DOMINION BROADCASTING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19031, 3 June 1936, Page 15

DOMINION BROADCASTING

LEGISLATION EXPECTED NEW BILL NEXT WEEK POLICY OP Till': CABINET (Parliamentary Reporter. ) WELLINGTON, this day. [1 is probable that one of the last, major measures to be dealt with by Parliament before it adjourns .will be that of broadcasting. The Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, stated to-day that it was anticipated'that the Broadcasting Amendment, Bill would be introduced into Parliament early next week. It was hoped to secure the passage of the bill before Parliament adjourned.

Mr. .Tones said that he was not yel in a, position to state what form the bill would take. The broadcasting policy had been discussed by (lie Cabinet on several occasions, and although finality had not yet been reached on all points, n. general policy had been laid down, and [his policy would be translated into the amending' bill shortly. The actual measure had not yel been drafted, but be anticipated it would be possible lo introduce Ihe bill early nexl week. The Minister staled that, in anticipation of. Hie legislation, the Government. had already received applications for 61 11 station iicens*es in addition lo the 20 that were already operating in various parts of New'Zealand. There were several parts of the Dominion which were out at present adequately covered, and that aspect was being considered. Mr. Jones remarked that there, was, a limit, so far as space on the aiV was concerned.

The Minister would give no indication as to whether the Government's policy would lie lo grant advertising rights lo P, stations, or to grant subsidies, it is gathered, however, that, a number of prospective B class stations are likely to iie disappointed as the result of the Government's policy.