Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1945. RADIO AND PROPAGANDA.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1945, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 1945. RADIO AND PROPAGANDA.

NEWSPAPERS are alleged to be heartless and soulless, but if they are capable of feelings, they will extract some unholy joy, perhaps, on learning that the

much acclaimed 8.8. C. is not impartial on controversial issues. The radio was hailed as one means of meeting the propaganda of the privately-owned Press, and the influence on public opinion of broadcasting is not to be underestimated. The printed word probably still has the pull, but what the commentators say is not disregarded by all, especially when, as so often happens, they play safe, and in many words express the opinion that two

and two make four. American and commercial stations may have met honest doubters, but the 8.8. C. was estimated as being beyond reproach. Air. Ernest Thurtle, the New York-born Labour M.P., one who won his commission in the First World War, and Jias written several publications, has burst this bubble, and another illusion has west, or in whatever direction illusions journey.

As Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information, until the Coalition Government was dissolved, Mr. Thurtle should know something about the subject of propaganda. He declares that the 8.8. C. is not free from personal prejudices and that announcers can and do, exploit this means to advance their own views. The 8.8. C. authorities will probably deny the soft impeachment, but the allegation does not appear to be illfounded. Announcers are human and lew mortals can be quite unbiased when dealing with controversial topics. Little can be done about it, and little harm may be feared, but it is well that listeneis should realise the fact that all that glistens is not told. In most countries, the radio is unashamedly used lor propa g’anda, mostly in Government lavoui. Some critics have gone so far as to allege that even in democratic New Zealand, broadcasting has been utilised extensively for Ministerial purposes. Britain, however, has prided itself that the L.L.C, was superior to these tactics. Having put the 8.8. C. into its place, Mr. Thurtle turns to the Press, and denounces its powers for evil. That is an old storj, but readers still daily purchase newspapers by the million. The power of the Press is much over-rated by critics, and it has dwindled since radio and films became widespread and popular. There are some subjects about which newspapers sway public opinion, but in the main things of life, this influence is not so gieat as alleged. General elections have proved that, and there are other happenings that keep humble those who express newspapei views. In Britain, newspaper trusts have developed in the last few decades, and this control in a few’ hands is undoubtedly a danger to public interests. In New Zealand, there has been little move in this direction, although complete freedom from the menace cannot be claimed, hi any case, the Dominion’s newspaper reporting and correspondence columns are impartial and serve most’ schools el thought, although Labour is ever complaining without cause. The starting of a Labour Wellington daily is, therefore, to be welcomed, and it is to be hoped its success will be sufficient to have similar organs established in other of the main cities. If most importance is attached to news and not views, there is no reason to expect failure. It is impossible to avoid propaganda, but few intelligent people wish it to be a one-way traffic. It will be interesting to note what space the new Labour daily gives to the opinions of nonLabourites.