RADIO SERVICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 September 1946, Page 3

RADIO SERVICE

PROVISION FOR TIMARU AND WEST COAST JMPKOVEDjCOVEEAGE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 15. The establishment of new radio stations on the West Coast and at Timaru are contemplated by the National Broadcasting Service in its plans for improved radio coverage. Renewal of existing stations and the provision of small local coverage stations in larger centres, which do not at present have stations, are included in the scheme. The Timaru station will be of the local coverage type. Tenders have already been called for the equipment of the West Coast station. . .

A survey of the service’s plan was given yesterday by the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr. Jones). He said it would be necessary to renew the technical equipment of existing national and commercial stations by the installation of modern equipment, with increased power and coverage. Approval had been given for placing orders for the replacement of stations IYA, 2YA, and 4YA. The replacement of station 3YA would be provided for as soon as the present transmitting building could be extended, 'but this would depend on the allocation of building resources. Short-wave Service. The service was placing in commission two short-wave transmitters at Titahi Bay. They would provide an improved short-wave service, capable of serving the Pacific. Mr. Jones said three main large areas, where listeners were' not receiving first-grade coverage, were the West Coast, Bay of Plenty and North Auckland. Tenders had already been called for equipment for the first two, and a start had been made to improve the position. North Auckland would receive attention as soon as the allocation of building materials could be obtained from the Commissioner of Works. The stations at Gisborne, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, and Nelson would be reorganised to give better service as more efficient equipment and accommodation became available. It was intended that these stations should feature local activities and foster the development of local musical and other cultural activities. Lbcal Coverage. The plan also included the expansion of the service by provision of small coverage stations. These proposals included stations at such centres as Hamilton, Hastings, Timaru, and Wanganui. “As soon as staff and accommodation are available, it is intended to increase the already wide use of local talent,” said Mr. Jones. “A start has been made by extending production and recording facilities in Auckland for the greater use of local artists and equipment is being constructed to extend this scheme to Christchurch and Dunedin. The service is constructing mobile recording units and it is intended to use these for recording programme material in areas where population is so sparse as not to warrant the erection of stations.” The Minister said the engagement of members of the National Orchestra was in progress, and it would bo at work in the near future. The prime aim of the service was to supply radio coverage which would ensure highgrade reception of at least one station in all parts of New Zealand, and, following this, the establishment pf subsidiary local coverage stations in cities and larger towns.