RADIO BROADCASTING

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 23

RADIO BROADCASTING

THE COMPANY’S PROPOSALS

DISAPPROVED BY LISTENERS. WELLINGTON, August 20. A combined meeting of the Wellington branch of the Radio Listeners’ League and the local radio section of the New Zealand Electrical Federation was held yesterday, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: — “ This combined meeting, representative of radio listeners and of radio trading licensees, the two sections which provide all the finance under the radio broadcasting scheme, having considered the proposals made by the Kadio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand for the future control of broadcasting, unanimously resolves to express its entire disapproval of the scheme suggested by the company, as published in the press on August 17, and to cal] upon the Government to reject the scheme in its entirety to oppose any scheme for future control of broadcasting which involves the inclusion of any element of private ownership.” The meeting further resolved that the only satisfactory system of control would be an independent hoard of control set up by the Government on the lines of the British Broadcasting Corporation. Further resolutions were that the question of special representation on any proposed board of control be left to be considered by the sectional interests, if by them thought* advisable; and that, in the event of the Government being found to be at variance with the principle embodied in the resolutions. the meeting pledged itself to organise its forces to light for its cause in any manner considered expedient and proper.

PROTEST AGAINST ALTERATION W ELLINGTON. August 20

A deputation from the 2YA Wellington Musical Dramatic Advisory Committee waited upon the Postmaster-general (Mr J. B. Donald) to urge the Government to discountenance any alteration in the system of control and management under which the broadcasting service has been successfully established in New Z’alatrl. Mr E. Palliser, chairman of the committee, explained that it was an advisory organisation, distinct, but functioning in connection with, the broadcast station 2YA Wellington. The committee represented most of the musical and dramatic organisations in Wellington. He urged that the broadcasting service was a public utility for the general benefit of the community, and not for the radio trade. The committee was brought in touch with a considerable number of listeners, who appreciated to the fullest degree the present service. The failure of the extensive energetic campaign of the Radio Listeners’ League to enrol more than a small number of licensees was evidence that there was not widespread dissatisfaction with the existing service. It was the committee’s opinion that the Government should not embark in further business undertakings. The Minister remarked that the recent proposals by the Broadcasting Company would not give listeners any say in the control, as the chairman’s casting vote, might operate against them. A member of the deputation asked the Minister whether the company would ignore the rights and recommendations of the minority.

Mr Donald replied that that was how it appeared to him. He was impressed with the suggestion by a member of the deputation that legislation should be enacted to impose a penalty on anyone, through electrical leakages from power lines, machinery, or appliances, causing interference with broadcast listening. The Minister said he would embody the suggestion in the legislation. PROPOSED PETITION FROM DUNEDIN. Petition forms, bearing the following resolution, “ We, the undersigned, holders of radio receiving licenses, being that part of the public who, together with the radio traders, provide all the finance under the radio broadcasting scheme, having considered the proposals made by the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand for the future control of broadcasting, unanimously resolve to express oiir entire disapproval of the scheme suggested by the company, as published in the press on August 17, 1931, and to call upon the Government to reject the scheme in its entirety, and to oppose any scheme for future control of broadcasting which involves the inclusion of any element of private ownership, and to urge that the only satisfactory’ system of control would be an independent board of control set up by the Government similar to that of the British Broadcasting Corporation,” have, been prepared by Mr H. Booth, secretary’ of the New Zealand Radio Listeners’ League, and copies have been handed to all radio dealers in the city. An alternative form, for non-listeners, has also been prepared, and all those interested are requested to call at the nearest dealer’s shop and sign the petition, which will be forwarded to Wellington.