BROADCASTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1936, Page 10

BROADCASTING.

FOR THE PEOPLE.

GOVERNMENT'S VIEWS.

OUTLINED BY MINISTER. BOARD MEMBERS CO-OPERATE (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The views of the Government on broadcasting were expressed by the Postmaster-General, Mr. Jones, in the House of Representatives this evening, when he moved the second reading of the Broadcasting Bill. The galleries were full, and the whole of the debate from 7.30 p.m. until 11 p.m. was broadcast. The Minister said that before the bill was drafted he had outlined the Government's proposals to the Broadcasting Board, and while members did not agree with some of the principal provisions they had assured him of their willingness to co-operate with the Government. He appreciated the spirit shown.

Mr. Jones said that the Government's view was that broadcasting should be controlled by the Government in the interests of tlie people. It should be used not only for entertainment, but for the enlightenment and welfare of the public. The number of listeners had increased from 2830 in 1024, when the Broadcasting Board was first introduced, to 192,265 at the present time. It was safe to say, however, that over half a million people in the Dominion were listeners. Many people had so far not been able to afford to purchase receiving sets. The Minister said he knew there would be objeclions raised to the abolition of the Broadcasting Board. No member of the House could contend that it was wise to delegate to an outside body such a service as broadcasting. No body other than that of Parliament was in a position to represent and express the views of the Government, and it was only right that the responsibility and control should be vested in the Government. The board had had many responsibilities and done good service, but its decisions had not always been popular with the people. Powers were vested in the board greater than in the Government itself. Referring to the proposal that the Government should supply news over the air, the Minister said that the Government was not going to place itself in the position of having the newspapers telling them what they were to do in respect to supplying the news. If it were found that an independent news service should be broadcast, then the Government would take steps to have it done. In explaining the bill clause by clause the Minister referred to the proposal to set up an advisory council. He said that it might be necessary to obtain advice from certain people ii: regard to making up the programmes, and if necessary such a council would be appointed.

Mr. Jones said that on the previous night when the hill was introduced, Mr. Coates (National, Kaipara) had inferred that the members of the Opposition had not received fair treatment in respect to the broadcasting of Parliament. Of the speeches that had gone over the air the Government had so far only bad 10 . speakers, the National party 13, and the Independents eight. The strength of the parties in the House was Government 55, National 19, Independents 6. He considered that .the Opposition had been trea-ted very ; fairlyC; - They had .received more consideration' accor^ng to their numbers than they-were entitled to. In reference to new stations the Minister said it was anticipated that the powerful station at Titahi Bay would be in operation at the' end of the year. It would give"-coverage practically all over New Zealand. A survey of the whole country would be made, and districts not receiving proper service would be provided for. There was sufficient land at - Tatahi Bay for a short-wave station, and he visualised the time'when such a station would be installed.. The Minister made reference, to school broadcasting, and read -extracts of a report submitted by the Director of Education. The number of schools at present which had facilities for receiving broadcasts was- 650, and no listening fee was paid by .the sch.ools. School broadcasts were mo£t valuable ia\e.ducating the children;' TW.-.Sma^ation"-'. of the child was stirred.-by-'this novel arid effective system. It'also gave the' pupils knowledge of,world affairs.' The Government would do all possible to assist the Education Department with this valuable work. * ' "As far as the Government is concerned, we will bring the radio to everybody, and will 'give the best programmes," said the Minister, .in conclusion, "and we will see that broadcasting is controlled by representatives of the people."