BROADCASTING SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25020, 31 October 1946, Page 6

BROADCASTING SERVICE

PLANS OUTLINED BY MINISTER

STATIONS IN SMALLER CENTRES (P.A.) DUNEDIN, October 30. Provision for first grade reception in those areas in which reception at present is not first grade, and the establishment of subsidiary local coverage stations in pities and larger towns, were among the features of the postwar plan of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, which the Minister of Broadcasting (the Hon. F. Jones) outlined in his opening election address to-night. , , .. . „ When tenders were let recently for the replacement of existmg technical equipment at Stations IYA, Auckland, 2YA; Wellington, 3YA, Christchurch, and 4YA, Dunedin, Mr Jones said the Government decided that since rqanufacturers were in a position to supply small transmitting stations, contracts should be let for the purchase of four 2 k.w. transmitters for installation at North Auckland, Hamilton, Wanganui, and Timaru. The establishment of these stations would take place as soon as suitable accommodation could be obtained, and the necessary allocations of building resources were received, to proceed with technical and acoustical alterations. At the same time, the Minister added, opportunity was being taken to increase the power of Stations IZB, Auckland, 2ZB-Wellington, 3ZB, Christchurch, and 4?B, Dunedin, by ordering new 10 k.w. stations .as rer placements. As soon as equipment from overseas became available, similar action vknild be taken at Station 2ZA, Palmerston North, and 2YN, fjplr son, and the new equipment to be installed would make those stations of 2 k.w. each. It had been found desirable that the signal strength of all these stations should be increased m order to override power and other m“The New Zealand Broadcasting Ser? vice is at present engaged in extending its coverage in the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Tauranga, and the West Coast of the South Island, and, when buildings can be provided, in the Northland district,” Mr • Jones said. Such centres as Hamilton, Wanganui, and Timaru are to be provided''with local stations. Consideration is also being given to the reorganisation of present stations at Gisborne and New Plymouth, while the expansion plan includes the provision of stations at Speh centres as Hastings and Masterton. “Future plans for the Dominion network include small stations at Hawera, Taumarunui, Thames, Dannevirke, Blenheim, Ashburton, Oamaru, Gore, and Westport. Pacific Service “In addition to this programme of replacements and expansion, the New Zealand Brqadcasting Service is engaged in placing into commission two short-wave transmitters. These are at present being installed at Titahi Bay, and will provide a short-wave service capable of serving the Pacific area.” The Minister said the engagement of the national orchestra was now completed, and that members of it aad been marshalled in Wellington on October 24. The prehestra would travel throughout the Dominion to give concerts and broadcasts. The New Zealand Broadcasting Service had already arranged, and would continue to arrange, tours of New Zealand by overseas artists of international standing. Engagements would also be made with overseas artists touring New Zealand under contract to other organisations. As previously announced, it was intended to increase opportunities for local artists, including players in various orchestras and bands. Such performers were widely used already, but a start had been made by extending production and recording facilities ih Auckland for the greater use of local talent. Equipment was at present being constructed to extend this scheme tp Christchurch and Dunedin. In addition, the Broadcasting Service wgs cQfistfyctipg HJOr bjlp recording units, and it was intesided that they should be used for the recording of programme ptaterfal in areas where the population was so sparse as not to warrant the erection of c. station. “The Government is in touch wi|n developments in television,” Mr Jones concluded, ‘’and it will provide for its introduction as soon as it is practicable.’’