‘Listener’ and programmes

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 20

‘Listener’ and programmes

Sir,—lf the decision to break the monopoly of programme publication had come from anyone other than Mr Muldoon and his bully boys some credibility could be attached to the reason that monopoly is the only motive. The '‘Listener" as is. without its programme privilege, has about as much chance of surviving as an animal without its skin. What should concern us is the way authority suppresses free speech, outspoken criticism and debate on anything seen to be critical of it. The '‘Listener" has never been exactly radical but it has indulged. entertainingly, in criticising the hands that feed it. Pity there is no national alternative within the media apart from National. Maybe we should start to organise a Tom Scott memorial fund? — Yours, etc..

L. J. ROBINSON February 8, 1982.

Sir-1 do not buy the compulsory 'Listener’ for the advance programmes alone. I like the funnies and enjoy the vicious and scurrilous columnists rubbishing the Establishment. Then the programme for the day hangs open by our TV set. It is the programme information which I want taken out of monopoly hands, for it is inconsistently and shoddily arranged. Information for both channels could appear conveniently on one page, but it is expanded to two by padding with unnecessary “hand-out" photographs. Programme information is often incorrect because the "Listener,” requiring as much editorial work as a school magazine, is patron to a large staff and many hangers- on, yet its deadline is three weeks ahead of publication date. No literary journal (and I have known a few intimately) can attract a circulation '-beyond a handful of enthusiasts. Without the programme monopoly, the “Listener” would quickly wither and die.—Yours, etc.. VARIAN J. WILSON. February 8, 1982.

Sir.—People only have to buy the Listener’ if they want to know what radio and TV offers a week in advance. Newspapers publish programmes for the day or day after. We do not have (and very rarely and briefly hire) a TV set. yet we have bought and have enjoyed the 'Listener' for more than 20 years. The wide variety oi' editorial contributions and articles is good value for 50c — with all shades ot opinion regularly published.

The Prime Minister’s vindictive attitude toward the “Listener" again highlights his strong dislike for Tom Scott, with his incisive satire, and no doubt too. the brilliant cartoonist. Murray Ball who frequently lampoons the hypocritical foreign policy of the United States and the "free world."—Yours, etc., M. T. MOORE. February 9. 1982.