QUALIFICATIONS OF A PROGRAMME ORGANISER

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

QUALIFICATIONS OF A PROGRAMME ORGANISER

Discussing the qualifications required of , the perfect programme organiser, “ Aerial ” writes in the Christchurch ‘’Press’:

“ First is required aesthetic perception. In its lower grades, this may be defined as that feeling of nausea which strikes one when a man is seen wearing black shoes ; purple socks, and grey flannel trouserings. In its higher grades, it may be defined as that feeling of well-being which strikes one when Schnnbel plays a Beethoven sonata, or when the moon flecks the rippled waters of the Waimakiriri and the concrete of the bridge is an ebony silhouette. “ Second is required a broad knowledge of literature, drama, and music. This hardly requires defining, and may generally be obtained by some years of concentrated time and work. “ Then comes tact, knowledge of copyright law, personality, and sobriety. Tact is of great importance. Into every broadcasting studio comes that long line of singers who cannot sing, actors who cannot act, dramatists whose sole connection with drama is that both they and Mr Bernard Shaw are vegetarians. And the singers, and the actors, and the dramatists must be placated. They must leave the studios with a feeling firmly implanted that the programme organiser is a fine fellow, and that the Broadcasting Board is, benevolent, and that the only reason they are not allowed to sing or act or dramatise is that the public is not yet ready for such outstanding performers. “ As for a knowledge of copyright law, this really comes under the heading of tactful piracy. Thus it would be very untactful to adapt Mr Galsworthy, or Mr Shaw, or Mr Wodehonse, or any of their works into a radio play. These gentlemen (or their representatives) Would regard such gentle lifting as rank piracy. On the other hand, a’majority of the “ art for art’s sake authors or dramatists (and there are very few of them) would doubtless be only ton pleased to know Ibat they had achieved broadcast fame. “ Personality may be obtained naturally; by 'newspaper or broadcast publicity, or by lessons from a correspondence school. The natural variety is perhaps more satisfactory and lasting than the synthetic. Personality by cor-

rcspoiulonce is likely to he ephemeial. The high-water mark of personality in a programme organiser is reached alien a ‘ programme hy Blank ’ is the eouivalent of a ‘ production by Be Mille,' or 1 The frocks by Worth.'

“ And, finally, sobriety. This must not be taken to mean the sobrietv of a non-alcoholic kind. It must be taken to imrean a slightly abstracted expression of the face when any subject m her than programme organising is mentioned. The facial expression imH hear the mark of multiform sorrow-, bearable only by the high sphere of tb" endeavours of programme organising. • •

-It mms difficult, does It not. to Hud the ideal prop nun me organ’'-(»r Bub all is possible in this world of ours. Perhaps such a man is among us, unhonoured, and unsung.”