Radio: Wanted Woman

Like the corner saloon and professional wrestling in the old days, the seven-member Federal Communications Commission had long been a man’s affair. But last week it, too, succumbed. Beamed FCC Chairman Wayne Coy: “We’ve had rectitude, fortitude, and solemnitude, but never before pulchritude.” Thereupon pulchritudinous Frieda Hennock, successful Manhattan lawyer and active Democrat, was sworn in as the 24th commissioner in FCC’s 14 years.

Said the new member in a coy acknowledgment to Chairman Coy: “You are the first commissioner who has ever wanted a woman.”

Born in Poland 43 years ago and educated in New York’s public schools, Frieda Hennock bucked parental disapproval to study law. At 21 she became the youngest woman member of the New York State Bar. Later she joined the rock-ribbed Republican law firm of Choate, Mitchell & Ely, where she was the only woman lawyer and only Democrat. She has never married (although “I believe in marriage and I want the companionship of a wonderful man”).

Commissioner Hennock claims no particular experience in her new field. She feels that lack of experience may be all to the good. (“Senator Brewster* wanted an unbiased, fresh viewpoint, away from the industry.”) Last week she outlined her approach to the job: “It seems fundamental that in this field—so peculiarly affecting women—the viewpoint of their sex should be presented.”

* Of the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, which approved her nomination.