POLICY NOT CHANGED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 191, 26 May 1934, Page 3

POLICY NOT CHANGED

SPONSORED RADIO PROGRAMME ENGLISH PRACTICE ADOPTED. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, May 25. Modelled largely on the system of the British Broadcasting Corporation, which it considers to be the best in the world, the broadcasting policy of the Government, especially on the status of B class stations, and the prohibition of sponsored programmes, will not undergo an alteration in the meantime, according to statements made by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, when replying to a series of deputations. “My responsibility,” said, the Minister, “is to protect a wise policy of broadcasting. I would not be worth my job if I did not protect what I believed to be the best policy for New Zealand. I do not want to do anything that is wrong, but at all costs I must protect the right system. The cabinet decided that sponsored programmes would cease after March 31, and that there would be no increase in the powers or hours of B class stations. The Government’s policy has followed that of the British Broadcasting Corporation. England has no B class stations. We have looked all oyer the world, and we are convinced that ihe British Broadcasting Corporation has the best policy. “You have for comparison .the American and Australian systems, mm the' unanimous opinion is that the British Broadcasting Corporation is following the soundest lines, _a national service only, without B stations. My view is that the position in both the United States and Australia has got somehow out of hand.” Auckland was receiving a large amount of expenditure this year over the new station, plant and studio, which from memory would involve, roughly, £70,000. Moreover, the new Auckland station would be the best in New Zealand, twice as powerful as Wellington and four times as poweriul as the new Christchurch station. In every way it would give the best service in the Dominion. Mr Hamilton emphasised that the Government’s policy was firmly set on following that of the British Broadcasting Corporation, bearing in mind the tremendous possibilities for good and evil of broadcasting and! the risk' of its getting out of hand. The Government did not want to have B class stations developing, and then finding themselves financially embarrassed.

CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS. AUCKLAND, May 25. The Postmaster-General (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) told a deputation today that the broadcasting of controversial subjects was being considered, and a policy announcement might be expected shortly. He had been discussing the issue with the Broadcasting Board, which had asked! fiis opinion as to how “ controversial” should be interpreted. Mr Hamilton said he believed that the British Broadcasting Corporation was all right—nearly all controversial matters were interesting, some were entertaining, but a few were offensive. The last should not be allowed.