JEW BROADCASTING POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 June 1936, Page 8

JEW BROADCASTING POLICY

CHEAPER RADIO SETS the GOVERNMENT’S AIM The possibility of Government action, in co-operation with manufacturers, to bring about a reduction in the price of radio receiving sets, was suggested by the Postmaster-General, lion. F. Jones, in an interview on Monday IVIp Jones also indicated that a sub-committee of Cabinet had been set up to deal with details of broadcasting poiicy preparatory to the assumption by the Government of control of the broadcasting system unaer legislation passed by Parliament last week. , , , "As I stated during the debate on the Broadcasting Bill,” Mr Jones said, "there are 200,000 homes in New Zealand without a radio set. Our aim is to bring the benefits of broadcasting into those homes as soon as possible. We want people to look on tne radio service just as they look on electricity, gas or the telephone— something which is a necessary adjunct to every home. "There appears to be no doubt that the question of price represents a barrier to many people who would normally like to own a radio set. The same position has arisen in England, and the British Broadcasting Corporation has been investigating a scheme in Germany, whereby the German Government and the manufacturers have co-operated in the production of a cheap, but efficient, standard set. The scheme is regarded hopefully in Great Britain, and there is no reason why it should not be regarded just as hopefully in New Zealand.” Mr Jones said that officers of his department had recently been experimenting with the design and construction of a possible standard set. The Government hoped to be able to find out at what cost such a set could economically be produced, and then it would probably be prepared to enter into negotiations with manufacturers to put the standard set on the market. "1 have stated previously that the question of royalty payments requires investigation,” Mr Jones continued, "and that it appears that we are paying higher royalties than are charged in England. However, that is a matter which will receive attention in due course.” STATE OWNERSHIP The Postmaster-General added that much had to be done in preparing for full State ownership of the broadcasting system in New Zealand, and very little time remained before the Broadcasting Act came into operation on Ist July. In consequence there was not likely to be any change with regard to B stations until after that date. The basis for the payment of subsidies to the B stations would also have to be finally settled. "I hope the public will not expect or demand any great change in the broadcasting service immediately the change in control is effected,” Mr Jones said. “A tremendous number of details has to be hammered out in the meantime, and with that end in view a small sub-committee of Cabinet has been set up to lay down fundamental principles in keeping with the Government’s policy as disclosed in the Broadcasting Act. “No decisions have yet been made regarding the appointment of a Director of Broadcasting, or the members of the Advisory Council which may be set up under the Act. These are matters for future consideration, as also is the question of making new regulations for broadcasting. The Governrrenl has not yet decided on the purtv f.se of any of the existing B stations for operation as commercial stations, but is prepared to consider the offer of any B station which is prepared to sell out and which is suitable for the particular type of service which will be provided by commercial stations.”