COMMERCIAL RADIO

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19456, 15 October 1937, Page 11

COMMERCIAL RADIO

SPONSORED PROGRAMMES CRITICISM IN AUCKLAND (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. Criticism of the programmes sponsored by business interests and broadcast by the commercial radio stations was voiced at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The unsuitability of certain features for children and lack of censorship also were deplored. No official protest was made, if being decided to leave the subject to the authorities more vitally concerned in the matter. I “It has been noticeable in recent months, especially during the children’s sessions, that blood-curdling stories, not fit for any child on the, point of retiring, have been broadcast.” said Mr. Gainor Jackson. “Such stories must frequently result in nightmares, and they should be stopped. “Generally there is not sufficient censorship of programmes, and some corrective influence should be exercised on the firms responsible for sponsoring such items.” Mr. A. Ely said he was strongly opposed to any protest going forward from the chamber which, he maintained, was not a suitable body to enter into such a controversy. “The views expressed, however, should be forwarded to the educational authorities, the Council oi Christian Churches, or some other more suitable organisation,” added Mr. Elv. “If it is a matter of nightmares, do we not get Parliamentary speeches from the national radio stations?” asked Mr. G. J. Browne, the chairman. Mr. W. R. Fee also held that there were other interests better able to tackle the question than the chamber. -We do not want to get a reputation for coming into everything, although, at the same time, we must remain a live organisation," said Mr. Fee. The discussion then lapsed.