"ON THE AIR."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 65, 17 March 1928, Page 12

"ON THE AIR."

RADIO COMPANY'S AFFAIRS.

STATEMENT BY DIRECTOR.

"EVERY STATION A UNIT."

Upon his return from the South Island Mr. William Goodfellow, a director of the Radio Broadcasting Company, was Interviewed by a "Star" reporter regarding recent broadcasting events. He stated that in Ms opinion a great deal of unnecessary and entirely misleading publicity had recently been given regarding certain decisions of the general manager of the Radio Company. He bad personally looked into these matters very carefully, and had no hesitation in stating that the management had taken the only possible action under the circumstances. It was very regrettable

that a small section of Auckland listeners seemed determined to use every possible pretext in an endeavour to discredit the ability and sound judgment of the genera) manager. Hot Money to Burn. Continuing, Mr. Goodfellow stated that he had, within the last few weeks, visited all the leading cities of the Dominion, and on every hand heard nothing but praise for the broadcasting services. It was generally recognised that a very marked advanoe had been made during the past year. Referring to the question of finance, he stated that the impression had been created that the company had money to burn. Such was not the case. The total income for the past year was under £40,000 for the maintenance and operation of four stations, and during several months the expenditure had actually considerably exceeded the revenue. This could be readily realised when he stated that one station—3LO Melbourne —had now a 1 revenue Of nearly £100,000, and this station was the standard the New Zealand Company apparently was expected :to equal. The expense of running four stations was very great. For instance, the payment of copyright alone ran into thousands a year. Dealing with the question of management, he said that it had been stated that there was undue control of the Auckland station by the head office. This was not correct. Each station was treated as a unit. A station director was expected to use initiative and to keep in intimate touch with local conditions. He was solely responsible for his programme and was expected to recommend for engagement the best available talent. The station director was further expected to use tact and influence in persuading artists t.o give the class of performance which the public demanded. Interference from head office merely implied that-the work was not satisfactorily performed by the station, and that, therefore, assistance had to be given. A local station director had, in fact, power to deal with all routine matters and it was largely questions of policy which were dealt with by the head office at Christchurch, which was just as satisfactory is Wellington for administrative purposes.

"Thoughtless Criticism." The broadcasting company claimed to have engaged the leading artists and performers available, in this Country, and these artists were working with enthusiasm at the big task of providing daily concerts, while at the same time keeping in view the necessity for an excellent standard of performance. The thoughtless criticism which was being indulged in by a few individuate can only nave the result of weakening that enthusiasm and seriously handicapping I the efforts of the performers. la conclusion, Mr. Goodfellow stated that neither himself nor Mr. Harris would attend public meetings, but at all times the management would be pleased to receive constructive and helpful suggestions for the benefit of the large aid increasing number of radio listeners throughout the Dominion.