B.B.C. radio editor visits

Press, 20 January 1984, Page 5

B.B.C. radio editor visits

The managing editor of 8.8. C. Topical Tapes, Mrs Genevieve Eckenstein, was in Christchurch yesterday for a two-day visit as part of a five-week Pacific tour. Topical Tapes is part of the 8.8.C.’s External Services, and makes programmes such as 8.8. C. World Report; International Call; and International Money Programme. Mrs Eckenstein is in New Zealand to renew old acquaintances and meet new customers, as well as to get an idea of radio in this country. “It is really to get a feel of radio in the different countries, because radio evolves and changes and we don’t want to get left behind,” she said. The programmes made by 8.8. C. Topical Tapes are 30-minute or 15-minute magazine and discussion shows on a variety of topics, such as science and technology, books, finance, and

current affairs. Mrs Eckenstein said the delay in airmailing tapes round the world from Britain meant that some current affairs programmes went out of date. “The tapes take at least 10 days to post, so we have to stand up for a fortnight in current affairs,” she said. 8.8. C. Topical Tapes programmes are broadcast in New Zealand on the National Programme, and in Christchurch on Radio Rhema. They are broadcast in 60 English-speaking countries throughout the world, in places as diverse as the Far East, North America, and the Falkland Islands. Mrs Eckenstein said that New Zealand listeners had rallied in support of the service when it was threatened with cuts two years ago. “We were overwhelmed at the response from New Zealand,” she said.