PROGRAMME QUALITY

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 127, 31 May 1934, Page 19

PROGRAMME QUALITY

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —"The aim was to entertain the listener in his own home during his leisure." I quote the report of the remarks of.Mr. H. D. Viekery, chairman of the Broadcasting Board, at the opening of the Radio Exhibition. "During his leisure"! While giving credit to the board for tho great improvement made in the systematic planning of programmes, I think there are many list-' eners who would appreciate a slight alteration of the classical programmes to fit in with their leisuro hours. Undoubtedly the best of those programmes is that given on Sunday afternoon: Nothing of tho same quality is presented by 2YA during the evening leisure hours. Most afternoons there is an admirable "classical hour," but its enjoyment can rarely be shared by the great majority of people engaged in business. The alternative station gives a good quality programme one night a week. The office worker naturally seeks fresh-air relaxation on Sunday afternoons. Is it not reasonable to provide appreciators of the best in music with at least one evening a week of good recordings of the Sunday quality?

The Postmaster-General proudly declares that New Zealand broadcasting policy is modelled largely on the 8.8.0. system, which he is convinced is the best in the world. But his consideration of broadcasting seems to apply to the one aspect of technical coverage. The 8.8.C. programme policy is an educative and cultural one; that at the New Zealand Broadcasting Board is for the most part entertainment only. The standard of programme broadcast in New Zealand will not bear eompari-I son with that in Britain. I feel sure" the majority of listeners are patiently awaiting the day when the board, having completed its circuit system, will set itself seriously to the task of improving its programmes generally.—l am, etc., ~.

OCCASIONAL LISTENEE.