USE OF THE AIR

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 61, 9 September 1937, Page 10

USE OF THE AIR

TALKS AND DEBATES

CONTROVERSIAL FACTOR

POLICY DEFINED

>. | The Government's attitude on the ' question of broadcast talks, debates, i and discussions was defined in a state- : ment made by the Prime Minister (the . Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) today. The Government had given a good deal of attention to the matter, said \ Mr. Savage. It had become obvious '•' some time ago that all the requests by • various organisations for broadcasting ; facilities could not be met without \ causing serious dislocation to the service. Most of those bodies realised the importance of broadcasting as a medium for propaganda, but did not always realise that listener-interest was a factor which broadcasting authorities could not disregard. "It must be understood that the broadcasting authorities are responsible for all broadcast transmissions and cannot delegate this responsibility to any organisation,' Mr. Savage continued. "It has r een decided that only in very special cases will talks be broadcast as emanating ;rom particular organisations. ' The Director Of Broadcasting will be empowered to determine whether the listener-interest and community value of any talks i warrant their being broadcast. He will also take into consideration the controversial factor, as it is preferable to deal with controversial subjects by way of debate or discussion so that the various opposing points of view are presented to listeners by carefullychosen exponent". Broadcasting is so powerful that it is capable of doing great harm to the community if it is allowed to become a cockpit for the sparring of conflicting propaganda. At the same time, It is capable of great good if i' is used as an instrument for the presentation of properlybalanced argument, so that although one-sided propaganda will not' be permitted, it is intended to arrange debates arid discussions on matters which are deemed to have sufficient interest and community value. RIGHTS OF LISTENERS. "It is recognised that listeners should bo given the opportunity of hearing up-to-date views on various subjects, but they also have the right to hear the different points of view. In most cases it will be necessary to submit the manuscript of proposed talks for approval^not only to avoid unbalanced statements which amount to propaganda, but to ensure that the language and style are suitable for broadcasting. Any talks broadcast must be considered on their luerits in relation to programme value."