THE LISTENERS’ LEAGUE AND B STATIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 22685, 26 June 1937, Page 19

THE LISTENERS’ LEAGUE AND B STATIONS.

TO THE BDITOK,

Sir, —Although the adjourned annual meeting of the Listeners’ League appears to have been concluded on Tuesday last, it is rather a remarkable fact that no balance sheet was produced, and also that several persons were elected to the incoming executive despite their absence and apparently without their consent. This state of affairs reflects discreditably against the reelected executive. To-day I learn that the collectors ‘are going again from door to door with “ A shilling to keep the B stations on the air ” or “ Join the Listeners’ League”—easy money for the collectors, who get sixpence for each shilling collected. Frankly, I would class this action as begging rather than organising. If the Listeners’ League wants to exist it should entirely divorce itself from all persons financially connected with or employed in B stations, otherwise it becomes the ramp for the B stations. Now for the B stations. One question always looms large before me when I am asked to assist them. Who asked the B stations to come on the air in the first place? Was it the Government of the day who afterwards turned round and smote them? Or was it that the proprietors of certain radio depots in town desired to keep their names before the public? I venture to suggest that had station titles such as “ Community Club,” “ Sunshine Club,” etc., been handed out no B station other than the Radio Association station would have ever existed. To-night I have listened to a certain B station wheezing its way through wretched lowbrow jazz, catcalls, and tapping, coupled with numerous advertising items such as “ Switching to the State Theatre,” and making reference to the ‘ Marcus Show highlight.” I cannot get it out of my head that they are paid for_ this service, or some other concession, such as free passes, is made. Clearly advertising for gain of some sort is suggested. I did not require to listen to the B station, for I am well satisfied with the national programmes and the fact that eight stations are on tap all of maximum strength. Certainty one or two B stations would not be missed, so I bid them farewell.—l am, etc., A. Rowan. June 2S. •