AUCKLAND RADIO STATION

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21330, 24 November 1934, Page 17

AUCKLAND RADIO STATION

* BROADCASTS NEXT MONTH INTERVIEW WITH MR E. C. HANDS That the new transmitter at present under construction at Henderson for the Auckland broadcasting station will be on the air some time next month was stated by Mr E. C. Hands, general manager of the Broadcasting Board, in an interview with a representative of "The Press" yesterday. Mr Hands said that there would be test transmissions and perhaps scheduled programmes, and that it was expected, though not certain, that the new station would be audible in Christchurch in daylight. It would have a power of 10 kilowatts. Mr Hands also stated that the tender for the construction and installation of up-to-date equipment at Gebbic's Pass to step up the power of 3YA had been let. This would give that station also a power of 10 kilowatts, making it equal with Henderson and Highcliff, Dunedin, the tenders for which would close next month. Mr Hands remarked that these transmitters would be as powerful as any at present on the air in Australia, and twice the strength of 2FC and 2BL. Sydney, and 3LO and 3AR, Melbourne. They are twice the strength of 2YA and four times' that of the present 3YA. Recommendations had been made lo the Broadcasting Board by the recent conference in Wellington of programme directors, and were being considered. The arrangement of programmes to suit all tastes was a difficult matter, and the board was always willing and ready to receive suggestions. The present schedule, drawn up at the end of last year, was now being reviewed in the light of the year's experience. Mr Hands mentioned that the Radio Traders' Federation had asked for more contrast in the programmes and brighter Sunday programmes. An inspection of the transmitter at Gefcbie's Pass was made yesterday afternoon by Mr Hands, who returned to Wellington in the evening.