WIRELESS WORLD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 March 1936, Page 4

WIRELESS WORLD

RADIO NOTES

RAISING OF PUBLIC TASTE BROADCASTING’S INFLUENCE Extracts front opinions expressed to an Auckland paper by Dr. Edgar L. Bainton, director of the New South W ales State Consevvatorium of Music, are of interest to listeners, who are divided into two main groups—those in favour of better class music, and those definitely not in favour of if. In Dr. Baiuton’s opinion it is the fact that good music lias been broadcast that lias aroused a. markedly greater interest in the public in that kind of ir,tisic. He Iras in England in the early days of the wireless, and he said that while the first effect was a. decrease in the numbers of pupils wishing to learn music—particularly as the depression came about that time—yet the later effect was an increase in the numbers wishing to take lessons again. The later result, he thought, was likely to be the permanent one. The general level of public taste, he added, was definitely being raised by the broadcasting of good music. Perhaps the raising of the level was not wholly conscious, yet the influence was there. “You see it,” hb added, “in an indirect way in the very criticisms against this type of music ” At least criticism is proof of interest. Further, vou see all sorts of articles in the papers and letters to the editor. The wide divergence in opinion expressed, not necessarily about broadcasting, shows the people are thinking rather strongly about music. As I say, _ the subject of 'these letters and articles need not necessarily be about broadcasting. They may deal with music generally. The point is the evidence of interest.” After all, he added, there were alternative programmes which could be heard by the mere rising from a chair and the turning of a little knob. He understood the programmes in New Zealand were so arranged that the light music was possible, as well as tl>3 socalled “highbrow.” Another point he touched on was the use by the radio board of local talent. He had heard the complaint that local musicians were not given sufficient opportunity. What ought to be asked was whether those who sought engagement were good enough. The coming of the wireless had meant and was meaning that musicians would have to work harder than ever.

THE QUESTIONNAIRE Of considerable interest to all listeners are the items contained in the Broadcasting Board’s questionnaire, shortlv to be issued. The first item lists the eight national stations and asks listeners _to place a cross beside the one they receive most satisfactorily. The second item asks, “Are you a member of a radio club or a listeners’ club?” In the third listeners are asked to show their preference for overseas artists, local artists, or recordings, asking, at the same time, if they would prefer more or less of any one particular group. Item No. 4 asks listeners, “Of the 30. broadcasting stations ,in New Zealand, to which one do you listen most frequently?” Other questions invite listeners to state whether the following types of entertainment should be increased, decreased or remain unaltered: Plays, classical and symphonic music, breakfast sessions, talks, light opera and musical comedy, dance sessions, vocal solos (serious), grand opera, band music, chamber music, music, mirth and melody sessions, Sunday morning programmes (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.), Sunday afternoon programmes (2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.), instrumental solos and vocal jazz items. The seventh and final question asked is. “Do you dance to broadcast dance music?” BROADCASTING PARLIAMENT

For the first time in the history of broadcasting in New Zealand, Parliament will be heard over the air from the national stations on, Thursday, 26th March, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Parliament is to be opened by commission at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 25th March, whei\ Mr Speaker will be elected. On the following day his Excellency the Governor-General will be present in the Legisative Council Chamber, and at 2.30 p.m. he will read the speech from the throne. A description of the proceedings, together with, the speech of the Governor-General, will be broadcast by all the main stations. No announcements have yet been made as to when the YA stations are to broadcast actual debates in the House of Representatives. Speaking on this matter last week, the Prime Minister, Mr M. J. Savage, said: “We must go carefully. . . . We are handling something completely new. . . It is obvious we can’t monopolise the four YA stations. There may be demand enough to warrant a radio station exclusively for the use of Parliament. In putting Parliament on the air we are advancing into a completely new field and we must be guided by common sense.”

CONSTITUTION OF BOARD It is clear that a majority of listeners desire to see an elective Broadcasting Board, and it is understood that this is favoured by members of the Labour Government. The principle is sound, “bat under present conditions there are difficulties in putting the idea into practice. It would be simple enough to issue a. ballot paper to each licensee paying his fee within one month after it-became due, and to give a reasonable time to vote. The nomination of candidates would be another matter (states the “Timaru Herald”). There are a number of radio clubs and listeners’ leagues in existence, but it is safe to say that there are not half a dozen which do not represent some sectional interest, lor which are not primarily concerned with the interests of some B station. Even if some effective plan could be found to ensure representative nominations, it is not unlikely that city listeners would swamp the poll, and that the smaller centres and country districts would not secure representation unless a system of constituencies was devised. Two membe r s of the present board, appointed by the late Government, were supposed to represent listeners, but no visible results nave accrued from the appointments. The listeners’ representatives may have done great work, but if they have done so they have been doing good by stealth and have had no occasion to blush through finding it fame. A COMING ATTRACTION An announcement has been made that the long-heralded group of celebrity artists, including Florence Austral (soprano)', John Amadio (flautist), Sydney de Vries (baritone), and Browning Mummery (tenor), will commence an eight weeks’ tour of the main stations about the beginning of July. No definite date for the commencement of the tour has vet been fixed, but tho Broadcasting 'Board has made tentative arrangements for a special concert in Dunedin on 11th August. It is expected the tour will commence in Auckland.