OVER THE AERIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 302, 22 December 1933, Page 12

OVER THE AERIAL.

RADIO NOTES. FROM FAB AND NEAR. (By PHONOS.) IYA will have a busy time next week. There are five days of relaying accounts of gallops and trots, and on Sunday the station will continue with its evening programme into the small hours of Christmas morning. Special carol music will follow the broadcasting of the first complete opera recording. The Ministerial statement indicates that his Department's first consideration is the reception of our own New Zealand stations, and he explains at length how this is to be obtained to best advantage. But broadcasting is not merely national; it is international, and through this very circumstance it is wielding its greatest power. Wireless has played a very important part in unconsciously educating New Zealanders about Australia, and the broadcasts from the Commonwealth stations have been responsible for the taking out of many a license here. In main principles the types of programmes of the two Dominions aTe divergent. We have adopted a policy of dependence upon recordings, and for this "disc talent" a considerable sum must pass annually overseas.

Some crumbs of comfort to listeners are offered in the Postmaster-General's statement over the wave-length position. It appears that Australia is also to readjust its transmitters, and that our alterations have been made to fit in with those contemplated by oar neighbour. If this announcement had been made when the new frequencies were notified, much discontent would have been avoided. Now it seems to be brought forward as a belated justification for the Departmental action. It appears that the only thing for listeners remaining is to possess themselves in patience until the Australian change eventuates, and to observe then whether there is a clear channel for reliable reception of the fine national programmes on the Commonwealth chain. These, as listeners know, are not heard from 2BL.

The Departmental policy is stated very plainly in a letter from the Post-master-General to the secretary of the United Listeners' Club, Auckland, who wrote in criticism of the recent changes. Mr. Hamilton says: "In endeavouring to provide the maximum coverage from New Zealand stations, the prime care of the Department is to avoid, as far as possible, interference from powerful distant stations, rather than to provide entirely adequate facilities for all centres to listen to foreign stations." He continues: "I have to point out that this change (referring to IYA) will enable Auckland listeners to obtain more efficient reception of stations such as 3LO, Melbourne, 2BL, Sydney, and a new powerful station about to be installed at Sale, Victoria. The fact that difficulty will possibly be experienced in receiving SCK, Adelaide, and 2FC, Sydney, except on more selective sets, will no doubt be offset by the alternative facilities which will be provided."

Now, it would be pertinent to ask what "more efficient reception" of 3LO and of 2BL we get under the new arrangements. They have no clearer channels than they had before. The Department has advanced all kinds of arguments to justify a change of which, apparently, it djd not foresee the results. Now that they are apparent, the Minister states: "It is regretted that further provision for the reception of Australian stations cannot be made without detriment to the coverage provided by the regular national service of the New. Zealand Broadcasting Board." And that's that! But the Ministerial statements do not satisfy the Listeners' Club, and its executive, in reply to his letter, urges that the technical advantages of the lower frequency for IYA are far outweighted by the disadvantages of the blanketing of Australian and American stations, "which have become an essential part of our radio fare."

"Schematic Programme Plan for National Stations." This imposing heading along a double page of the "Record," introduces a "plan prepared by the New Zealand Broadcasting Board for the general guidance of listeners." It sets out graphically a programme schedule for the four YA stations, and it looks most impressive, but after all it is merely a stabilisation of a routine for each station, so arranged that listeners will not find the same type of programme at any two of the YA stations on the same evening. This is very desirable. But is it desirable that "a local station should adhere rigidly to one type of programme for each night of the week, so that his radio entertainment becomes like some board-ing-house menus—lacking all element of surprise and variety. The plan suggests that initiative at individual stations will bo limited to conformity with plan. The routine may amplify programme direction. It contains the possibility of sickening listeners, who will be able to say each Monday night, "Well, here comes the same old kind of soup, fish and joint. Can't the chef think out something new?" The programme plan's answer to this is, "Try another station." But the listener cannot always do so with satisfaction to himself. Even the new 3YA will not serve Auckland under all atmospheric conditions, and 4YA is often hopeless. The solution of programme troubles for New Zealand is the procuring of a man of vision and experience to direct them, not an elaborate chart and an abiding faith in recordings. FROM IYA NEXT WEEK. Sunday—li a.m., service rrom St. David's; 7.0 p.m., service from Baptist Tabernacle; 8.30, a recorded presentation or Puccini's "Madame Butterny"; 10.30, programme of Christmas recordings until midnight; 0.0 a.m., relay from St. Patrick's Cathedral or Pontifical Mass. Monday—ll.3o a.m., relay of combined Christmas service; 8.0 p.m. (to IZH). recordings; 8.20 ana 9.26, Stan Prltcliard (baritone); 8.47 and 9.49, Nora Rees (soprano). Tuesday—ll.3o a.m., relay rrom Ellerslic racecourse; 8.0 (to IZH), recorded programme; 10.0, dance music. Wednesday—ll.3o a.m., relay • rrom Alexandra Park; 8.0 p.m., recordings; 8.30 and 9.20, Sarah Stacpoole (soprano); 8.40 and 9.27, Eric Waters (piano); 9.2, talk, Lieut. Haynes. Thursday—ll.3o a.m., relay from Ellerslie racecourse; 8.0 (to 1ZII), recordings; 8.10 and 9.30. Gerard Peters (baritone); 8.26 and 9.43, Norah Whineray and C. F. Burnett, sketches; 9.2, musical talk, Arthur Wilson. Friday—ll.3o, relay rrom Alexandra Park; B.a (to IZH), the orchestra; 8.28 and 9.36, George Lawson (tenor); 9.2, A. Warburton, "Otago GoidQelds Reminiscences." Saturday.—ll.3o a.m., relay from Alexandra Park; 8.0, recordings; 8.32, Civic organ relay; 10.0, sports results; 10.10 dance music.