BROADCASTING POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21100, 6 February 1932, Page 12

BROADCASTING POLICY.

B CLASS STATIONS. NO INDUCEMENT TO CONTINUE. CLOSING DOWN INDICATED. [BY TELEIiRA I'll. —I'll ESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Friday. Strong dissatisfaction is expressed by (he directors of 2Z\V and 3ZC, two T'> class radio stations, at, I lie attitude of the Broadcasting Hoard regarding tlio financial assistance sought to enable them to carry«tn. The managing-director of 2ZW, Mr. Niimno, stated that tlm reply given by tile board was most discouraging, and indicated that the board was entirely uhappreciativo of the value of the service given to listeners or of the effect on the board's levenue. They were convinced that the, board was unwilling to do anything for them. Parliamentary debates on the question had repeatedly indicated that assistance would be given to the B class stations, which were giving worthy service. Parliament intended that that should bo done. All that was asked was that until tlie question of national coverage was determined the board should con-* tribute to tins running expenses. " It. is now evident that we cannot expect any assistance for some time," he said, "and there is no guarantee that anything will be forthcoming. In those. ! circumstances there is no inducement for the directors to continue. They have j therefore been compelled to decide upon i an early curtailment of the service, and J it is possible the station will have to close down altogether." Air. Woodhcad, of 3/iC, said the board's altitude was apparently one of discouragement. It had declined to continue the facilities given bv the Broadcasting Company for morning services, and had also declined the use of relay lines which bad been available under the conipanv's regime. 'J he action taken !>v the board so far would result in a deterioration of the service. The, directors of 3ZG had been forced to the conclusion that, the board was adopting a policy of discouragement, toward 15 stations. Hence there was no financial alternative but to consider the immediate curtailment and possibly the cessation of the service. — ,