TA CASTIGATED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 39, 15 February 1929, Page 16

TA CASTIGATED.

-Mr. U. Leslie Jones, formerly secretary of the Wellington Kadio Society, write*most scathingly to the WelliiigtJu "Post , ' upon tlie manifold sins of 2iA. ".Even bO or 7U miles away from th.j station, ' he declares, "2YA' is not up to the average standard of the Auckland station, IYA. Everybody is growling about transmission and progranTmes, and is heartily sick and tired of the sameness. The children's session, and the spoil.and news sessions are good, but tin: evening musical programmes are not up to the fair average standard of other sttaions." Mr. Jones urges that Sunday evening, the one day in the week that listeners are free from other duties, should be made a first-class programme night, with something better than the engagement of only two artists. He also expresses the opinion that the 2VA has been reduced in strength by half its numbers. ''During the week," he writes, "wo get the same old stufl which some people would call a eoncerr programme, and I challenge the company to show me where listeners have had sufficient humour to make them laugh more than perhaps a dozen times durin , - 1928." Distance perhaps may lend enchantment, but in the writer's opinion the Wellington programmes seem more varied and attractive than those of the other YA's —that is, if one is prepared to put up with the fluctuating volume that has been so marked of late. The question of radio humour, of course, is a difficult one, and presents a problem which has not yet been solved in New ' Zealand. It always seems possible for various clubs and societies which foregather on winter evenings to secure a sufficient supply of items which raise a genuine laugh, but, as Mr.'Jones asserts. there is a decided lack of broadcasting fare which will really tickle the listener's risible faculties. There is scope for the briaht story-teller before the microphone, and diligent search should be made for ' aim.

A NEW NEW ZEALAND STATION

Shortly we may expect upon the air station 2YB, as the new plant at New Plymouth will be designated when it comes officially into operation. The transmitter has already been tested out in Cb.ristehun.-b. and has been received excellently in what will be it* home town. 2YB will have an output of at least 50 watte, and will u.-e' a wavelength of 244 meters. A full-time operator will bo. employed at the station, the establishment of which is a tribute to the enthusiasm of Taranaki listeners who have supported it* inauguration. The Broadcasting Company will in-tal the plant, be responsible for its upkeep, and supply the operator and the power. The North Taranaki Radio Society ha* made itself responsible for the studio a.nd its equipment, aerial system, land lines, programmes and programme staff.