BROADCASTING PLANS

Evening Star, Issue 22379, 1 July 1936, Page 8

BROADCASTING PLANS

GOVERNMENT POLICY OUTLINED COMMERCIAL STATION FOR EACH CENTRE B STATIONS TO BE VALUED [Seehad to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, July 1, Some further aspects of the Government’s plans for the development of the broadcasting services in New Zealand and for the Lise of commercial stations for advertising were discussed in an interview by the Prime Minister (Mr Savage) to-day on his assumption to the new Portfolio of Broadcasting. Discussing the Government’s plans for the establishment of commercial stations, Mr Savage said that there would be one each for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, but no decision had yet been made as to how the advertising would be Controlled.

“ I do not knew whether we wiil do the advertising ourselves or give it out,” said the Prime Minister. “ The less we handle it ourselves the more satisfactory it will be to everybody, i think it will be better to let some private enterprise do it. We may let the rights or call tenders. The details have yet to be thought out.” Dealing with broadcasting generally, the Prime Minister said that the Government did not intend to allow the grass to grow under its feet. “We will move forward as rapidly as possible,” he said. “We want something to be done while we are alive, not when we are dead. We want this generation to enjoy all the benefits of broadcasting.” Mr Savage said that steps were now being taken for the complete valuation of all B stations. The valuations would be made by a qualified technical man in conjunction with an accountant. The pur- ' chase price where licensees were prepared to sell would be based on the report of the vajuers, and where there was no desire to give up the license the valuation would be used as the basis for a subsidy. Mr Savage emphasised that in arriving at the valuation of a station social service would be taken into account. He indicated that the Governments plans would necessarily have to await development till the appointment of a director of broadcasting was made. “ The director will have more knowledge of broadcasting than I have,” sadi Mr Savage. “I know what I want and he will know how to give it to us.” , , Asked if any claims had yet been made on the Government by the Performing Rights Association, Mr Savage replied in the negative. He added, however, that when one started stirring porridge something would soon come to the surface.