PARLIAMENT ON THE AIR

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21721, 2 March 1936, Page 10

PARLIAMENT ON THE AIR

FOUR MICROPHONES TO BE USED ANNOUNCER AND TECHNICIAN IN THE HOUSE [THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON,, March 1. A novel feature in the House of Representatives when the new Parliament meets on March 25 will be an additional table in an unobtrusive position, taking up but little of the already cramped space. Seated at this table will be two strangers—one, a broadcasting commentator or announcer at a super sensitive microphone, the other a radio technician, ready at a signal to open one of four microphones, for the greater enlightenment of the unseen people, and to switch off three others so that practically none of the “too much loud conversation” will go forth to city, town, and hamlet. The innovation will represent New Zealand’s first attempt at broadcasting politics by radio. • As indicated, there will be four hanging microphones—one for each section or grouping of the House. It had been suggested that either individual microphones or only one large central collector should be used—this may be adopted for the opening of Parliament—but after giving, consideration to the obvious disadvantages of both, the technicians, it is said, have decided to install four , instruments, each suspended from the ceiling of the House at points covering the grouped benches of members. This arrangement is expected- to give adequate efficiency in broadcasting the principal speeches, without allowing too much interruption or incidental comment and conversation to escape into the outer air, and into the ears of unsophisticated listeners. It is recognised, of course, that some of the real atmosphere of Parliamentary debates must be broadcast, too, for without it a political speech might be considered by listeners as being insipid entertainment.