RADIO ANNOUNCERS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21971, 21 December 1936, Page 16

RADIO ANNOUNCERS

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Si r _i note that “Listener” has some comments to make on my letter of a few days ago. I have no intention of being unkind, but feel that we are not getting full value for our money in the way of fully-qualified announcers. I shall be grievously disappointed if our new director does not demand a better standard than is now the rule, so that all listeners may be the better able to enjoy the English language as it ought to be spoken and thus correct their own faults. The manner of delivery should be devoid of all faults of pomposity and affectation. Words ending in “ing” should not be pronounced as if spelt “drawering.” nor should the word “about” be pronounced as if it contained almost all the vowels, "abaout.” which latter is the vernacular of the street-corner habitue. Tediousness is a bad fault, as also is verbosity. Naturalness in manner is most suitable and pleasing. To try to be too correct, and make this too apparent defeats the end desired. Of course, if we are determined to have a language peculiar to New Zealand. by all means let us formulate proper rules for the guidance of all listeners, and that will in a great measure destroy the beauty of the English language. I have come to the conclusion that competent announcers are, like other artists, born, not made, and it is incumbent on the authorities to search diligently to find those who measure up to the standard required. It is a profession demanding full qualifications. for so much depends on the use made of this wonderful, new aid to culture which permeates almost every home in the Dominion.—Yours, etc., DOUBLE X.X. December 20, 1936.