WIRELESS BROADCASTS

Evening Star, Issue 18741, 17 September 1924, Page 7

WIRELESS BROADCASTS

GOVERNMENT CONTROL LEGISLATION. {Fhom Otm Pabxiamentari' Eepomt.e.l WELLINGTON, September 16. Government legislation for control over wireless dealing and broadcasting is contained in the amendment to the Post and Telegraph Act introduced by Governor’s Message to-day. On and after April 1 next dealers in wireless equipment are to be licensed by the Minister of Telegraphs. They shall keep a full record of all sales and the names and addresses of purchasers. Power is given to revoke licenses, and the penalty for a breach of the provisions is one not exceeding £SO. Clause 6 of the measure states that portion of dealers’ fees and license fees for wireless installations may be paid to persons or companies who agree to undertake a broadcasting service. For this purpose the Postmaster-General is authorised to enter into an agreement with any person or company for a period not exceeding five years, subject to periodical renewal for a similar term, it being a condition that the recipient of fees undertakes during the currency, of the agreement to maintain a broadcasting service to the satisfaction of the Minister.

Tho tern broadcasting is defined to mean “ transmission by wireless of approved programmes of entertainment, instruction, or information of general interest capable of being received by apparatus for the use of which licenses have been issued.”

Power la given to prescribe by regulation licenses for tho operation of wireless outfits, which may be classified according to their purpose, location from a broadcasting station, or other relevant consideration; and regulations prescribing the fees to be paid in respect of a broadcasting service may differentiate as between classes of licenses.