CENSORSHIP ON RADIO

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3151, 3 August 1942, Page 5

CENSORSHIP ON RADIO

—-—♦ —‘ — (To the Editor) Sir,—l, too, heard the radio ■feature “Witches’ Tales” referred to by “Father” in his letter to your May I be allowed also to state my views on the subject. While I agree as to the sordedness of the feature I must say «that had my children been listening I should have simply turned my radio to another station. The broadcasting authorities have to cater for all tastes and to us it is unfortunate that some have such tastes as to want to listen to what we call trash—but there it is. We all have different ideas as to what “trash” is. I am fond of good music and. yet I have heard others condemn as trash some programme of my idea of good music, and I do not mean swing or jazz music. I am sure that “Father” could find something to suit him each night. He is not compelled to listen to any one station unless, of course, he is unfortunate enough to own a radio capable only of receiving one station.

Perhaps “Father” is thinking of all the children ibeing allowed to lis-ten-in, in which case why not blame the parents for in their hands lies the remedy. If he is thinking of his own children then he, too, should know that the remedy lies in his own hands and I am sure that he is not belittleing his own intelligence. One has only to watch the average child at play to find out the occuption of the father. Similarly one has only to listen to the child’s conversation to find out the child’s environments. Is it the child’s fault that the parents are not concerned about the, moulding of the child’s mentality? They worry about vita-

mins in food but totally neglect the ‘’child’s mind.

I could give “Father” quite a lot of information on this subject .but -for the moment let him and other fathers come to. realise that in their hands lies the choic'e~tJ-f programmes for their children and that--their radios are capable of receiving at least one programme suitable, for children at least up to the time that children are supposed to be in bed. and finally that it is possible to switch the radio off.

• Before closing may .1 remind “Father” that enemy atrocities are published in the papers for all children to read and this is definitely worse for the young- mind thafi “Witches’ Tales” for most of these show justice in triumph over evil and suggest \to the child the possibility of retribution. They know that he radio is just a story, but think that the atrocities must be true because it is in the-paper.

“Father,” give your child credit enlightened world of ours with its adenlightened forld of ours with its advanced education. —I am, etc., ANOTHER FATHER. Paeroa, 31/7/42.