RADIO IN N.Z.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1936, Page 9

RADIO IN N.Z.

" PEOPLE'S SET." REFERENCE BY MINISTER. HOW NAZI SYSTEM WORKS. (By CECIL W. LUSTY.) Reference to the production in Germany of a cheap but efficient standard radio receiver was made by the Post-master-General, the Hon. F. Jones, in making an annoiincement regarding the future of broadcasting in New Zealand. Mr. Jones said the German scheme was regarded hopefully in England, and there was no reason why it should not be regarded just as hopefully in New Zealand.

Mr. Jones was speaking of the "Volksempfanger," or "People's Receiver," which is now in universal use in the greater part of Germany. This twovalve electric set is manufactured by mass production, and the price is within the range of most Nazi purses. While the set affords reliable reception of the German stations, which comprise a network of about eight 100-k.w. transmitters, a 150-k.w. station, and relay transmitters, it is not of sufficient power to allow reception of foreign broadcasts, and thus Nazi propaganda radio is made watertight. "The People's Receiver" is' one of the Hitlerite slogans, and at last year's radio exhibition in Berlin one ving of the hall consisted solely of these «ets, adorned with swastikas.

It is to be hoped that the PostmasterGeneral is not considering taking a leaf from Germany's radio book, as, instead of increasing the popularity of radio, the opposite effect may result. Germany is not content with distribution of its "People's Receiver"; the Ministry for Propaganda and Enlightenment of the People, which controls broadcasting under Dr. Joseph Goebbels, makes listening compulsory. To this end "Funkwarter" or special radio officers ensure that political broadcasts are heard, and public address equipment is also installed throughout

the country by this corps. Herr Hitler himself inaugurated the "National Hour," which is chiefly devoted to political propaganda, and which all stations must broadcast. Further, when Hitler is speaking over the air guards are placed at the microphones, amplifiers and relay points to ensure that the voice of Nazi-ism is heard by the faithful— and the unfaithful.

Not content with the "People's Receiver," Germany is also producing ' the "Volksfernseher," or "People's TeleI viser." It was announced by Herr Hitler at the opening of the Berlin Motor Show a few months ago that the State would introduce a "people's motor car." This would be a small economical-running family car, and, as with the wireless apparatus, would be mass produced and sold at a low price. To date, however, no "people's house" has been announced. France is now discussing the introduction of a cheap standard set, and Poland already has a people's crystal receiver, manufactured by the State. In Italy, a cheap standard receiver is provided by manufacturers under arrangements with the State for use in the schools. This set is so designed that itj can receive only selected internal stations, and is being widely availed of by "Radio Rurale," a Mussolini - blessed organisation for spreading radio propaganda in schools and among peasant classes in the j country areas. School radio receivers, the controls of which were behind a locked panel so that pupils could not manipulate the! sets, were exhibited at last year's Olympia Radio Exhibition, London. The display was given under the auspices of the London County Council.