STATE BROADCASTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 237, 7 October 1930, Page 6

STATE BROADCASTING.

Many New Zealanders may ask why the Government, which has its hands so full of difficulties, should add to them by taking over the broadcasting stations and services. It is true that the company does not satisfy everybody, but it is reasonable to suppose that the service will improve still further, and Avhat broadcasting - system is there that is not a target for criticism? The Government cannot think that it is going to have an easy time as entertainer. The only justification for this unexpected change is the intention, expressed by the Postmaster-General, to add to the number of stations and bring all humble customers into the system. This should be a popular move. On the other hand, with one's experience of Government enterprises, one cannot help feeling doubtful about the finance of the scheme and the quality of the programmes. It is important to know Avhat the taking over and the additions are going , to cost the country and what are the estimates of annual revenue and expenditure. Moreover, in State control of a monopolistic publicity and entertainment service there is an obvious danger to freedom of thought and expression. In Britain, it is true, broadcasting is under Government control, and the system appears to be successful. It has been said that the actual directors carry on as they did before, and the members of the governing , body "make occasional suggestions at occasional board meetings." It seems to be agreed in England that the service is the best in the world, but Government control has not been long , enough in operation to be thoroughly tested. The New Zealand Government should study carefully the British organisation and determine at the outset to give the State's servants a free hand.