BROADCASTING.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19400, 28 August 1928, Page 8

BROADCASTING.

CONTROL IN AUSTRALIA. I IMPROVED SERVICES EXPECTED. (SEOM OTJB OWN COBRBSPONDENT.) SYDNEY, August 16. The large body of listeners in New Zealand who do not contribute in any way to Australia will be greatly interested in the changes which are to be brought about by the Commonwealth Government in the control of wireless broadcasting. These are bound to bring about improved services, though in what direction is not yet clear.. It is evident, however ]" that, in drawing up the new policy the Government had in mind the interests of the listeners, first, last, and always. It .has recognised no liability to the companies which have pioneered the field, and was in fact under no obligation to them. Nevertheless, there is a suggestion that they i might be•.. treated rather harshly,. and already questions have: arisen, as to the .position of small shareholders in the companies that have not paid a dividend since they commenced operations. It is not surprising that the Government should 1 have rejected the proposal for direct nationalisation of broadcasting, as the Royal Commission reported against this and it is certainly opposed to public opinion—and public opinion is something which'the Federal Government respects in an election year. Briefly the Government will purchase the plant of the "A" broadcasting stations and will lease by tender the right to provide services to a single company. Of the stations to be purchased 3LO (Melbourne) is the only one that *has operated continuously at a profit. The announcement of the change of policy came as a big surprise to the chief companies, as during the last few weeks several companies had amalgamated their -interests under pressure applied by the Government. This amalgamation was a costly procedure, and the new policy breaks up the arrangement within a few weeks; of its completion. , Those, interested are wondering how the units which make up the amalgamation are going to fare. It seems to be more than probable that the great Melbourne' company which operates 3LO, 3AR, and SOL (Adelaide), and the New South Wales Broadcasting Company (2FO and 2BL) will combine in submitting a tender under the new proposals, and some people: already regard it as a foregone conclusion that they will not meet with, any serious opposition. This is not likely to be the case, as for some time the Fullers have displayed a .great anxiety to enter the broadcasting field and have had before the Government an application for an "A" class license in Sydney. Sir Benjamin Fuller has stated that he: is satisfied that he can provide a programme of much' higher standard than that at present put on the air by any of the existing stations. He has intimated that his company will be a tenderer under the new arrangement, and he has stated that if successful the most up-to-date plant possible will be installed. In considering the proposals, it is important to bear in mind the fact that the existing stations are not actually owned by tho companies that operate them. They are, in fact leased from Amalgamated , Wireless (Australasia), Ltd. However, it is generally agreed that the decisions to arrange for the programmes for the whole of Australia by one organisation is a decided improvement on the present system, as the maximum of coordination will then become possible. Relay stations are to be established to make the service available cheaply and certainly to all subscribers. In this connexion it is important to note that a certain sum will be ear-marked each year for research purposes. The problem of relay stations is certainly a big one considering, the enormous area ! to be covered in Australia, and it is a question whether wireless or land lines should be utilised for the purpose. It may be years before wireless reached such a state of perfection that vt can be definitely relied upon at all times and in all conditions. In America and in European countries the land lines are still being used, and this method will probably be favoured by the expert committee which is to be set up in Australia to supervise the new policy. Of course, such points as these do not affect, New Zealand except in the direction of providing an object lesson. New Zealand should certainly be able to benefit by the experience of the Com- , monwealth. In the meantime. New Zealnnders will look forward to the promised improvement in Australian programmes. It is not possible to say I when the new policy will operate. The . existing licenses do not expire nntil ; towards the end of next year, but it • is possible that the companies will agree to forego their rights before » then.