BROADCASTING

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 September 1924, Page 9

BROADCASTING

GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION

(By Telegraph—Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 16. Control over wireless dealing and broadcasting is contained in an amendment to the Post and Telegraph Act introduced by Governor’s Message today. On and after April 1 next dealers in wireless equipment are to be licensed by the, Minister for Telegraphs. They shall keep a full record of all sales, and the names and addresses of purchasers. Power is given to revoke licenses, and the penalty for a bieach of the nrovisions is not exceeding £SO. Clause 6of the measure states, that a portion of the dealers’ fees and license fees for wireless installation may be paid to persons or companies who agree to undertake a broadcasting service. For this, purpose the Postmaster-General is authorised to -enter into an agreement with any person or company for a period not exceeding five years, subject to periodical renewal for a similar term, it being a condition that the recipient of fees undertakes during the currency of the agreement to maintain a broadcasting service to the satisfaction of the Minister. The term “broadcasting” js defined to mean the transmission by wireless of approved programmes of entertainment, instruction and information of general interest capable of being received by apparatus for the use of which licenses have been issued. Power is given to prescribe by regulation licenses for the operation of wireless outfits, which may be classified accoidmg to their purpose, location from broadcasting station, or other relevant consideration, and regulations prescribing the fees to be paid in respect to a broadcasting service may differentiate as between licenses and classes of licenses.