Broadcasting On Social Changes

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31676, 11 May 1968, Page 14

Broadcasting On Social Changes

“New Zealand broadcasting policy should be not only to examine current social attitudes and standards but also constantly to seek suitable material on changing habits and standards, and the re-evaluation of standards,” said a unanimous resolution yesterday of the N.Z.8.C.-Southern Regional Programme Advisory Committee.

The full morning's discussion on this topic had been lively and controversial, said the chairman (Mr W. R. Lascelles) afterwards. The committee believed broadcasting should reflect and communicate changing attitudes to assist fair judgment by television viewers and radio listeners.

“The distinction was drawn between mere non-conform-ity, which carries instinct for change, and exhibitionism, which in some cases amounts almost to a professional habit of revolt,” said Mr Lascelles. The age range and experience of the committee was now very varied, he said, typified by two new members. Dr A. L. M. Perry and Miss J. Anderson. They led discussion on the part that broadcasting should play in the discussion of such topics as certain diseases, modes of dress, extremes of behaviour, revolt in youth, rebels as opposed to non-conformists, the maintenance of home standards, parental control, drugs, and so on.

The place of broadcasting in social changes and changing conventions had been a profitable topic, Mr Lascelles said.

The major topic at the next meeting would be political broadcasts. This followed on naturally because broadcasting was influential on personal judgments about the qualities and capacities of candidates in national or local politics, he said. The aim should be to give the

fairest possible treatment of ail points of views, but also to give an insight into the person.