RECEIVING "SETS”

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 June 1936, Page 14

RECEIVING "SETS”

GOVT. SUPPLY SCHEME. [per press association.] WELLINGTON. June 15. Possible Government action, in cooperation with the manufacturers, to bring about a reduction in the price of radio receiving sets was suggested by the Postmaster-General (Hon. F. Jones) in an interview. Mr Jones also indicated that a sub-committee of the Cabinet had been set up to deal with the details of broadcasting policy, preparatory to the assumption by the Government of the control of the broadcasting system. Mr Jones said: “There are 200,000 homes in New Zealand without radio sets. Our aim is to bring the bene fits of broadcasting into those homes as soon as possible. The price represents a barjier to many people who would normally like to own a radio set. The same position has arisen in Britain, and the British Broadcasting Corporation has been investigating a scheme in Germany whereby the German Government and manufacturers have co-operated in the production of a cheap but efficient standard of set.” Mr Jones said that officers of his department had recently been experimenting with the design and construction of a possible standard set. The Government hoped to be able to find out at what cost such a set could economically be produced, and then it would probably be prepared to enter into negotiations with manufacturers in New Zealand in an endeavour to put the standard set on the market. Much had to be done in preparing for full state ownership of the broadcasting system in New Zealand, and very little time remained before the Broadcasting Act came into operation on July 1. In consequence, there was not likely to be any change with B stations until after that date. The basis for the payment of subsidies to B stations would also have to be settled.

U.S.A. BROADCASTING. NEW YORK, June 15. Mr Bearup who is a member of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, following on a study he has made of American conditions, has informed the Australian Associated Press thatthree aspects of the broadcasting in the United States are particularly impressive. These are: (1) The unremitting effort to make educational programmes and even charitable appeals entertainment first; (2) the care and expense lavished on the acoustical facilities at the studios, and finally the high technical proficiency of the broadcasting transmission.

Following on a fortnight’s stay in New York, Mr Bearup will proceed to Europe to continue his enquiries.