Broadcasting cuts

Press, 16 June 1979, Page 14

Broadcasting cuts

Sir, — I am sure that most people would be prepared to accept the announced television cuts rather than pay increased licence fees when the average standard of programmes is so poor and there is a lack of real choice between the so-called competing channels. “Sport on One” has for too long been overstaffed, with announcers in one centre being flown about the country to commentate on events, which could well have been covered by local commentators. Yet one wonders if the Saturday afternoon slot will be replaced with more soap operas. On the side of radio, it does seem a rather precipitate action to cut back on the contributions from local artists. We need more grass-roots participation and encouragement for these really worth while programmes. — Yours, etc., R. J. VAUGHAN. June 14, 1979. Sir, — The mind boggles at the very thought of Mr lan Cross seeing fit to cut sporting broadcasts during the week. Surely the Government can see the disastrous situation it is letting broadcasting get into. The Government reaps millions of dollars out of racing yet Mr Cross sees fit to cut the broadcasting of it. I would have thought that it would have been more satisfactory to cut off TV at 10 p.m., between Mon-Thurs. After all nobody wants to listen to the late news and hear the M.P.s bickering at one another twice of an evening.—Yours, etc.. W. W. WOOD. June 14, 1979. Sir, — The decision of the Government not to increase the television licence fees could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to toss aside the improvements and decided advances in presentation and programme content, to say nothing of the valuable equipment* lying idle through lack of finance. If enough money is available to provide good programmes, there is no substitute for television as entertainment for many people who for one reason or another cannot get out and about. It would keep many cars off the road thus eliminating some of the smog, and saving petrol. The first programme cuts would be in the afternoon, when many viewers are enjoying “Beau'y and the Beast.” “Good Day” and other educational snippets as a welcome bonus when time permits. — Yours; etc., L. E. REID. June 14, 1979.