TELEVISION
Wednesday, April 16 SPECTRUM (NET, 8-8:30 p.m.).* Does the need for research funds from federal sources place scientists under Government control? The issue is debated on "Science and Politics," Part 1.
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (NBC, 9-10 p.m.).
"Johnny Cash ... On the Road" stars country-and-Western troubadour Cash, includes Kate Smith, Don Ho and Paul Lynde. A country-music concert medley with Cash's touring show provides the grand finale.
Thursday, April 17 CHRYSLER PRESENTS THE BOB HOPE SPECIAL (NBC, 8:30-9:30 p.m.). Patti Page, Jack Nicklaus, Jane Wyman and Tina Louise join in the antics on Bob's final show of the season.
THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES (CBS, 9-11 p.m.). UMC (University Medical Center), a pilot-movie harbinger of the autumn's scheduled epidemic of doctor series, stars James Daly, Maurice Evans, Richard Brad ford, Kevin McCarthy, Kim Stanley and Edward G. Robinson.
Friday, April 1 8 THE SAINT (NBC, 10-11 p.m.). Premiere of the series, returning for the summer. Roger Moore as Simon Templar is involved in a £.1,000,000 robbery and helps out the usual distressed damsel.
Saturday, April 19 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL (NBC, 2 p.m. to conclusion). Oakland A's v. the Kansas City Royals, at Kansas City.
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (ABC, 4-5 p.m.). A field including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Lee Trevino and last year's champ Don January will be trying for the $30,000 first prize. Final round Sunday, 4-5:30 p.m. From La Cos ta Country Club, Rancho La Costa,Calif.
CBS GOLF CLASSIC (CBS, 4-5:30). Finals of the season-long tournament, with George Archer and Bob Lunn v. Al Geiberger and Dave Stockton; last 18 holes Sunday from 4 to 5:30.
Sunday, April 20 NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE (CBS, 2-5 p.m.). Stanley Cup Play-Off.
EXPERIMENT IN TELEVISION (NBC, 4:30-5:30 p.m.). "Big Sur,"Frank Gagliano's original fable, tells the tale of a middle-aged Midwesterner's drive to California. The role is played by Gene Troobnick; James Coco, Billy Dee Williams and Kate Harrington are some of the characters he meets along the way.
BROADWAY '69-THE TONY AWARDS (NBC, 10-11:30 p.m.). The cream of Broadway assembles to give and receive recognition for the past year's plays and performances; co-hosts are Alan King and Diahann Car roll. Among those presenting awards will be Dustin Hoffman, Gwen Verdon and Leslie Uggams.
Monday, April 21 SPOON RIVER (CBS, 10-11 p.m.). A com pressed version of Edgar Lee Masters' small-town Americana, with Jason Robards, Charles Aidman, Joyce Van Patten and Jennifer West. The original, on Broadway, was a critical success in 1963.
Tuesday, April 22
WHITE PAPER: THE ORDEAL OF THE AMERICAN CITY (NBC, 7:30-9 p.m.). White society in a "crisis of spirit." The example here in microcosm, San Francisco State College, is examined by Frank McGee.
NET FESTIVAL (NET, 9-10 p.m.). "The World of David Amram" looks into the panoramic (jazz to cantatas) musical talents of the 38-year-old composer. His Three Songs for America, written in memory of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, will be premiered on the program.
THEATER