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This file contains:
From Fred Rheinstein to Dick Herman, Timmons, Alvin Cooperman, Magruder, and Flanigan RE: "Proposal to Networks." 3 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 2/3/1972
From Rheinstein to Timmons RE: use of radio and television in the Republican Convention. 4 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Memo], 2/12/1972
From Rheinstein to Carruthers RE: campaign activities. 1 pg. [Subject: Campaign] [Letter], 2/21/1972
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WHSF: Contested, 2-75
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26144472
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WHSF: Contested, 2-75
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This file contains:
From Fred Rheinstein to Dick Herman, Timmons, Alvin Cooperman, Magruder, and Flanigan RE: "Proposal to Networks." 3 pgs. [Subject: Domestic Policy] [Memo], 2/3/1972
From Rheinstein to Timmons RE: use of radio and television in the Republican Convention. 4 pgs. [Subject: Campaign] [Memo], 2/12/1972
From Rheinstein to Carruthers RE: campaign activities. 1 pg. [Subject: Campaign] [Letter], 2/21/1972
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Richard M. Nixon's Returned Materials Collection
Contested Materials Files
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Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Contested Materials Collection
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No Date
Subject
Document Type
Document Description
2
75
2/3/1972
Domestic Policy
Memo
From Fred Rheinstein to Dick Herman,
Timmons, Alvin Cooperman, Magruder, and
Flanigan RE: "Proposal to Networks." 3 pgs.
2
75
2/12/1972
Campaign
Memo
From Rheinstein to Timmons RE: use of
radio and television in the Republican
Convention. 4 pgs.
2
75
2/21/1972
Campaign
Letter
From Rheinstein to Carruthers RE: campaign
activities. 1 pg.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Page 1 of 1
1972 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
To:
Dick Herman; Bill Timmons; Alvin Cooperman Date February 3, 1972
Jeb Magruder; Bob Flanigan
From:
Fred Rheinstein
Subject: Proposal to Networks
Below enumerated are the points that I propose we put to
the networks at our meeting in New York on Monday, Febru-
ary 7th.
Before listing, I should like to publicly (well, not too
publicly) admit that remarks I have made over the past
weeks that may have implied any integrity to Leon Parma
and his verbal commitments were in error and I do hereby
apologize for them. Yesterday I attempted to deal with
Parma on the subject of modular space, and within a
period of two hours he gave four different versions of
his own promises.
Suggested Arrangements Committee Statement to Networks
1. Networks' anchor booth positions are approved as
requested - with NBC's modified to reduce number of
blocked seats.
2. Work space allocation, as submitted by pool, approved.
3. Arrangements Committee to supply NBC, CBS and NPACT
all of the modular complex space requested.
Arrangements Committee to supply ABC with 8000 square
feet of modular complex space. Arrangements Committee
to make available to ABC additionally required 4000
square feet at cost.
Arrangements Committee to supply CBS with 2500 square
feet of office trailer space.
Arrangements Committee to supply NBC with 6500 square
feet of trailer space.
Arrangements Committee to supply NPACT with 2500 square
feet of office space.
Arrangements Committee to supply Mutual with up to 1500
square feet of office trailer space.
1972 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
Page 2
To:
Date February 3, 1972
From:
Subject:
Arrangements Committee to supply Pool with up to 3500
square feet of office trailer space for their use,
plus EBU, FBS and outside Pool.
4. Networks will assume responsibility for their studio
space and balance of their office space EXCEPT that
should possible additional donated office trailer space
become available, it will be offered to the broadcasters
equally and without charge (or at cost).
5. Networks to pay for their own power requirements, with
Arrangements Committee assuming that minor portion used
by writing press, independents, etc.
6. Networks to assume cost of covering all 20 hall vomi-
tories. In return, they will be permitted use of 6.
7. Broadcast Pool to assume full responsibility for light-
ing the Arena with the following conditions:
a. Selection of contractor to be jointly approved by
Arrangements Committee and Pool.
b. President's lighting consultant and Convention TV
Producer-Director will work in conjunction with the
Pool lighting director in lighting podium.
C. Cost of lighting shall be borne by networks, with
$5,000-$10,000 contribution being made by Arrange-
ments Committee.
d. CONTROL OF LIGHTING DURING CONVENTION SESSIONS WILL
REMAIN OPERATIONALLY WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE.
8. Arrangements Committee reaffirms that floor cameras and
reporters will be permitted. Exact definition of ground
rules will follow at a later date.
9. Arrangements Committee acknowledges the request of the
broadcasters made in San Diego in January for peripheral
camera drops. Hereby we request that these requests be
reconsidered and resubmitted more realistically. At the
same time, the Arrangements Committee acknowledges that
peripheral drops will be allowed in some form.
1972 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
Page 3
MEMORANDUM
To:
Date
February 3, 1972
From:
Subject:
In the broadest, most informal and totally off the record
fashion, I have run these proposals by the networks. After
all the groaning was finished, I have reason to be very
optimistic that they will accept these proposals. Believe
it or not, ABC will be the hardest.
Explanatory Note: In paragraph #5, "power requirements"
means paying for the construction of the transformers that
would be placed in the parking lot to supply all of the
current to the users. In all cases, the networks expect to
pay for their own energy use by individual meters.
I have just gotten off the phone with architect John Groom
who has spent the day examining the seat loss. If the
booths go in às proposed, NBC would build over 150 seats
and block the view of an additional 380; CBS would build
over 20 seats; ABC would build over 60 seats and block the
view of an additional 120. This totals 630 seats.
If we insist that the networks elevate the red seats behind
their booths, Groom estimates that we can reduce the number
of blocked seats to 140. We obviously still lose the 230
they build over, but reduce the total seat loss to 370.
It would be my recommendation that we give the networks
their booths, conditional on their elevating these seats
at their expense.
FR:es
CC: Lyn Nofziger
Craig Maurer
bcc: Bill Carruthers
1972 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
To:
Bill Timmons
Date February 12, 1972
From:
Fred Rhelnsteln
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL
The purpose of these notes is to attempt to bring you and
Jeb up to date on the continuing Radio-TV Convention
activities. I would preface the Informal report noting
that there are procedural and, perhaps, Idealogical, but
not personal, differences between Dick Herman and myself.
I remind you of this only because there is some implied
disapproval in the modus operandi, but retained optimism
over the final outcome.
The proposal described in my February 3rd memorandum to
you all was the result of protracted talks between Dick
Herman, the architects, Cralg Maurer, Parma and various
other interested parties.
Between the 3rd and the 7th Dick and I had continuing
talks, and various portions of the proposal were modified
by the changing availability of modular space, trailers,
etc., and by a continuing contact with the networks, which
was, I think, wisely suggested by Dick Herman. The purpose
of this contact was to assure a basic agreement prior to
going into the February 7th meeting with the networks in
New York, avolding open wrangling in front of 40 people.
The enclosed carefully considered (and carelessly typed)
February 7th memorandum was a summary of what was agreed
between Dick and myself and the networks and myself. It
was never delivered to anyone but Mr. Herman.
Sunday night, February 6th, a large group met In New York
to reconsider all of the details to be discussed with the
networks the following morning. Considerable concern was
expressed by some of those present over the number of seats
that were to be taken by the networks' anchor booths,
despite the basic agreement Dick and I had and the tentative
approval received from the networks.
This Input Influenced Dick Herman to decide that he would
make the presentation to the networks and would take a hard
line. The group decided to limit the networks to 285 lost
or blocked seats. (In the February 7th summary, you will
note that we had already tentative approval from the net-
works to give them 360 seats.)
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
To:
Bill Timmons
Date February 12, 1972
From: Fred Rheinstein
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL
Page 2
During the Sunday evening meeting It became apparent that
architect John Groom was ill-prepared for the meeting with
the networks. He had not performed the explicit require-
ments ordered by Dick Herman and later by Cralg Maurer and
myself. A discussion almed at replacing him was begun.
During the Monday meeting Dick advised the networks that
they had not performed in good faith in their proposals
for booths - they had not lived up to his requirement
articulated in San Diego that no more than 200 seats be
lost. He then laid out the new 285 seat requirement, and
at the same time told the networks that the Committee would
now permit them to use the previously denied area over the
main Arena ramp in the northeast quadrant. This was a whole
new element. The meeting degenerated Into some bickering
which was not helped by John Groom's lack of preparation.
The networks have gone back to the drawing boards, mumbling.
CBS, whose performance has been unquestionably the most
professional of the networks, and NBC (whose has been the
least) both told me after the meeting that they felt the
Committee was now playing games with them and if their
requested positions were disapproved, they would not use
booth positions in the hall and would Instead chromo-key
from studio space in the parking lot.
Some of the unsettled areas: Dick advised the networks (for
the first time) that they would be responsible for paying
the San Diego Sports Arena for any seat sales lost during
the construction of their booths. The negative reaction to
this announcement was explosive. I must add, I was as
surprised as the networks I thought that one had gone away
some time ago. It should be noted that Alvin Cooperman
feels that the amount of money we're talking about is negli-
gible and, in point of fact, be maybe zero.
There exists some friction on the subject of covering the
vomitories. I think essentially because Dick regards this
as a strategic gambit, and the networks are Interested In
how much it will cost. When they requested an estimate, the
Golden Company gave them one of $15,000 for the whole job
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
To:
Bill Timmons
Date February 12, 1972
From: Fred Rheinstein
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL
Page 3
which, in answer to the networks' probing, turns out to be
for permanent concrete coverings. The matter of concern
here is not the $15,000, but the re-introduction of the
protagonist, or "screwor" and "screwee" system, that I
thought we were getting away from. More games.
The networks take umbrage at Dick's earlier Insistence
that all construction in or around the Sports Arena be
done by the Golden Company. This is against all of their
policies on taking bids. Dick backed off in the meeting
to the extent that he said that they would not be required
to use Golden, but he "urgently urged" that they do so.
Unfortunately, the subsequent replacement of John Groom,
with whom the nets have been dealing for several months,
with the Golden Company, who will now act as coordinator
of all things - - architectural and constructional - for the
Committee, has not answered any, but has, indeed, raised a
few questions in their minds.
I think, basically, the rest of the proposal was presented
as laid out in the undelivered February 7th summary, and
Is probably essentially acceptable to the networks. Mainly
beçause they were sternly sent back to the drawing boards,
they have not responded on anything. Dick demanded an early
answer from them. I feel I have prevailed on him to at
least give them respite until after they get back from China.
The only other unfortunate jarring note in network relation-
ships took place on Tuesday night when, at Dick Herman's
request, we prevailed upon NBC to provide a screening room
for Dick to view the 1968 Convention - - in a complicated
fashion so that he could see both the network and Pool tape
at the same time. NBC rewired their viewing room for this,
sent to New Jersey to their archives to pull 30 tapes and
set aside three hours of screening time (at a cost, I would
guess, of $2,500).
A large group came to the screening, but Dick Herman concen-
trated essentially on firing John Groom, spent most of his
time standing in the hall conferring with various members of
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
MEMORANDUM
To:
Bill Timmons
Date February 12, 1972
From: Fred Rheinstein
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL
Page 4
the group, leaving the screening session ill-attended and
the senior NBC News Executive, who stayed to host the
screening, somewhat bemused. At the end of two hours and
fifteen mlnutes, without adleus, the group broke up and
left the Republican Radio-TV Producer, NBC crew and NBC
Executive to chat with each other embarrassedly.
Sending of Craig Maurer to San Dlego to permanently super-
vise the operation down there is probably a very sound
move. Cralg likes this sort of thing and does it well.
As I mentioned to you on the phone, however, Craig and
Dick Herman share and, Indeed, tend to reinforce each
other's habit of making quick, loud, hip-shot decisions
that sometimes are not really necessary (vis a vis taking
a "hard line" with the networks over 75 seats).
1, therefore, submit to your consideration the suggestion
that the man you were planning to send to watch out for
your interests in San Diego be sent soon (Craig takes up
residence Monday, February 14th) and that he be Integrated
right into the Bob Knowles-Craig Maurer-Dick Herman opera-
tion in San Diego. I submit that this ploy might better
enable you to get maximum usage of the considerabie talents
of all concerned.
I don't want to close this off on a dreary note. The
frictions with the networks will ease - time and the China
trip are going to help. Personally, as you know, I like
Dick Herman and I feel that for a while I should maintain
a very low profile so that our conceptual and operational
differences don't reach a personal level.
We are going to have a successful August outing, win the
election and maybe have some fun doing it.
FR:es
1972
Republican
National
Convention
Committee On
Arrangements
February 21, 1972
OFFICERS
Bob Dole, Chairman
Mr. Bill Carruthers
R. L. "Dick" Herman, Vice Chairman
6777 Hollywood Boulevard
Mrs. Mildred K. Perkins, Secretary
Mrs. J. Willard Marriott, Treasurer
Hollywood, California 90028
Fred C. Scribner, Jr., General Counsel
McDill Boyd, Special Asst. to Chrmn.
Ray C. Bliss, Adviser
Dear Bill:
Enclosed please find some reading material. I would
SUBCOMMITTEES
suggest you start with the February 7th memo, then
Badges and Tickets
read the 12th, then the 21st. I think you will get
Harry Rosenzweig, Chairman
a pretty good idea of what's been going on.
Miss Sarah Ann Stauffer, Vice Chairman
Housing
I think that the key to all of these problems may
Howard H. (Bo) Callaway, Chairman
really be inserting somebody who is obviously and
Mrs. Harian J. Anderson, Vice Chairman
genuinely in good communication with the White House
News Media Operations
and Jeb Magruder's activity into the Dick Herman
McDill Boyd, Chairman
operation in San Diego.
Mrs. Hope McCormick, Vice Chairman
Program Planning
I think one of the terrific problems is that everytime
Robert M. Flanigan, Chairman
Bill Timmons and Jeb Magruder have a meeting with Dick
Mrs. Keith Spurrier, Vice Chairman
Herman, they get lots of agreeing from him. He con-
Transportation
curs in everything they suggest, he responds that he's
Kendall D. Garff, Chairman
going to do what they ask, and then he just carries on
L. E. (Tommy) Thomas, Vice Chairman
and does it exactly his own way. Unfortunately, he
Host Committee
has communicated the same spirit to Craig Maurer and
Mrs. Eleanor R. Ring, Chairman
Jim Gale, and where they all going I really don't
Thomas C. Reed
know.
Putnam Livermore
The note of optimism at the end of the February 12th
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
memo is not, however, false. All of this is going to
Thomas B. Evans, Jr., Co-Chairman
come out in the wash.
Republican National Committee
Mrs. Tobin Armstrong, Co-Chairman
Republican National Committee
I hope your murderous schedule has eased somewhat and
maybe if you have a chance during the week we can get
STAFF
together for a chat.
Miss Josephine L. Good, Convention Director
Robert P. Knowles, Convention Coordinator
William S. Warner, Comptroller and
Administrative Assistant
Best
Frederi Rheinstein
FR:es
Encs.