RADIO BROADCASTING

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 61

RADIO BROADCASTING

VIEW OF LISTENERS’ LEAGUE

BRITISH SYSTEAI FAVOURED. WELLINGTON, August 7. A suggestion that radio broadcasting in New Zealand should be placed on the same basis as the British Broadcasting Corporation was made to the Postinastergeneral (Air J. B. Donald) to-day by a deputation representing the executive of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Listeners’ League. The president (Air J. H. Owen) said he was familiar with other oversea systems. His considered opinion was that the British system was immeasurably superior from a musical, technical, and educational point of view. Under the agreement with the New Zealand company, the Crown could purchase the plant, machinery, and apparatus at a price agreed upon by arbitration. If this were done at once a great saving could” be effected. A further extension of a license to a private company would not be in the best interests of the community. The question of B class stations did not present great difficulties to the Board of Control, which no doubt would take over several of these stations as an essential part of the service. Broadcasting should be a public monopoly run by the people for the people on the lines of the British Broadcasting Company. The Minister said he was pleased to hear the views advanced. He assured the deputation that the Government fully realised that the true value of radio was just beginning to be felt.. Under proper control it would develop into an extremely valuable national asset. For that reason serious consideration had been given to the question by the Government. At the moment the subject was still in the hands of the Cabinet, which would not move until it was satisfied that it had reached a right decision. He hoped that W’hen finality had been reached the public in general and the listeners in particular would be satisfied.