Senseless Duplication

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 13

Senseless Duplication

Sir, —Surely it is time listeners raised a protest against the costly and ridiculous duplication of service that is being foisted upon them by the Director of Broadcasting. When the fourth station commenced operations in Wellington we were led to believe that we were to get from it a specialised and distinctive service. It was to give us something different from what we were getting from the other stations. Instead, we have had practically nothing but wasteful duplication. This evening was a case in point. Station 2YA * and Station 2ZB both broadcasting the harbour board's reception to the Prime Minister. Why? It is common knowledge that 2YA covers a much wider range than 2ZB. That being the case, what possible justification can there be for broadcasting from the smaller station what everyone who wished to hear could get from the larger one? And the same sort of thing has happened time and again ever since 2ZB has been on the air. Curiously enough these duplicated broadcasts have been confiued to functions at which Ministers of the Crown have officiated. What is the big idea? Is it that 2ZB is being used as a Government station in more senses than one? There must be some reason for this seemingly senseless duplication, and listeners are entitled to be told what that reason is.—l am, etc.. QUERY. ■Wellington, July 28.