B RADIO STATIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 11 June 1936, Page 6

B RADIO STATIONS

ALL TO BE SUBSIDISED PAYMENT TO OUTSIDE INTERESTS GOVERNMENT TO HAVE SOME SAY (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, This Day. Protection to be afforded to. B radio stations and the possibility of the appointment of a Minister of Broadcasting were discussed by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in an interview. The question of copyright fees for items broadcast by B stations had received considerable attention recently, Mr Savage said. When the Broadcasting Bill became law all B stations would be subsidised by the Government, which in consequence would have some say regarding payment to outside interests. In the. matter of payment of fees to the Performing Rights Association and firms holding patents, he understood that the Government had undertaken the responsibility for those stations which had received subsidies in the past. Outside interests now making claims in regard to broadcasting rights would have to deal direct with the Government. The matter had not been fully investigated as yet, but it would doubtless be the subject of negotiations in the near future. It could be taken as definite that private B stations would be placed on a position of equality with those which had already received subsidies. The Bill makes provision, if necessary, for the appointment of a special Minister of Broadcasting, Mr Savage said. “So far this question has not been fully discussed by Cabinet, and as yet it‘is impossible to say whether a new Minister will be appointed or whether an existing member of the Cabinet will be charged with the responsibility of administering broadcasting matters. Until a decision is made, the Postmas-ter-General, the Hon. F. Jones, will.be in charge of broadcasting,” added the Prime Minister.