FEE TOO HIGH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 219, 16 September 1938, Page 11

FEE TOO HIGH.

RADIO LISTENERS. REDUCTION SOUGHT. FRKEIMHMC OF SPEECH. The opinion that there should be a reduction in the annual license fee was expressed at the annual meeting of the United Listeners' CJub last evening, when Mr. H. B. Arthur presided. The annual report recommended that every opportunity should be taken during the general election to insist on a reduction being effective from March of next vear.

The annual report also expressed the opinion that those who paid for the broadcasting service should have a direct vote in its control; that the nction of the Government in eliminating B stations called for an explanation from Labour candidates; that freedom of speech on the air should have the some freedom of expression as through the Press; further, that authority in control should not be connected with any political party.

-Mr. Arthur said that a reduction of Hie annual license foe was lonji overdue. Listeners expected that with the advent of commercial broadcasting there would he «i considerable reduction of the fee, and many, no doubt, were disapjiointed with the commercial broadcasting report. The club would take up the (|iiestinii -of license fee with both political parties, and would press for an assurance that a reduction would be made. Tlh> following ofßcere were elected: — President, Mr. H. B. Arthur; vicepresidents, Messrs. G. F. Drtice ond. R. Farnallj lion, secretary, Mr. R. W. -Marnier; lion, solicitor, '.Mr. N". R. W. Thomas; committee, Messrs. H. B. Arthur, G. F. Druce, R. Farnall, W. h! Oliver, E. W. Wakefieltl and A. F. Cantwell; auditors, Messre. Gilfillan and Gentles.