Some Serials On Commercial Radio Criticised By MP.'s

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29324, 1 October 1960, Page 14

Some Serials On Commercial Radio Criticised By MP.'s

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 30. “Soap opera,” commercials and some announcers’ pronunciation were criticised by members during the debate on the Broadcasting Service estimates in the House of Representatives today. Mr C. L. Carr (Government Timaru), a former radio announcer, complained about “corny old records" and “Doctor Paul.”

The Minister of Social Security (Miss Howard) said she did not like "Gunsmoke.” and objected to “American-style” language in

commercials. The associate to the Minister of Maori Affairs (Sir Eruera Tirikatene) thought some announcers greatly distorted Maori placenames. Mr Carr objected to national hook-ups. “In the old days, if you didn’t like a programme, you could get another station. But now. wherever you go, you get the same old programme,” he said. “Some of these musical programmes have corny old records that have been going since the year one. Most of it is old stuff and doesn’t count.” Mr G. F. Sim (Opposition, Waikato): Speak for yourself. Mr Cam I stand for young stuff. “My Word” is a splendid programme. But "Doctor Paul” —oh! adult love. Opposition members: Oh! Mr J. K. McAlpine (Opposition: Selwyn): Don’t you like that? Mr Cam No. It goes on and on for ever. It’s a dreadful thing. Members: Ha. Mr Cam Members are reading a meaning Into what I said that I didn’t intend. Mr Carr said some of these serials did not have a very elevating effect on New Zealand’s national life. “Our home life isn’t like that at all. We don’t have all those domestic wars.” he added. Mr Carr said most radio announcers were good, but some were “not so good.” “I think some of the women announcers’ voices become a bit

monotonous,” he said. "But the worst thing of all is the way some announcers longingly linger on the final syllable. It’s an abominable, hateful form of genteel pedantry” Complaining about what she described as "American-stvle” language. Miss Howard said: “One firm really grates. It says so and so Is so is so much cheapar. cheap-ar, cheap-ar’.” Attacking “Gunsmoke” she told the House: “How can we stop delinquency if we’re going to have children listening to this sort of thing—full of bang. bang, bang, and murder.” Miss Howard naid a tribute to the late Mr Jack Marbury—although she admitted she once

“towelled him up” for giving a wrong answer. • Miss Howard said she would like to see more New Zealand talent used by the Broadcasting Service—“instead of importing high-priced artists.” Sir Eruera Tirikatene asked if announcers could be given a course in Maori pronunciation. “Some announcers greatly disstort Maori placenames. It sounds discourteous,” he said. The Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Boord) said a course in Maori pronunciation had been recorded by experts and would be circulated to announcers.

Replying to criticism of serials. Mr Boord said there was no evidence to show the effect of serials on adolescent misbehaviour until it was known how many adolescents listened to the radio. Mr Boord said he thought more investigation should be made into what young people listened to. “But critics of serials should pinpoint specific serials they object to,” he said. Miss Howard: "Gunsmoke.” Mr Boord said research showed that 39.100 persons in Auckland and 22,600 persons in Christchurch listened to “Doctor Paul.” And “Portia Faces Life” had 36.000 listeners in Auckland and 19.700 in Christchurch.

Replying to Miss Howard. Mr Boord said the Broadcasting Service was encouraging local artists.