RADIO BROADCASTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24633, 14 June 1941, Page 15

RADIO BROADCASTING

ro THE EDITOR

Sir, —I have read with interest the letters about the “apple quest” incident at 4ZB. It is high time something was done. Unlike “Pater” I do net object to Christian names, but such an example of cheap sarcasm as was put over on Saturday last was inexcusable, particularly on the part of the announcer, who, would stand as an example m the children listeners to 4ZB. As “ 4<Ji ” writes, children are easily influenced. Cur money pays for that station and we have every right to criticise, but would assure “Pater” that there are at least two announcers worth listening to who have plenty of fun but never stoop to buffoonery or personalities.—‘l am, etc.. Mater. 'Dunedin, June 13.

: ; to the editor Sir,—-Critics of radio station 4ZB stem to forget that it takes all sorts to make a world, and all sorts of radio programmes to suit everybody. I wonder how “Pater” would get on if he was given the job of selecting a programme for a day. As for the familiar terms of address used by the announcers, I think it makes them more like friends than just announcers. The only thing tha* “Pip" has to say in favour of “ Peter ” is that he conducts the children’s session so well. In this I also agree, and I am quite sure that if it had not been for “Peter” and this session there would be a lot o„ talent in Dunedin which would never have been discovered. So I hope that 4ZB will carry on in its friendly manner and cheer us up.—l am, etc.. June 11. Toiro.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—V Democracy ” in this morning’s Daily Tintes hits the nail on the head when he says that the cause of the criticism of 4ZB announcers is not the announcers but the material they have to use. When he suggests using locd! talent he reveals, I think, the weakness of all ZB stations. Is it not a fact that in order to keep down overhead ZB listeners are offered cheaply hashed-up features, serial i recordings enthusiastic but misguided local talent and so on? There is such a body, isnt there, as the Performing Rights Association, which collects royalties for the use of records? We pay; enough today for the privilege of listening, but there are hundreds of excellent recordings and dpzens of artists we nevdr near on 4ZB. Again, when will programme organisers realise ;tnal radio listening is almost exclusively •subordinated to other contemporary activities such as home tasks, reading, etc., and that while music is a natural background to such activities speech listening is a full-time job? However, 4ZB must not get too disheartened, because if at times we find ZB unhstenable.” at least the YA stations are ' mostly insufferable.—l am, etc., Dunedin, June 13. Apple Colic.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—“Dad” advises “Pater” to turn the knob on his wireless if he does pot like what 4ZB puts over to the paying public. The point which seems -.to be missed is that if listeners desire drivel, why should not 4ZB cater for that taste. If inexperienced salespeople are entrusted with the advertising one can always refrain from patronising the so-called commercial stations. Personally; I would be indeed * sorry if my sales staff modelled their methods of selling on the lines adopted by 4ZB. Some writers have complained of the Irresponsible manner in which a some of the announcers control the broadcasts. I had occasion to mention this to one in authority at 4ZB and was i informed that .-.such methods developed am. etc., Tripehound. Dunedin, June 13.

: TO TBX EDITOR ' Sir,—The - controversy between your correspondents as to the quality of radio fare served up to us by the broadcasting stations gives me the opportunity of making what I think are constructive suggestions for improvement. As cultural diet must determine the progress or otherwise of the public’s standard of culture, I suggest that the diet list should include the very ;best in such branches of art as the radio can reasonably promulgate. Therefore, I say that a radio station should invite from members of the public., contributions from the individual’s treasury of art. For instance, John Jones is given free use of the air to give ,an eager public his treasures in music, in" prose and in poetry. The? music-that thrills and haunts him and the piece of prose which fascinates him. and the poem which to him is the best of all would thus come to our ears as one man’s idea of what he values most in a cultural sense, and all would profit. How stimulating it would be thus to open doors to culture which by reason of conservatism and lack of opportunity remain massive and closed. —I am, etc., Broadcast the Best. Dunedin, June 13. [We regret that we cannot provide further space for discussion of this subject, “Pater” who introduced it, may reply briefly if he wishes to do so, otherwise the correspondence is closed.—Ed., 0.D.T.1