OVER THE AIR

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22081, 1 May 1937, Page 11

OVER THE AIR

PROGRAMMES AND COMMENT

BROADCASTING

them to take for months. The programmes from 2YD are going to be bright, and instead of a string of items it is intended to have long features that will include light drama, sustained variety sketches, and, I assume, a fair ration of hot music. This is excellent as a beginning, but it must be carried a good deal • further. Where the authorities are most likely to err is that they will not allow loosening of the present rigid decorum at the YA stations. This is where friendly innovations are most urgently needed. Listeners are tired of the stereotyped voices and the stereotyped programmes. By this time listeners are as familiar with the voices of the announcers as they are with, their own. It might not be a bad idea to ring the changes a little by employing female announcers at some of the stations. It would be a refreshing change, anyway. This, however, is a small point. My advice to the National Broadcasting Service can be summarised simply: "Come off those stilts and mix with the mob." Plays A quick look at the programmes for the coming week shows that there is not much to be expected in the way of entertainment. There is only one item I would be inclined to star—a broadcast of Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," from 4YA on Monday evening. In the education session at 3 o'clock next Thursday Professor Shelley is taking part in a presentation of excerpts from "Romeo and Juliet."

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMES 3YA. CHRISTCHURCH (720 Kilocycles) 7.0 to 9.0 a.m.: Breakfast session. 10.0: Devotional # service. 10.13: Selected recordings. 12 noon: Lunch music. 2.0 p.m.: Selected recordings. 2.45: Commentary on Rugby fixture, relayed from Rugby Park. 4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children's hour, conducted by Stalky and Company. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30: Time signals. 8.0: Chimes. Recordings: The Orchestra of La Scala Theatre, Milan. 8.8: Columbia Light Opera Company. 8.16: Trolse and his Mandollers. 8.22: Bransby Williams, "The Town Crier." 8.28: Derek Oldham (tenor). 8.34: Recording: Fred Hartley's Quintet. 8.40: Caia and Arnaldo. in popular songs and duets. 8.52: Recordings: Savoy Orpneans. 9.0: Weather report and statxon notices. 9.5: Recording: Fred Hartley and his Quintet. 9.11: George -Titchener (comeaian). 9.17: Recording: Terence Casey (organ). 9.23: Cara and Arnaldo, in popular songs and ducts. 9.33: Recording: Paul Goo. win's Orchestra. 9.37: Recording: Billy Wuitlock (bell solos). 9.43: George Titchener (comedian). 9.52: Recording: DeDroy Somers Band. "Review of Revues." 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10: Dance music. Alternative station, 3YL, 1200 kilocycles. 2.45 p.m.: Selected recordings. 5.0: Selected recordings. 7.0: After-ainner music. 8.0: Symphonic programme. 10.0: "Mirth and Melody," a popular programme. IYA. AUCKLAND (650 Kilocycles) 7.0 to 9.0 a.m.: Breakfast session. 10.0: Devotional service, conducted by Rev. Stephen J. Campoell. lu.lu: Selected recuxoings. 12 noon: Lunch music. 1 p.m.: District week-end weather forecast. 3.0: Relay from Eden Park of Rugoy football. 3.15-4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children's hour, conuucted by Cindeiella. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. Talk: The Gardening Kxpert. 8.0: Concert programme. The* Stuuio String Orchestra, conducted by Harola Baxter. 8.6: Recording: Albert Cazabon (violin). 8.9: R. C. Jensen (baritone). 8.21: Studio String Orchestra. 8.27: Edna Dear love (contralto). 8.39: Recordings: Albert Cazabon (violin). 8.42: Rotorua Maori Choir. 8.54: Studio String Orchestra. 90: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Relay of wrestling contest from the Town Hall. 10.0 (approx.): Old-time dance •music by Clarrie Bruce and his Dance Band. Alternative station, IYX. 880 kilocycles. 3 p.m.: Light musical porerarnme. 5.0: Light musical programme V.O: After-dinner music. 8.0: "Melodious Moments with a Dash of Humour. 9.0: A programme of old-time dance music by Clarrie Bruce and his Dance Band. 10.0 (apprdx): Light music and humour. 2YA. WELLINGTON (570 Kilocycles) 7.0 to 9.0 a.m.: Breakfast session. 10.0: Selected recordings. 10.30: Time signals. Devotional service. 12 noon: Lunch, music. 1 p.m.: Week-end weather forecast. 2.0: Light musical programme. 3.0: Running commentary on Rugby football match (relayed from Athletic oAnnouncer. Mr Charles Lamberg.) 5.0: Children's session, conducted by Uncle Jasper. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30:-Time signals. 8.0: Chimes. Popular programme. Recording: Geraldo and his Romance in Rhythm Orchestra (with Olive Groves, George Baker. The Top Hatters, Cyril Grantham and full chorus). "Show Boat" Selection (Kern). 8.10: Mr J. E. Da vies (tenor), 8.20: Recordings: The Jules Ruben Trio (pianos and drums) 8.28: Great Keller (light vocal). 8.32: Raymond Baird (saxophone). 8.35: Alec Regan, popular vaudeville star, in 15 minutes of mirth and melody. 8.50: • Recordings: George Elliotts Hawaiian Novelty Quartet. ' 8.53: The Rocky Mountaineers, accompanied by the Bunk House Boys. 0.56: Louis Levy and his Gaumont British Symphony. 9.0. Weather report and station notices. 9.5. Recorded dance programme. 9.30: Dance music by Henry Rudolph and his Orchestra (relayed from the Assembly Hall). 10.0: Sports results. 10.10: Recorded dance programme. 10.45: Further dance music by Henry Rudolph and his Orchestra (relayed from the Assembly Hall). Alternative station. 2YC. 840 kilocycles 3 p.m.: Selected recordings. 5.0: Light musical programme. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: Miscellaneous classical recital. 9.0: "In Lighter Vein." An hour of popular entertainment. 10.0: Music and humour. • Thirty minutes of variety. 4YA, DUNEDIN (790 Kilocycles) 7.0 to 9.0 a.m.: Breakfast session. 10.0: Selected recordings. 10.15: Devotional service. 12 noon: Lunch music. 1.0 P- m j : District week-end weather forecast. 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.0: Running commentary on' senior Rugby football match (relay from Carisbrook). 3.50: Sports results. 5.0: Children's session, conducted by Aunt Anita and Cousin Molly. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 8.0: Chimes. A light orchestral and ballad concert. 4YA Concert Orchestra, conducted by James .Dixon: Suite from the ballet, "My Lady Dragonfly." 8.17: C. R. Williamson (tenor), with orchestral-accom-paniment. 8.23: The Orchestra. •Tiptoes selection (Gershwin). 8.31: Roberta White (soprano). 8.41: The Orchestra, Pale Star." a South Sea romance (Roth); Chanson d'Amour (Suk). 8.48: C. R. Williamson (tenor), with orchestral accompaniment. 8.54: The Orchestra, "Fairy Phantoms" (Carson): "Cathedral Memories (Clarke). 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Dance programme, with interludes by "Old Joe." the man with the fiddle. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.10. Dance music. Alternative station, 4YO, 1140 kilocycles. 3.0 p.m.: Selected recordings (if main station relaying Rugby football). 5.0: Selected recordings. 7.0. After-dinner music. 8.0: Variety and vaudeville programme, featuring at h.j. "Superstition," a dramatic presentation, dealing with the fallacious superstition that "bad luck follows the opening of a grave." 9.0: Band and dramatic programme, featuring at 9.42,, "The Mystery of the Seven Cafes," a secret service melodrama. Chapter 5: "Conspiracy in Vienna." 10.0: Comedy and light music DAVENTRY, ENGLAND GSG, 16.66 metres; GSO, 19.76 metres; GSB, 31.55 metres. 4.30 p.m.: Big Ben. Talk, "Responsibilities of Empire," 3. 4.45: "A London Diary." 4.55: The BIB.C. Empire orchestra. A light operatic programme. 5.55: The news and announcements: 6.15: "John Londoner at Home"—l 7. 6.45: Close down.

SUNDAY

3YA, CHRISTCHUBCH 9.0 a.m.: Selected recordings. 11.0: Helay of morning service from St. Albans Methodist Church. Preacher. Rev. H. S. Kings, organist, Mrs W. Hutchens, choirmaster. Mr Will Hutchens, Mus.Bac. 1.0 p.m.: Dinner music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.0: Recordings: Arthur Rubinstein (pianist), and the London Symphony Orchestra. 3.24: Selected recordings. 3.30: Time signals. 3.32: Selected recordings. 5.30: Children's song service, conducted by Pastor Simpson, and the children of the. Church of Christ Sunday school. 6.15: Selected recordings. 6.30: Relay of evening service from Church of Christ, Moorhouse avenue. Preacher, Pastor Stuart Stevens, organist, Mrs Pugh, choirmaster. Mr H. E. Ames. 8.0 (approx.): Selected recordings. 8.30: "Falstaff, recorded presentation of Verdi's opera in three acts., Alternative station, 3YL. 6.0 p.m.: Musical programme. 8.30: Musical recitals. IYA, AUCKLAND 9.0 a.m.: Selected recordings. 11.0: Morning service, relayed from Mount Eden Presbyterian Church. Preacher, Rev. J. A. Allan, organist, Mr D. Edgar. 1.0 p.m.: Dinner music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.30: London Symphony Orchestra. 4.2: Selected recordings. 6.0: Children s song service. 7.0: Evening service, relayed from St. Matthew's Anglican Church. Preacher,' Rev. G. V. Gerard, organist, Mr C. Stuart Panting. 8.15: Selected recordings. 8.30: Relay from the Town Hall of a concert by the Auckland Municipal Band, conducted by Mr T. J. O'Connor. (Vocalist: Eric Child, baritone.) Alternative station, IYX. 6.0 p.m.: Light musical programme. 8.30: Symphonic programme. 9.0: "Romeo and Juilet, presentation of excerpts from the film. 9.19. (approx.): Light classical programme. 2YA, WELLINGTON 9.0 a.m.: Selected recordings. 11.0: Relay of morning service from St. Mary s Roman Catholic Church. Preacher. Rev. Father J. A. Higgins, S.M., organist, Mrs G. Aldridge. choirmaster, Mr L. McCarthy. 1.0 p.m.: Dinner session. 2.0: Complete presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan opera, "The Gondoliers." 3.45: Selected recordings. 6.0: Children's song service, conducted by Uncle William, assisted by the children from St. John's Presbyterian Sunday school. 7.0: Evening service, relayed from ' St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Preacher. Rev. Brian Kolroy, M.A., organist and choirmaster, Mr Frank Thomas. .8.30 (approx.): Symphonic programme. Recordings: New Symphony Orchestra, "Danzas Fantasticas ' (Turina). 8.46: Thomas E. West (tenor). 8.56: Recordings: Ignaz Jan Paderewski (piano). 90: Weather report and station notices. 9.5: Yehudi Menuhin (violin). 9.7: Lawrence Tibbett (baritone). 9.12: "Scheherazade" Symphonic Suite, Op. 35 (Rimsky Korsakov). Played by Symphony Orchestra. Alternative- station, 2YC. 6.0 p.m.: Selected recordings. 8.30. A Rudolph Friml cameo. 9.0: Light recital programme. 4YA." DUNEDIN 9.0 a.m.: Selected recordings. Relay of Matins from St. Paul's Cathedral. Preacher. The Dean, organist, Mr E. H. Heywood. F.R.C.O. p.m.: Din"** music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 5.30. Children's song service, conducted by . Big Brother Bill. 6.15: Selected recordings. 6.30: Relay of evening service from £>t. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Preacher, Rev. H. J. Ryburn, organist. Mr L. S. Adam. 7.45 (approx.): Selected recordings. 8.30: A recorded concert by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Margherlta Perras. (soprano), Franz Volker (tenor), Alexander Brailowsky (pianist), and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Julius Pruwer, Concerto No. 1- in E Minor, Op. 11 (Chopin). 9.2: Weather report and station notices Alternative station, 4YO. 6.0 p.m.: Selected recordings. 8.30. Hinging the Changes," a cameo o'ehoral arrangements of instrumental music, interspersed with instrumental arrangements of vocal music. 9.0: Band programme, with vocal and instrumental interludes. DAVENTRY. ENGLAND GSG, 16.88 metres: GSO, 19.76 metres; GSB. 31.55 metres. 3.30 p.m.: Big Ben. The Football Association Cup Final. A commentary by George F. Allison and Ivan Sharpe, from i the Empire Stadium. Wembley. 3.50: A recital by Osric Fyfe (Australian violoncellist). "Malaguena* (Albeniz); Berceuse" (Couperin, arr. Bazelaire); Minuet (Becker): "The Swan" (Palmgren): "Columbine" (Francis Woodworth. arr. Cedric Sharpe). 4.5: A. religious service (Methodist), from the Central Hall, Birmingham. Organ voluntary. Order of service: Introit, Lighten our Darkness, we Beseech Thee. O Lord (George Plant). Hymn, Life of Ages, Richly Poured (M.H.8.. 908). Prayer. Scripture reading. Anthem. Turn Back, O Man (Hoist). Address by the Rev. Henry Carter. C.B.E. (Methodist Social Welfare Department, London). Hymn, What Service shall we Render Thee? (M.H.B;, 897). Blessing. (The Central Hall Choir, conductor, J. A. Sheasbv, organist, George Plant.) 4.55: Weekly news letter, sports summary, and announcements. 5.20: The Gershom Parkington Quintet. 5.45: Close down. OVERSEA RECEPTION NOTES (Supplied by the New Zealand DX Radio Association.) Following is the latest list of Japanese stations being operated by the Broadcasting Corporation of Japan:— JOAK, Tokyo No. 1, .590 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOJK, Wanazawa, 610 kilocycles,' 3000 watts; JOKK, Okayama, 630 kilocycles,* 500 watts; JODG, Hamamatsu, 640 kilocycles, 500 watts; JOUK, Akita, 650 kilocycles, 300 watts; JOTK, Natsuye, 670 kilocycles, 500 watts; JOVK, Hakodate, 680 kilocycles, 500 watts; JOBK, Osako No. 1, 690 kilocycles, 10;000 watts; JOCG, Asaigawa, 700 kilocycles, 300 watts; JORK, Kochi, 720 kilocycles, 500 watts; JOCK, Nagoya No. 1, 730 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOSK. Kokura, 740 kilocycles, 1000 watts; JOHK, Sendai, 770 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOPK, Shizuoka, 780 kilocycles, 500 wats; JOGK, Kurnanoto 790 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOIK, Sapporo, 810 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOFK, Hiroshima, 830 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOAK, Tokyo No. 2, 870 kilocycles, 10,000 watts; JOLG, Tottori, 890 kilocycles, 500 watts; JOLK, Fukukoka, 910 kilocycles, 500 watte; JOQK, Niigata, 920 kilocycles, 500 watts. . , • Reception from Japan is good from 9.30 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.

TWO NEW STATIONS

[By LISTENER.] Here is a prophecy to start with. Within the next week or so the most popular station in Wellington and Christchurch will he the new C class station, 2ZB, which was opened officially at Wellington on Wednesday evening. Some listeners, of course, may be repelled by the heartiness coming through 2ZB microphones, and a good many more will certainly object to the exceedingly simple philosophy that will be broadcast when one man is on the air, but with these possible drawbacks admitted, 2ZB, as a modern radio station, makes the YA and subsidiary national stations seem like relics of another age. I feel sure, as far as the majority of the radio public is concerned, that unless the national stations are prepared to follow some distance along the road pioneered by the C class stations already in operation, they will become pathetic emblems of conservatism in a great undertaking which must be so robbed of its vitality by a stand-still policy that it will grow almost useless. Novelty, experiment, and real contact with the unseen audience, are vital needs of radio; so far, the controllers of the National Broadcasting Service (with a very recent exception, which will be noted later) have failed to appreciate this elementary fact. .. • Goodwill Winners The question listeners might like me to answer is this: "What is 2ZB doing that the other national stations are not doing? It is a simple question and one which can be answered simply. From the first minute 2ZB went on the air last Wednesday evening, it began a campaign to win the goodwill and friendly feelings of its audience. Its announcers were better than those of the national stations, and they had kicked far away that spiritless frigidity which listeners have now grown accustomed to expect from national announcers. I should make it clear, of course, that I dp not blame these national announcers for their pallor and priggishness; the faults have been forced upon them in the past. They were so drilled and hoppled in the old days that they now have no more sparkle or personality than ventriloquists' dolls. I think of them as the Tsar's peasants, waiting for a day of liberation. On the opening night 2ZB's announcers paraded before the microphone. Each one had a pleasant voice; at least two had superb radio voices, and they all spoke in such a way that listeners could not help feeling, them to be friendly fellows whom it would be agreeable to have about the house. Programmes and Reception ' Before " considering the programmes from 2ZB, it should be mentioned that reception from the station—which operates on a frequency of 1120 kilocycles—was excellent. It.comes in a shade stronger than 2YA and the transmission is perfect. I am not yet sure of the effect it may have on some overseas stations. It is possible that other listeners may have some comment to make on this point within the next few days. For the night sessions it seems that 2ZB will rely a good deal on certain features. One or two of these heard on Wednesday were satisfactory, but I must say that I cared little for others previewed in what was described as "-The March of 2Z8." These were mainly American products, and although they may have plenty of pep, the possibility is that the pep will not compensate entirely for the voices. This, of course, is a ms-tter which will have to be judged later. However, it is no more than just to say that as entertainment the programme which came from 2ZB on Wednesday evening was incomparably better than anything that has yet come from the YA and alternative national stations. What appealed to me was the novelty of the programme itself and the friendly personalities of those who produced it. ■ Perhaps my present enthusiasm may be modified by further experience of the station, and I am certain that some of its features will repel me as much as Eb and Zeb; nevertheless, it is perfectly clear that the national stations must abandon their frigid formality and present lack of enterprise if they are to compete for popular favour with 2ZB in the area it is to serve. 2YD's Skittishness It was mentioned earlier that there is one small and recent sign of activity on the part of the National Broadcasting Service, but it is yet so small a sign that it does not negative what I have written in criticism of the national stations. Last Sunday evening, 2YD, a new station, went on.the air in Wellington—it is the third operated, in that city now by the National Broadcasting Service. Its frequency is 900 kilocycles, and its daily session begins at seven in the evening. ,1 struck it for the first time last Thursday evening, and I must say I was astounded when I heard the opening announcement: "Good evening, listeners, all, once more we bid you welcome to the magic circle of 2YD." This message came to the world through a thin veil of gay music. Later, 2YD was described by the announcer as "the new entertainment station, Wellington." When I heard all this I could not have been more surprised if I had seen a platoon of grandmothers in rompers. Magic circles, the ringing of gongs between items, and other innovations were just a little too much to encounter without warning from a national station.' However, there it was, and it looks as if the authorities are taking, with seemly timidity, steps I have been recommending