”B" STATIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 22687, 29 June 1937, Page 13

”B" STATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I have followed this controvcrsj in your columns, and am amazed at the line of thought adopted by some ol the writers, it would seem that this, question had been used, not so much as a defence of B stations, but as a means of heaping abusa on the heads of our Labour Government. First, the B station proprietors may have been promised assistance, but certain points have cropped up which have caused out Government to take other views, and as a result offers of purchase wore made to several proprietors after a fair valuation had been put on their properties. When these people realised that they were not going to receive the “ rakeoff ’’ which they expected there was a wading and a gnashing of tooth. They would not sell because the price was not high enough. If they could have received the coveted £.s.d. they imagined they could got, would they not have sold out and said “to Hades” with “Mr Listener”? I think sol Bub what happened? They dashed about calling out for him to cpino to their aid in heaping coals of lire on Government officials who dare try to rob their listeners of such wholesome fare as was served to them through the B station microphone. These people have reaped vast profits from sales of radio sets for tho last 10 years, and not until the Labour Government goes into power are they aware that they require a subsidy to carry on. Did they receive any assistance from tho previous Government? • I should say not. My advice to listeners is to wake up and nob be gulled into demanding our Government to lend financial assistance to flourishing private enterprise which can “ rake off ” from 20 per cent, to about 50 per cent, profit per sale. The very fact that YA stations have an excellent guide to go by in providing entertainment in tho form of a census taken some time ago is enough to satisfy me that the Government is prepared to do its best for the listener. In. fostering local talent the YA stations are doing a great service to tho public, although at times we may bo disappointed with a Certain offering. But I know that though I may not bo satisfied with an item some one else enjoys it, and if we were all prepared to do that our lot would be a happier one.—l am, etc., ' £.S.D. June 28.