SENATORE MARCONI

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 5

SENATORE MARCONI

MIGHT VISIT N.Z.

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING

FOSTERING LOCAL TALENT.

Mr. H. M. Dowsctt, M.1.E.E., a prominent official of the Marconi Company, who has been acting as technical adviser in the negotiations in Australia over the radio patent situation, had some interesting comments to make during his one-day call at Auckland this week. Ho said that Senatore Marconi would visit Australia in October as one of the official guests at the Melbourne Centenary celebrations, and later would probably spend a few days in Sydney, ill - . Uowsett expressed the opinion that the most prominent ligure in the radio world

might also bo persuaded to visit New Zealand before be returned to England, if the attractions of the Dominion were made known to him. Discussing broadcasting in Australia, Mr. Dowsctt staled that the problem of catering for a whole continent with a sparse population by one national service was a notable achievement, unique in radio history. The transmitting stations were of comparatively lo.v power, but they were plentiful, perhaps too plentiful. It stood to the credit of Australia that, during years of economic stress, its broadcasting service had strenuously fostered musical appreciation and developed local talent. One of the big aims of a broadcasting service should be the encouragement of musi'j and musicians, and he was disappointed to hear that New Zealand depended mainly on imported records for its radio entertainment. While following such a policy it could not hope to develop its own orchestras and vocalists, at this time in need of every encouragement. He had not had the opportunity of hearing New Zealand programmes, but feared our stations would not develop the fullest service to the community until they used the local talent to best advantage.