice could not long be heard.  We could not get programs which people are listening to.  He will prepare a memorandum which can be brought to me.  Mr. Lavenstein suggested also that we consider enlarging maybe with a radio station in San Francisco.  CBS owns one station there.  There is one in Boston.  It would be in the interest of the Church to spread its message over the nation as the Church can afford to.

William F. Edwards in the board meeting two months ago said almost the same thing.  He cautioned that if this is approached in the wrong way the effort can defeat itself instead of being effective against the use of tobacco.

President Tanner reiterated to Mr. Lavenstein that the Church does not want to leave any doubt in the mind of anybody as to how it stands on the subject.  Mr. Lavenstein agreed and cautioned against getting involved with critics who are extremists and fanatics.

CBS advertises tobacco for tobacco companies and affiliated industries and the advertisers budgets are very large.  CBS will not take a stand against this fact.

We are going to be in the vanguard against this sort of thing if we can wisely circumvent, and steer our course to keep our voice heard, we can be cautious in our action, and this is his concern.  William Edwards has exactly the same view.

President Tanner asked Mr. Lavenstein if the Church could put out its views in good straight editorials.  He suggested that this be done but not continuously lest it lose its effectiveness.  He expressed the opinion that this would not prejudice the Church.  He said, ‘I think it will have a good effect.’

I said that I have in mind that the present opposition should be carried on and we should join that.

President Tanner reported that there was some criticism about having Robert Barker appear before the commission, but does not think that hurt very much.  We can join in any way we want on an editorial basis.

Tues., 1 June 1965:

“8:30 a.m.

Held the regular meeting of the First Presidency.  Some of the matters we discussed were:

Bonneville International Corporation  – James Lavenstein’s Memorandum on Church in Broadcasting

President Tanner read Mr. Lavenstein’s written memorandum on the Church in broadcasting.  It affirmed that the Church must uphold its policy.  Commercials in every case are so integrated into radio and television programs that to attempt to edit them out would emasculate the programs.  CBS would never condone such editing.

CBS would not be able to clear tobacco sponsored programs in this area.  It would not make a special case for Utah.  If we insist upon dropping tobacco advertising, CBS affiliation will be lost.

President Tanner explained to Mr. Lavenstein that the Church is not concerned about losing revenue but is concerned about losing the audience and the prestige rating of its presentations as a television organization.  To this I agreed.

In the opinion of Mr. Lavenstein to refuse to accept the programs with tobacco commercials would result equally drastically.  The largest advertising agencies represent the tobacco companies.  These agencies also represent the bulk of the advertising of other commodities.  There is no doubt we would receive far less consideration from them.  Income would drop to a point where the stations would become a financial burden to the Church.  The Church has two alternatives:  one, selling off its stations and getting out of broadcasting business altogether.  If the sale be made to parties sympathetic to the Church, Church Conference programs might continue to be broadcast but there is no way to guarantee this cooperation.  It is quite possible the Church would be frozen out of Salt Lake City and stations here might become hostile to 47 East South Temple.

The other alternative would be to weather the storm and continue the present course until Congress or the courts decide the future of tobacco advertising.  Mr. Lavenstein expressed the opinion that the Church should not go over to hostile movements and should not sell its stations.  Television is the greatest means of communication known to man.

Mr. Lavenstein expressed the view that the Church must not stop but might enlarge its interests and acquire stations in larger cities.  He expressed willingness that his statement be released to the Board of Directors, the First Presidency and other interested parties.

President Tanner said Mr. Lavenstein would strongly recommend considering enlarging the Church’s means of communication.  If we have the finances to do it, he would suggest that we try to buy a station in San Francisco and one in Boston.  He knows this can be done.

President Tanner commented that the policy could be adopted of using the profits and earnings of the radio and television stations now owned by the Church to pick up one of these other stations.

I said steps have already been taken along these lines in having KSL, KIRO, and WRUL.

President Tanner referred to buying the CBS Station in San Francisco and said ‘I would not recommend that we buy it for cash but out of earnings from the stations.’

I said we must move with care on that.

I said the step we have already taken is to augment opposing tobacco.  We are letting them lead out.  President Tanner commented that sometimes much more is gained by taking a positive course in what we believe than in taking a hostile course against something.  Mr. Lavenstein in response to President Tanner’s question about continuing editorials over KSL, said you have a perfect right to carry on the editorials as you want.  You can continue to tell what you think of using tobacco.

I exhibited a document upon the subject.  President Brown and President Tanner indicated that they have seen it and consider it good.  I said we can back them in that.  President Tanner said Mr. Lavenstein feels the same way.

South American Station

President Brown inquired if the South American Station is still being considered.  President Tanner commented that the instability of local governments in South America was a factor in the decision not to proceed.  President Tuttle, Robert Barker, Arch Madsen do not consider it wise as an investment but justifiable only as money spent in the missionary program of the Church.

I confirmed President Tanner’s recollection that the decision was made that the station be not acquired.  President Brown said Robert Barker would receive the information from the board that the First Presidency felt not to be in a position to do it.

Fri., 30 July 1965:

“7:00 a.m.

I met with the Counselors this morning at seven o’clock, inasmuch as President Tanner is leaving at 8:00 a.m. to take the plane to Palmyra to attend the Cumorah Pageant.  From there he will go to Idaho for a vacation of fishing and horseback riding.

Items discussed were:

WRUL Reorganization – Edward J. Broman to succeed James B. Conkling as President

Presidents Brown and Tanner reported that yesterday they had met with the committee heretofore appointed to give consideration to the proposed selection of a successor to James B. Conkling as President of WRUL.  At a previous meeting Brother Conkling had offered his resignation and a committee was appointed to survey the field of possible candidates and report their suggestion as to a successor to Brother Conkling.  The committee consisted of Howard Stoddard as Chairman, Brother Conkling and Arch Madsen.  Brother Stanley McAllister was also called in to work with them.  These four brethren now make the recommendation that Edward J. Broman is the most likely and in many ways one of the best qualified of all the men whom they considered.  The committee had considered Rosel Hyde, who is a member of the General Committee on Broadcasting, but who will not be available for another year.  It was felt that since there are some matters pending before the commission, it would be unwise to say anything about it to him at this time as it might create a conflict of interest as he has to pass upon some matters that are coming before the commission.  The committee had considered about fifteen different men, all of whom have had interest and experience in this line of work.

In regard to Brother Broman, it was reported that he is an outstanding radio and television executive and will be available to assist in the direction of WRUL.  He is now on an appointment in the northwest, but his home is in the North Shore Ward of Chicago Stake, and he is retiring from his employment at the age of 59 as Vice-President of United Artists Radio and Television Division.  Brother Broman served for many years as chairman and sales manager for KSL Radio.  He left KSL, however, in 1945 to become Vice-President of Universal Recording Company in Los Angeles, and from this position he joined the Frederick Zim Company, which was later merged with United Artists of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he made a notable record as chairman, sales manager and executive of that firm.  It was reported that Brother Broman has had broad executive experience throughout the nation working with television, television stations, and advertisers, and an active and dedicated member of the Church, that while in Cincinnati he served as Branch President for several years, including the period when the chapel was constructed.  President Brown said that this recommendation includes the suggestion that Rosel Hyde be approached later when it would be proper to approach him with a view to asking him to become either the chairman of the board or at least a member of the board.  Brother Stoddard, who is the chairman now, suggests that he be made the chairman of the board.  It was mentioned that of all the members in the Church who are engaged in this kind of work, Brother Hyde is undoubtedly the outstanding one; that he is internationally known and would add great prestige if he were chairman, and would be an excellent representative of the company to deal with the radio commission and federal government.  The committee feels, however, that Brother Broman should be made president at this time.  It was reported that Brother Conkling agrees with this recommendation one-hundred percent.

The brethren spoke in high terms of the devotion and ability of Brother Conkling, but were agreed, as he feels also, that it is necessary to have someone in New York who can devote all his time to the management of WRUL.

Presidents Brown and Tanner suggested that I meet Brother Broman, who is in the city today, and arrangements will be made for him and Brother Arch Madsen to call on me.  President Brown will be with them.  It was reported that the committee wishes to use the services of Brother Conkling on the executive committee, and that Brother Conkling has expressed his willingness to assist the new manager in every way he can and to give such service as may be desired.  President Brown said that he had talked with Brother Broman in a general way, that otherwise he had not heretofore been acquainted with him, but the members of the committee who do know him, speak very highly of him.  Brother Broman would want a salary of $25,000 per year.  It was reported that he had been getting about $35,000 with commission.  He is willing to go to New York and take up his residence there.   Reference was also made to a gentleman who is working under Brother Conkling at WRUL who is a Catholic, and the thought was expressed that while this man should be released at the proper time, this change should not be made until the new manager becomes fully acquainted with the work and the situation. 

WRUL – New Board Members

Further referring to the WRUL situation, President Brown reported that the committee recommend that the present board of directors be increased in number and that the following be added:  Robert Barker, an attorney in Washington, who has served as attorney for the board since the beginning of our ownership of WRUL; Mark Evans, who is presently vice-president of Metro Media, Inc., a large firm that owns seven television stations and seven radio stations, also the largest outdoor sign business in America, plus many other interests; Box Sears, Vice-President of Phillips Petroleum; and Jack Cannon, who is secretary of the Radio Corporation of America.  The committee suggested that there might be some conflict of interest with Brother Cannon; that they would have to check this matter to ascertain if he is available.  (See August 3, 1965.)

Fri., 20 Aug. 1965:

“9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Attended a meeting of the First Presidency at which time we took up many matters of general Church importance, some of these were:

WRUL – Arch Madsen to be President instead of Edward Broman

President Tanner referred to consideration heretofore given from time to time regarding the proposed release of James Conkling as President of WRUL and the appointment of a new president.  President Tanner reminded me that a committee was set up by the board to make investigation and submit a recommendation of someone to succeed Brother Conkling, and that they had recommended a Brother Broman for President of IEBC; that, however, at the latest meeting of the board this recommendation was not approved, the thinking being that Brother Broman was not strong enough for the presidency.  They suggested, however, that he be made executive vice-president.  The further suggestions were made that Brother Conkling remain until a suitable president could be found, or that Arch Madsen take over until a permanent, qualified president can be appointed.  President Tanner said it was finally agreed that Arch Madsen should be made the President of IEBC on a temporary basis until a capable permanent president can be found.  This was passed by the board subject to my approval.  I approved the proposition.

Mon., 13 Sept. 1965:

“9:30 a.m.

KSL

Brother Arch Madsen of KSL came in and took up the following matters:  1) Invitation he has received to attend a four-day convention of Radio and Television people in Rio de Janeiro, October 18 – 24th.  I gave permission for Brother Madsen to go, but later, because of other pressing business, he sent two representatives to attend this Convention.

2)  Said that invitation has been sent to Dr. Frank Stanton, President of Columbia Broadcasting Station, as a commencement speaker at the Brigham Young University next May at which time an honorary doctor’s degree will be conferred upon him.  Brother Madsen has had a Navajo rug woven by a member of the Church and personalized for Dr. Stanton.  Said he would bring it to my office so that I could keep it there until Dr. Stanton’s arrival.

3) Purchase of FM Radio Station in New York.  The station serves an area of thirteen million people, and may be purchased for half what it is worth — $700,000.  It is the only station of its kind that is available.  They would like permission to enter into serious negotiations to acquire this facility in connection with the Bonneville International Corporation, which will furnish the funds, and the Church will not have to put up any money.

I asked Brother Madsen if he recommended it, and he said, ‘I certainly do.’  I said, ‘When will the transaction take place?’, and he said, ‘At the meeting of the Bonneville Corporation next Friday.’  I said, ‘All right, if it is approved by the Board.’  

Brother Madsen said this station which reaches into Connecticut will reach a tremendous Church population, and that Brother Edward Broman will operate it in connection with WRUL.

4)  Conditions in Haiti.  Discussed the dictatorship of ‘Papa Doc’ in Haiti who is ‘crushing the country’.  Said that he is now complaining that the United States Department through the broadcasts emanating from WRUL, which is ‘striking out against him and Communism and standing for freedom’ is evidently having tremendous effect.

I told Brother Madsen that he is to keep these matters firmly in hand; that we depend upon him.  I gave him my blessings and wished him success.  (See following report of meeting by Arch Madsen.)

Fri., 24 Sept. 1965:

9:25 a.m.

Meeting of the Bonneville International Corporation

 Left the Assembly Room and went into the First Presidency’s room where a meeting of the Bonneville International Corporation was held.  There were present, Presidents Hugh B. Brown and N. Eldon Tanner, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, Thorpe B. Isaacson, William F. Edwards, Arch L. Madsen and David Lawrence McKay.

The matter before the board pertained to the proposed purchase of an FM Station in New York supplementing and augmenting perhaps the standing and activities of Station WRUL.  There is a difference of opinion among the members of the Board as to the desirability of our purchasing this FM Station at this time, but they decided, after discussing the matter and listening to the viewpoints of the various members who were present, to present the matter to me, permitting the members of the Board to express themselves relative to it.  Robert W. Barker, James Conkling, Stanley McAllister, and Howard Stoddard were not present when the matter was presented.

I then asked what Brother Barker’s attitude is in regard to it, and Brother Arch Madsen said that Brother Barker has expressed his affirmative thought for the purchase.

William F. Edwards stated that following the meeting yesterday he had conferred with Stanley McAllister on the telephone, also Howard Stoddard who is Chairman of the IEBC Board.  Both these men feel that a great deal depends upon getting the operation of WRUL profitable, and Stanley McAllister thinks that the purchase of this FM Station in New York would probably strengthen the WRUL operation, and he felt it was a good thing to do.

Brother Madsen said that it would cost approximately $850,000 to make the purchase, and there are improvements that will have to be made.  In his judgment he thinks it will be an excellent investment for the Church.

After listening to the arguments pro and con pertaining to the proposed purchase, the following conclusion was reached; namely, that the First Presidency express itself to the Board of Bonneville International to negotiate for the purchase of this property at a reasonable price; the thought being expressed that we should not pay more than $700,000 for the property; that if our negotiations along these lines do not prove successful, we can perhaps at some later date make some other arrangements.  Several of those present mentioned that they could see no reason why we should lose anything on the deal; that the value of these various radio and television stations is increasing all the time, and we could sell the station for more than the purchase price.

I asked Brother Madsen and Brother Edwards to get together to see what they could do in the matter of negotiating this purchase for less money.

Following the departure of the Bonneville Board, the counselors remained, and we took up a few First Presidency’s matters.”

Fri., 3 Dec. 1965:

Friday, December 3, 1965

December 3, 1965

To the Members of the 

Board of Directors of

KSL, Inc.

c/o President Hugh B. Brown, Vice-Chairman

Building

Dear Brethren:

Please accept my sincere appreciation to each of you for your dedicated interest in directing the affairs of KSL Radio-TV.  I am pleased with the progress being made.

I suggest that President Thorpe B. Isaacson and Elder Ezra Taft Benson be elected to the KSL Board at your Board Meeting to be held December 15, 1965.

With best wishes, I remain

Sincerely yours,

David O. McKay

(President)”

Fri., 2 Sept. 1966:

Bonneville International Corporation

President Tanner reported matters pertaining to the proposed investment of 4 1/2 to 5 million dollars for transmitters and other equipment necessary in New York in order to reach Europe and South America.  He said that he had recommended to the Board, which was approved, that a survey and study be made regarding short-wave reception in South America and Europe before any such expenditure is made. 

Tues., 20 Dec. 1966:

“8:00 a.m.

Kansas City – Purchase of Radio Station

President Tanner came into the office in the apartment.  He brought with him Arch Madsen, President of the Bonneville International Corporation and President of KSL.  He said he had come to give a report regarding the KMBC-AM radio station and KMBR-FM radio station in Kansas City, which are available for purchase.  Inasmuch as the location is in the Jackson County area, it is thought the Church would be interested in this purchase.

President Tanner said that he had taken this matter up some time ago with the BIC Board for their consideration, and the board said they would be prepared to recommend it only if I, as President of the Church, felt that its location was of real value to the Church from a historic point of view.

President Tanner said that at the time, I had felt we should not purchase the station, and then Arch Madsen reported to him that he, Brother Benson, and Clare Middlemiss had discussed the matter with me and I had advised Brother Madsen to go ahead with the purchase.  (See minutes of December 16, 1966.)

President Tanner said that he had told Arch Madsen that he thought I should have all the facts before any final decision is made, and that it is his duty to see that I have all the facts before any final decision is made.

President Tanner then said that a broker who deals with radio stations and is well informed on the subject reported that the asking price of $2,300,000 is on target; in other words, he would consider it not a bargain but an average price.  With this information the board, in its discussion, felt not to recommend the purchase nor to recommend against it, but felt that the deciding factor should be left with me as the Prophet to determine the value of the location of the station.

President Tanner then asked Arch Madsen if that is his understanding, and he said yes.

President Tanner said he opposed strenuously the purchase of WRUL in New York, but was overruled, but that he does not feel the same about the Kansas City station, that he has no strong feeling either way.  He said that at the meeting in Los Angeles last Wednesday, the board approved the expenditure of $2,500,000 for new building equipment and other expenditures to be made in Seattle by KIRO.  He said we have facing us an expenditure of approximately $5,000,000 for station development with new transmitters and other equipment at the WNYW station in New York.  We suffered a loss of nearly $600,000 in operations this year, which is even greater than the loss last year, and during the seven months we have had WRFM in New York we have lost forty some odd thousand dollars.  They have the money and real estate which will make it possible for the corporation to finance in Seattle, but the Corporation of the President would have to provide the money for New York and also for the purchase of the Kansas City station if we go forward with it.  So all together, this could mean a capital expenditure of some $10,000,000 for the three stations.  Said it would not be wise to make this expenditure in New York, and hopes that we shall not be called upon to do it.  However, a study is being made, and the board will make its recommendation after considering the report.

President Tanner then asked Brother Madsen if he had presented the facts as he understood them, and Arch said he felt he had presented the case fairly and that he felt WRFM would be in a paying position next year.

President Tanner said that we had not been able to get satisfactory management for the New York operation and questioned our ability to properly manage the Kansas City station satisfactorily.  I asked Arch if he thought this were a good sound investment and if he would recommend it, and he said yes.

President Tanner stated that it was his opinion that we ought to make a good survey as to what our policy should be in the acquisition of stations and not just pick up one when it is available even though it is profitable, that we ought to have these stations where they will serve us best.  He said he was not opposing the purchase of the Kansas City station, but that he would support it only if I felt we should have a station in that area, but he was pointing out our present expenditures.

Brother Madsen stated that the reason for bringing the situation in Kansas City to me was that it was his understanding from the Doctrine and Covenants and the scriptures that the central stake of Zion is to be in Independence Missouri, and that securing a radio and television station there at the present time seemed mighty important.  He said that Alvin R. Dyer, when he heard that this station was available, thought it would be a tremendous asset to the Church.  Brother Madsen felt that the question of whether or not the Church should purchase it depends on how the Church is going to use the facilities.  He said that he felt the need of more organized help from mission presidents and others in the area so that we can build a favorable image.  President Tanner said that the question boils down to one point, namely, is the location one that I, as the Prophet, feel we should have.  Brother Madsen commented that he could see no loss whatever to the Church financially in the acquisition of the station if it will serve the need in speaking in the Jackson County and other areas where the Church has such a tremendous history and where we will be involved again.  I asked how much we would have to invest.  Brother Madsen said it would cost us $2,500,000 to acquire it and make the necessary modifications.  He said that he felt confident that the favorable market in Kansas City will make this a sound business investment.  Brother Madsen said that we felt a little skittish about Seattle, and some people thought we were making a serious mistake to pay $7,500,000 for that station plus $2,000,000 for physical assets, that that was three years ago, and today it could be sold for $18,000,000.  He stated that properties are going up because there are no more frequencies and that causes an escalation of values.  I responded that I feel we are safe in Jackson County.  President Tanner then asked me if I feel we should go forward with this proposed purchase, and I said yes.

WRFM Radio Station in New York, Management of

President Tanner reminded me of the release of James Conkling as President and manager of the New York radio stations, that Arch Madsen had taken over the management of the institution temporarily and subsequently Art Mortensen had been given this responsibility under Arch as President.  In his management of the station, Brother Mortensen has remained in Salt Lake, but gone back to New York weekly to look after matters.  President Tanner said that he had suggested to Brother Madsen last week that he, President Tanner, approach Brother Mortensen to see if he would be prepared to move to New York for two or three years in order to try to put these stations into profitable operation.  He stated that Howard Stoddard had said that we must have a man looking after this business who has his residence in New York.  Brother Madsen had indicated that he felt this would be a good thing and President Tanner said that if I agreed with this feeling and felt it wise for him to talk with Brother Mortensen, he would be glad to confer with him and ascertain his feelings in regard to the matter.  President Tanner felt that Brother Mortensen could make the FM station in New York pay if he were there.  I gave my approval to this suggestion.

Tues., 14 Mar. 1967:

“8:30 a.m.

Held a meeting with the First Presidency in my office in the apartment at the Hotel Utah.  Among matters discussed were the following:

Bonneville International Corporation – Enlarging of New York Station

President Tanner reported to me that on Friday, March 3, the directors of the Bonneville International Corporation met to decide regarding going forward with a program to enlarge our station in New York and to what extent.  He said the meeting lasted five hours.  He stated that there was called into the meeting a man who had made the report on the area that we could reach and how we could reach the people and what the possibilities were of getting our messages across.  This gentleman gave a quick review of his report and then answered questions, and as a result the board decided that if we are going to keep this station, and everyone seemed to be agreed that that was my feeling because of the direction I gave 3 or 4 years ago to buy it, it would be necessary for us to spend some money on it, although they did not favor going the full distance of 4 or 5 million dollars.  He said the question as referred back to a committee to work with the engineers with management and the executive committee and bring in a report as to just what we should do.  President Tanner said that another meeting will be held within the next sixty days, at which time the committee will come with a firm recommendation as to what should be done and the cost.

Thurs., 16 Mar. 1967:

“8:00 a.m.

At their request, met with Presidents Brown and Tanner and Elder Hinckley.  The matters we discussed were:

Hong Kong, China – Building Matter

Elder Hinckley stated that a building in Hong Kong has been under discussion for two years, that we leased the land two years ago and a decision has to be made now as to what we are going to do.  Brother Christiansen of the Building Committee, who is in Hong Kong, is suggesting quite a change in the program that we had in mind and thinks it would be in the best interests of the Church and has phoned Mark Garff and suggested the advisability of his going over there with Brother Hinckley who will make a tour of that area, that they two may decide what should be done.  Brother Hinckley intends to go on to the Servicemen’s Conferences in the Philippines and Japan, and has asked for President Brown to go with him, that he might share the responsibility of the decision to be made regarding the Hong Kong building.  Elder Hinckley also feels keenly that inasmuch as a member of the First Presidency has never been in that area it would be most desirable to have one there.  Elder Hinckley said that the progress that is being made in the Far East is much greater in members baptized, the stability of the members and their progress generally, than any place in Europe.

South America – Visit by Elder George B. Hinckley on Broadcasting Matters

Brother Hinckley also mentioned a subject which had been heretofore discussed regarding the possibility of his going to South America to meet with the mission presidents and missionaries there with the idea of having an on-the-ground survey and obtaining firsthand information about the possibilities of the signal of our New York short-wave station being received in those areas.  Elder Hinckley stated, and it has been substantiated by the engineers, that we can reach the areas by an expenditure of probably five million dollars, but the question was raised as to what good we are doing if we give the signal and the people haven’t the facilities or the interest, one or the other or both, to receive the messages.  It was explained that we are competing whenever we go to one of these foreign countries like South America, South Africa, and Europe, with the governments of these countries who have their short-wave signals going out all over the world.  If the people have the facilities and the interest to receive the message that we would be sending out from America, we might be justified in spending this amount of money, but there is great doubt as to the wisdom of spending large sums of money to bring our station to a condition where it can compete with other stations if our message is not being received.

Presidents Brown and Tanner expressed their feeling that this would be a very wise move and that the information Brother Hinckley would gain would add materially to the study that is being made now by management and an engineering firm to determine how we might best do this job if we decide to do it.

President Brown suggested that we might be able to make available to our people there some receiving sets which would be more economical than the sets now available to those people so that they would receive the message, and the cost would not be too great.  Brother Hinckley wants to look into this situation while there.

(Elder Hinckley was then excused from the meeting.)

In further discussing the aforementioned matter, President Tanner mentioned that Arch Madsen and Saul Haas went down there a year ago to check with the governments and people who are in the broadcasting field to find out whether they would recommend that the Church buy an interest in one or two stations there, particularly one, and they brought back a report that because of the instability of the government it would not be wise for us to invest there at this time.  President Brown stated that this would not involve any immediate investment on our part except to make available to the people these receiving sets and the preparation of a report as to whether we want to spend that much money on broadcasting.  He said we are at a point where we must either broadcast or get out of the business.

President Tanner asked me if I am prepared to make a decision that President Brown and Elder Hinckley go to the Far East to attend these two Servicemen’s Conferences and look after the building matter.  They would leave Salt Lake City on April 11, and return April 26.

I gave authorization for President Brown to accompany Elder Hinckley on this trip.

In regard to the matter of Elder Hinckley’s going to South America for the purpose of investigating the broadcasting matters mentioned, I could do no other than give my approval to his going, and to President Brown’s going to the Far East in light of the propositions presented by the Brethren.”

Fri., 1 Sep., 1967:

“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency

Held Friday, September 1, 1967, at 11:00 A.M., at President McKay’s Home in Huntsville

Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith. President Thorpe B. Isaacson absent on account of illness.

KBIG-FM and AM Stations

President Tanner reported that Tuesday last Arch Madsen, Gordon B. Hinckley and Robert W. Barker reported that they had been informed that radio stations KBIG-AM and KBIQ-FM, would be available for us to purchase if we wanted to do so. They indicated that they had been so advised by the junior shareholder. The AM station only operates from sun-up to sun-down, which is the most important time for an AM station, and the FM station operates 24 hours a day and covers everything from San Diego on the south to Santa Barbara on the north. They feel that the stations can be bought for two million dollars. President Tanner said that he told these brethren that he thought they should go to Los Angeles, taking with them Art Mortensen, who had worked in that area for a long time, and Jim Conkling, who lives in Los Angeles, see the property, talk to the broker in that field and with the junior partner who wants to sell. They went to Los Angeles, met with Howard Anderson and Richard Stratford and discussed this project, and Arch Madsen and Gordon Hinckley returned and told President Tanner that they are all agreed that we should buy the property if it is available, as it will give us a voice in the second largest area in the United States where we have more trouble in getting our conference and other messages to the public due to competition. It was then arranged to hold a meeting of the board to discuss the matter, at which meeting these four men, Gordon B. Hinckley, Arch Madsen, Art Mortensen and Jim Conkling, were present. There were twelve of the board present at the meeting which was held at 7:30 this morning, and each one was asked to express how he felt about it and all were of one mind that the purchase should be made. President Brown said that this seems to be the last available opportunity in that area. President Tanner commented that four different stations have been sold in that area during the past year, that prices range as high as $7,400,000. The board felt that we should begin negotiations with authority to negotiate for two million dollars, and everyone recommended that the matter be brought to President McKay for his approval or otherwise, that is, authorization for negotiations. They would bring back to the First Presidency their report and recommendation.

President McKay said he thought we ought to get it. President Tanner said that the AM station is on Catalina Island and the FM station is in Los Angeles.

Thur., 12 Oct., 1967:

“Held a meeting with Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Nathan Eldon Tanner, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Elder Alvin R. Dyer, newly-sustained Apostle. This was Elder Dyer’s first meeting with the First Presidency, and he had come at my invitation. A number of matters were presented by the Brethren, among them were:

Bonneville Broadcasting Corporation – Acquisition of new Station in Los Angeles, California 

President Tanner reported the holding of a meeting this morning of the executive committee of the BIC, at which a discussion was held regarding the proposed purchase of a radio and television station in Los Angeles, which was approved two or three months ago. He said the committee brought in their report this morning of negotiations that have been completed. They feel that they have a satisfactory deal worked out and authorization was given for them to go ahead. President Brown said it is not expected that we will have any returns from this station for some time because it has not been making any money of late, but the committee feels that in a reasonable time it can be brought back into profitable condition. James Conkling lives in that area and Art Mortensen will be in charge. It was explained that the securing of this station gives us a voice in that area that we have not heretofore had, and that the area is second in size in the United States so far as air communcation is concerned; the other being New York.

Thurs., Jul. 3, 1969:

“President Tanner, accompanied by Secretary Joseph Anderson, met with President McKay at 12:30 p.m. and presented the following matters and actions were taken as indicated:

KSL Radio and Television Station

President Tanner reported to President McKay a matter he considers of serious importance.  He mentioned that KSL had appied to the Federal Communications Commission in Washington some months ago for renewal of their license, whic approval was granted by a small majority but there was a lot of opposition.  The charge is made that KSL serves the Church and not the public and that because we own the Deseret News and KSL radio and television station we are controlling the media of communication.  Later some people in Utah supported by others whom we do not know appealed from the decision of the Commission.  There are seven members on the Commission, two of whom belong to our Church.  When the appeal was considered by the Commission three members voted for renewal and three against, and one member, who is a member of the Church, abstained from voting.  The matter is now being referred to the federal court of appeals.  President Tanner said that when this matter was discussed at the meeting a few days ago of the board of the Bonneville International there was fear that our station would not get its license renewed, which would mean that KSL could not operate.  Robert L. Barker, who is a lawyer in Washington, who is looking after this and is one of our Regional Representatives, says that it looks bleak.  President Tanner said the KSL station is worth ten to twelve million dollars today while it is operating, that if we do not get our license renewed it will not be worth more than two million dollars because all that we would have left for sale would be our equipment.  President Tanner said that he had talked to President Brown about the matter this morning and had talked with Lawrence McKay yesterday.  He said President Brown felt that he, President Tanner, should report the matter to President McKay, and also the proposed solution to the question, which he thought we should seriously consider.  President Tanner said that if we were to dispose of the station to friendly buyers who would operate it the way we want it operated, they could get the license renewed and we could get our money out of the station.  He mentioned as the people he had in mind to whom the station might be sold: Bill Gay, one of the top men in the Howard Hughes operations, Howard Anderson, the President’s grandson-in-law, Howard Stoddard, Glenn Nielson, and people like that.  He said that he understood these men are trying to buy a station in California and want to form an organization to do it.  President Tanner asked President McKay if it would meet with his approval for him to discuss this with some members of the KSL board, namely, Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson, who are on the executive committee; Robert L. Barker, Arch Madsen and Lawrence McKay, and perhaps Richard L. Evans.  He said he would like to discuss the matter in some detail with these brethren with the feeling that if we think that is the thing to do we begin to plan accordingly.  He mentioned that if we could sell it to men of this kind who are good Church members they would serve the Church to the best of their ability and they would carry out our programs as nearly as they could the way we want them carried out.  President Tanner mentioned also that there is a court case now pending to determine whether or not the Tribune and Deseret News are contravening the Anti-Trust Law.  An effort is being made to change the arrangement that the newspaper union has.  They claim that we control the media of communications.  President Tanner suggested that he be given permission to talk with these men and report to the President what their thinking is.  President McKay indicated his approval.

Minutes by Joseph Anderson.”