Play Meter

nEWS BRIEFS
In the wake of some late space cancellations from " major exhibitors," Terry Cunningham
cancelled the Pacific Amusement Operators show scheduled for April 6 in Anaheim , California .
" Instead of having a marginal show, I'd rather cancel, " Cunningham said . " I decided it would
not be in the best interests of the industry to go on with the show."
--·--
Warner Communications, and subsidiary Atari Products, has been saved from a takeover bid by
Rupert Murdoch . The 15-week battle between Murdoch and Warner ended in mid-March when
Murdoch agreed to sell 5.6 million shares he had acquired back to Warner for $180.6 million .
In buying back the stock , Warner will need help from its defender during the battle, Chris Craft
Industries. If Warner President Steven Ross's friend, Chris Craft President Herbert Siegel , provides the
$72 million expected to help with the buy back, that means Chris Craft will increase its share of
Warner to 29 percent, inspiring one Warner strategist to comment: "The company that was once
Steve's baby could end up in someone else 's hands after all. "
In its continuing effort to economize operations and turn a near 3/4-billion dollar 1983 loss
around , Atari announced it will eliminate between 250 and 260 white collar jobs while adding 50 to 60
workers in other positions.
--·--
The House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation of the Energy and Commerce
Committee released a report titled "Stealing American Intellectual Property: Imitation is not Flattery,"
which includes recommendations calling for increased funding for enforcement efforts of the U.S.
Customs Service and for strengthening criminal sanctions for copyright infringement. Principals of the
Amusement Game Manufacturers Association contributed testimony during the hearings which led to
the report.
--·--
General Vending Sales of Baltimore was added to the list of authorized Williams distributors .
According to General Vending President Joel Smeyne, his firm took delivery of its first shipment of
Williams games March 23 .
--·--
Bally has been awarded a contract to handle coin-op amusements during the 1984 World's Fair
in New Orleans. The Chicago amusement giant will erect an Aladdin 's Castle arcade, occupying 6,000
square feet of World ' s Fair property. The fair runs May 12 through November 11 . Concession contract
terms are confidential.
--·--
PLAY METER. May 1 . 1984
86