BROADCASTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19255, 18 February 1926, Page 7

BROADCASTING.

Sir, —Mr. Frank C. Reardon aptly describes the present local broadcasting service as "awful and farcical.". 1 heartily endorse his definition. In the agreement between the New Zealand Broadcasting Company and the Government, it was stipulated that the service was to be to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, If the present quality of its programmes meets with his approval, he is' easily pleased or unaware of their mediocrity, in a policy speech broadcasted some time ago by the local manager, a statement was made to the effect that the company was conserving its funds until it was in a position to install the new station,, but some' improvement in the meant imo % would go a long way toward placating the large number of listeners, 'who feel that, having paid the increased license fee,'they are not getting a square ■deal. Even if some of the artists supplying thfi- - programmes were in tho Caruso ai d Melba class,, their constant appearance becomes irksome and there are at least several who have apparently acquired permanent parking space for their- instruments at IYA. Night after night, between, bursts of interference from the'local spark station VLD., we hear tho same"' 1 old announce- ■ ments of their names, and one wonders why they monopolise the programmes to such an extent. Even the Israelites of old, tired of a continual diet of manna and hungered for a change. Sv.rely tho company s funds aro not so depleted that they have to depend on voluntary performers. Why not pay sorno of our local artists to appear before the " rai.be," and improve tho quality of the programmes, especially in view of, the fact that now licenses are nearly due ? I am afraid that unless the company takes immediatO steps in the direction indicated there will bo considerable fajUing-off in Mnswals. . A.C.L.