HUGE RESERVE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 251, 31 July 1940, Page 8

HUGE RESERVE

NATIONAL BROADCASTING.

THE COMMERCIAL REVENUE

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, July 30

The National Broadcasting Service, with an income last year of £407,991, has transferred to its accumulated ‘funds £1.40,840, and its reserves now stand at £698,362. This information is contained in the annual report presented to Parliament to-day by the. Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), who is Minister of Broadcasting. Licence fees totalled £380,470, and expenditure on programmes £1.10,410. “The importance of broadcasting as a direct and indirect instrument n modern warfare is now obvious to everyone,” stated the report. “The general polocy adopted has been to give as far as possible full and authentic information to the public, while at the same time maintaining the normal service. Unifying National Effort. “For several days at the outbreak ol war the anxiety of the public was allayed by maintaining a continioiis daily service of 24 hours, but as soon as possible this was curtailed and the broadcasting of Daventry news has been reduced several times since. “The Government has made frequent use of broadcasting for unifying ibe national effort in the Allied cause.” The report stated that a satisfying response was made to the nation s .call by members of the staff, and as many as could be spared were released for service.

Building plans for the new broadcasting house near Parliament Buildings had been completed, but, owing to existing conditions', the building was not to be proceeded with at present. Owing to the pressure of work on the architectural staff, plans for the conversion of the old Garrison Hail at Dunedin into a studio and office accommodation had been delayed. The improvement of coverage in areas not enjoying firstgrade reception had been planned and would be given effect to as soon as circumstances permitted. Referring to programmes, the report stated that the number of notable artists engaged from overseas was fewer than usual. There were 7'3 concerts broadcast by New Zealand musical societies, and approximately 1,600 performances by local artists. Educational broadcasts were now serving 1106 schools with 73,000 pupils. An increasing number of plays by New Zealand authors were being broadcast. ' The report stated that the expenditure on the official journal of the service, “Listener,” was £30,347, including the preliminary expenses and one free distribution, and that revenue was £18,096. Commercial Stations. A [report hv the controller of commercial broadcasting (Mr C. G. S’crimgeour) stated that revenue for'the year was £171,548, the principal amounts being Auckland station £52,767, Wellington £44.141, Christchurch £36,809, and Dunedin £27,739. A net- profit of £22,506 was earned, which enabled the accumulated adverse balance of £2710 to .be removed. Provision to the extent of £13,400 was being made for the payment of income tax. The net result was a favourable balance of £417. Advances to the commercial service from the national broadcasting account had been reduced, to £77,025. The controller stated that the service had maintained a close connection with the organisation for national security, An aspect which had been kept steadily in mind was the avoidance of any advertising matter likely to create alarm or exploit public sentiment during the war. This involved exactingcensorship and close contact with the Director of Publicity. The blatant use of way recordings was avoided, while, at the time, due regard was given to stimulating the nation’s war effort- and the spirit of patriotism. Twenty-three members of the staff enlisted. “During the last year work was commenced on the erection of the Government building in Durham. Street, Auckland, part of which will lie used for new studios and offices for station 1ZB,” added the report. “It is anticipated that the building will he ready for occupation by IZB during the present financial year.”