COMMERCIAL RADIO CLUBS

Evening Star, Issue 25469, 27 April 1945, Page 4

COMMERCIAL RADIO CLUBS

DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIA GOHDEMMATIQH FROM TEACHERS Pres» As»ocifttion—By Telegraph-Copyright (Bee. 8 a.m.) CANBERRA, April, 26. " The behaviour at most meetings of commercial radio clubs for children savours of license and, unknown to their parents, children are attending thorn, often to find themselves in undesirable company." The president of the Australian Teachers' Federation, Mr A. McGuihness; said this today as leader of a deputation of teach, ers to the Postmasier-General,;Senator G. Cameron, asking that a national broadcasting station be devoted jsolely to the entertainment and education ol children. .' t " City teachers have been perturbed for some time by th'e growth of.commercial radio clubs for children," said Mr McGuinness. " Under, the stimulus of showy badges, pretty prizes, and the certainty of a good time for all, the children gather at these clubs in hundreds, where, under inadequate supervision, - they yell cheap songs, enter noisy competitions, and even advertise- the merits of some commercial products. The harmful effects that can result are only too obvious. Children of tender years are heard dolefully crooning cheap American sentimental trash. Lately 'Pistol Packin' Momma ' has been a favourite masterpiece. When teachers are doing all they, can to give a child a little taste and culture this sort of thing is, to put it mildly, nauseating. Tho unsettling effect of these clubs is becom. ing evident in the classrooms. Something must he put in the place of radio clubs that is even more attractive." Senator Cameron told the deputation that he would consider their proposals, and would press for the settingup of an advisory committee as suggested by the teachers. ,