RADIO LISTENERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 58, 9 March 1935, Page 14

RADIO LISTENERS.

WHAT DO THEY WISH ?

AUCKLANDERS' REQUESTS

COMMENTS BY MINISTER.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter. )

WELLINGTON, Friday

A promise to endeavour to meet the request for the appointment of two listeners' representatives on the new Broadcasting Board was given to-day by the Postmaster-General, Mr. Hamilton, in reply to a deputation which waited on him from the United Listeners' Club, Auckland. Mr. Dean, who introduced the deputation, said it comprised 3000 members, and. was formed for the protection of listeners and the amelioration of conditions. It did noc represent any proprietary interests or any B station organisation. The president, Mr. Thompson, congratulated the Minister on the. proposal to establish the new board, because the present board was a watertight compartment and could never be approached by the listeners, who were providing all the revenue for the service. There was dissatisfaction among the listeners, and this was due to the absence of direct representation of listeners on the board. It might bo possible also to give B stations representation on the board. Where interests had representation they had "no kick coming." Mr. Hamilton: I can appreciate listeners having representation, but what would be the justification for giving B stations representation? Two Members Wanted. Mr. Thompson suggested that if listeners were given representation the Minister should obtain recommendations through recognised listeners' clubs. The Minister: What representation would listeners want? Mr. Thompson: It is suggested, one for the North and one for the South. The Minister: Are there not twice as many licenses in the North as in the South. Mr. Thompson: Yes, but that does not matter. All we are concerned with, is representation. According to Mr. Dixon, the treasurer, the listeners were dissatisfied with the programmes and wave-lengths. "It is one continual complaint," he declared, "and I come in contact with listeners regularly." "Not Wise to Elect Board." Replying, Mr. Hamilton said the Government wanted to do the right thing by broadcasting. It would "not be wise for listeners to elect a board and through it control the business themselves. It was difficult to have a programme that pleased everybody, but the stations were trying to meet the requirements of varied tastes. The Government had to trust to expert advisers in wave-length matters, and he thought that as soon as everything had been adjusted the change made some time ago in wave-lengths would be proved to be to New Zealand's advantage. "I shall give the request for the appointment of a listeners' representative favourable consideration," he added, "and shall ask Cabinet to see what can be done to meet that request." He went on to say that B class stations and radio dealers were on a different footing from listeners' clubs. He agreed that members of. the-board would preserve contact Vitii listeners and explain decisions to them. The suggestion that there should he two listeners' represen- , tatives, one from the north and one from the south, was not unreasonable, and he would endeavour to meet the proposal.