RADIO BROADCASTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24627, 7 June 1941, Page 11

RADIO BROADCASTING

TO THE EDITOR

Sir.—ls It not time that the daily issue of irony—the 9.15 p.m. appeal to the people to invest their savings for the purposes of war purchases—was discontinued? One listens with feelings of deep disgust to this sonorous appeal through our Government broadcasting system. Inspiration is totally lacking, and the manner of its delivery monotonous. The appeal is a cross between the attractions of an investment and a reprimand for possible feelings of disloyalty; it is obviously turned out by someone devoid of imagination—like goods from a massproduction mill. With proper leadership this country is as loyal as any part of the Empire, but how can one expect that whole-hearted spirit of voluntary sacrifice when labour troubles and strikes are almost a popular diversion in certain sections,' and when the so-called war effort is simply the deflection of business from one purpose to another? It is about time that the ponderous voice of 2YA at 9 o'clock every evening .was replaced by manner and matter of more interest and inspiration.—l am, etc.. John Peel. Dunedin, June G, 1941

TO THE EDITOR Sir,— Owing to the presence of young people in my home I have been more or less obliged for many weeks to listen to the • Government commercial station conducting what the announcer calls " a scavenger hunt." Listeners are given a list of more or less absurd articles to be collected with all speed and taken to the broadcasting station. The first arrival receives £2 # 10s, the second a guinea, and 10 others receive a case of apples. Of what value this stunt is one fails to see. and the question naturally arises as to who provides the cash and the apples so lavishlv squandered and so easily earned. One can only think that the Government does. The buffoonery carried on by the announcer in charge of the contest is beyond description; in fact, the general conduct of this station lacks dignity. The familiarity of the male members addressing their fellow employees over the air as " Jessie." " Joyce," " Maud," or " Topsv " must strike many listeners. The method of conducting the apple, session last Saturday was to me the last straw, and I have forbidden the family to listen to this station altogether. The lack of dignity in the conduct of so many sessions has a certain demoralising influence on children, and for that reason my wife has agreed to support me in shutting the station completely off, however much the young folk desire to listen-in. —I am, etc., Pater.