“REGARDED WITH JEALOUSY"

Evening Star, Issue 21636, 3 February 1934, Page 4

“REGARDED WITH JEALOUSY"

The report from London published in the daily Press of January 3 that “ a crisis has arisen in crinnection. with the British Broadcasting Corporation' short wave service and that- “ it was- regarded with jealousy and suspicion by some of the dominion broadcasting organisations and the Government departments ■ responsible for. tfyem , • has created considerable dntefeSfc fn, broadcasting circles, ...vf; ■ The Sydney correspondent _nf the ‘ Listener In ’ was in touch 'with Mr H. P.' Brown, Director-General of Postal Services who, in repy to inquiries. said: ; . “ When one has regard to the pioneering efforts undertaken by the 8.8. C. in the establishment of an- Empire service, and has a knowledge of the extremely difficult problems with which that organisation was faced in striving to bring about a realisation of its ideals, there can lie nothing but the greatest commendation-for their broadminded and generous attitude and for the efficiency which has 1 been displayed in meeting and overcoming great difficulties of political, economic, and technical character. It is inexplicable that there should be jealousy on the part of broadcasting organisations in the dominions or colonies. ’

“One would rather have expected real expressions of gratitude for the generosity which the 8.8. C, . has shown, inspired hy a patriotism seeking more firmly to establish _ inter-Empire interests .and understanding. “ The work of the. 8.8. C, stands out as a beacon in broadcasting affairs, and all those who have been called upon to accept responsibility for the formulation of policy and the actual establishment, and development of broadcasting services would, I am sure, gladly pay tribute to the great work of the 8.8. C. and to the inspiration which they have given’. “ I would, regard it as a very great misfortune to broadcasting and to Empire interests if anything happened to induce the 8.8. C. to abandon its policy of maintaining an Empire service. This class of service is, in its infancy. We have not yet had ail opportunity to realise the widespread benefits which it may bring, nor has it yet been possible to overcome many technical difficulties with which the problem is surrounded. We should appreciate what we have got and do all in our power to ensure the development of the Empire service and its retention for all time as an extremely valuable asset in the political and social lives of the various parts of the Empire.’’ , .