BROADCASTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 202, 27 August 1931, Page 7

BROADCASTING.

RADIO TRADERS' VIEW.

COMPANY SCHEME OPPOSED.

BJBC. SYSTEM FAVOURED.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER,

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Keporter.)

WELLIXGTOISr, this day.

The views of the Dominion conference of radio dealers on the future control of broadcasting were submitted to the Postmaster-General yesterday by a deputation. Mr. R. H. Nimmo, chairman, stated that the conference had been called primarily to consider the question, of future control of broadcasting. That question had been discussed thoroughly, from all angles, and the conference had arrived at a unanimous decision. The considered views of the trade were embodied in a statement, which sets out that the trade generally is solidly in favour of a form of control that shall be divorced from any form of profitmaking. The experience of the past six years has shown that under the system of private monopoly the public have not had an adequate return in service. The Broadcasting Company has gone past the stage which justified, if anything could have justified, the conditions of its agreement, and is definitely in a position to secure, by the continuance of its system, very material benefits at the expense of the public.

The conference expressed its views on company control in seven points, and went on to reaffirm support of a public corporation, on the lines of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The main object, it said, was not to serve any individual interest, but to secure the most efficient service for the general public, which was responsible for financing this national asset. Legislation Still Secret. Mr. Nimmo emphasised that the conference was thoroughly representative of the trade throughout Ney Zealand. The delegates had expressed disappointment that the legislation ~ was not yet available, but had aeked him to ascertain if some indication might be obtained of the contents.

Mr. Tucker, president of the Auckland Radio Dealers 3 Association, endorsed what Mr. Nimmo said as to the unanimity of the trade on the question of future policy.

The Minister said he was glad to receive representatives of the Dominion conference and to note that their recommendations were una/limous. The results of their deliberations would be most helpful to him. He regretted, however, that he could not at present divulge the contents of the bilL Cabinet had not yet had an opportunity to consider it, but it would do so at the earliest moment, and he hoped that it could then, without delay, be introduced into the House of Representatives and printed, so that its contents- could be made known. He hoped, the trade would be satisfied with it. Speedy Announcement Urged. Mr. Nimmo said that members of the trade were most exercised in their minds at the apparent procrastination, and he urged the utmost expedition, in .order that the new controlling authority might have time to become acquainted, with the situation before taking control.

Mr. Tucker said he accepted the Minister's assurance that the bill would be brought before Cabinet without delay.

The Minister again asked the deputation to convey his thanks to the conference for the painstaking way in which they had considered the subject, and in conclusion remarked that the interests of the dealers were really identical with those of the listeners, so far as the provision of good programmes was concerned.