A NEW RADIO STATION

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 19

A NEW RADIO STATION

COMMERCIAL SERVICE FOR CHRISTCHURCH 3ZB TO HAVE STAFF OF NEARLY 50 Preliminary arrangements are being made for the establishment of the Government’s commercial radio station in Christchurch, The Director of Commercial Broadcasting (the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour) told a reporter of “The Press’’ yesterday that it is anticipated that the station, which will be known as 3ZB. will commence operations in about three months. Mr Scrimgeour, who visited Christchurch yesterday, in company with Mr E. Grainger, chief engineer for commercial radio stations, said that he had inspected various sites suggested for the transmitting station, and, while nothing definite had yet been decided, it would appear that the old Post and Telegraph reserve on the Rawhiti Domain*, New Brighton, was the most suitable location. . No difficulty was anticipated in acquiring suitable premises for the studio within the city area. He had inspected three buildings under offer to the Government, one of which would probably be purchased on his return to Christchurch in a fortnight. A fairsized building was required, as the station’s minimum floor space requirement was 5000 feet. A staff of from 40 to 50 would be retained at 3ZB, including eight announcers. A fairly large programme staff would be engaged, because the station was to be put on a schedule of 113 hours a week. The technical and office staff would also account for a number of employees. In answer to a question, Mr Scrimgeour said it would be about six weeks before the staffing arrangements were undertaken. Preference, wherever possible, would be given to Christchurch residents in making appointments to the staff. Some of the major positions would be advertised throughout the Dominion, but as a general rule applications from outside would not be accepted if qualified local applicants were available. 3ZB would be rated as a one kilowatt station, the same rating as 2ZB, Wellington, and twice that of 3YL, the National Broadcasting auxiliary station at Christchurch. Asked if it were a fact that the Government had made arrangements to take over 3ZM at Christchurch for a consideration of £ 1000, Mr Scrimgeour said that the purchase of this station would not “come within his orbit” until the Postmaster-General had handled it, and even if it were acquired it might not concern him as director of commercial broadcasting.