Broadcasting Boom In Britain

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30448, 23 May 1964, Page 13

Broadcasting Boom In Britain

(Special Crspdt. NZ.P.A.) LONDON, May 22. Output of television sets has risen sharply in Britain in recent weeks. According to manufacturers’ figures, deliveries to the trade ip the first quarter of this year amounted to 498,000 sets—37 per cent better than in the same period last year, and 68 per cent i above the first quarter of 1962. Manufacturers are expanding production to meet an anticipated demand from the spread of the 8.8.C.’s second channel and the possibility of la second commercial television channel.

The "Financial Times" radio correspondent says that the radio industry in Britain is facing a period of greater prosperity than for some time past. “Ahead lie not only the expansion of BBC-2 and perhaps a start to ITV-2, but also the advent of colour television in 1967 and the start later this year of pay-as-you-view television experiments,” he says, adding: “There is also the growing possibility that some time in the near future the Government may take a decision in favour of local broadcasting stations, or even commercial radio, in this country. There is considerable pressure in many quarters for both these developments.”