S.O.S. IN SONG BROADCAST

Evening Star, Issue 21719, 14 May 1934, Page 9

S.O.S. IN SONG BROADCAST

STATION INDISCREET RECORD WITHDRAWN FROM USE Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, May 13. Referring to the mysterious S.O.S. message and the New Zealand explanation published in Australia to-day, Mr J. Malone, chief inspector of wireless activities in Melbourne, described the action of 3YA in broadcasting a nautical theme with storm effects, including an 5.0.5., as rather indiscreet. He added that there was a danger of distracting the attention of operators at sea at thy very moment that a genuine distress signal might be on the air.

Mr E. V. Hands, general manager of the Broadcasting Board, says that the record responsible has been withdrawn from future use. The fact that the signal was picked up was a remarkable tribute to the efficiency of the radio operators who heard it, because the signal is very faint and _ only a very practised ear could pick it out of the effects accompanying the song. Awarua had apparently tuned in to 3YA for the 9 o’clock weather report. Normally distance signals are only listened for on 600 metres. Mr Hands considered that the .operator at Awarua was perfectly right in sending out a message to ships to stand by. He concluded that the affair was oiie of the most remarkable things he had ever experienced.