OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

Putaruru Press, Volume XV, Issue 760, 20 January 1938, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

N.Z. ON THE AIR In a statement on broadcasting policy the Prime Minister set out again the reasons which, in his opinion, make it desirable for New Zealanl to establish a powerful shortwave station for broadcasting to other countries. The reasons he gives are sound but hardly adequate. There is no serious misrepresentation of the New Zealand Government’s policy or of economic and social conditions in New Zealand by foreign newspapers or broadcasting services, so that there is no call for broadcasts designed to counteract harmful propaganda. Nor, it must be admitted, has New Zealand anything of great cultural or socialogical importance to communicate to the rest of the world. Mr Savage also mentions the publicity value of a short-wave transmitter, though whether he has in mind direct or indirect publicity is not clear. It is at least questionable whether it would be wise to broadcast eulogies of Rotorua or New Zealand butter. The erection of a | short-wave transmitter may be desirable, but it cannot be regarded as an urgent need. If the broadcasting authorities have money to spare, they should use it to improve the local service which, in spite of rapid advances during the last year or so, is still far below the standard which is attainable. In Christchurch, for instance, musical and dramatic work is still seriously hampered by inadequate I and defective studio accommodation I Moreover, it is generally true that I rates of payment for performers, exI cept visiting performers, are considI erably below those which obtain in I other countries. Since New Zealand I broadcasting was brought under pubI lie control, expenditure on plant has I been lavish and expenditure on proI grammes niggardly. Unfortunately, I the existence of two competing Statfj I broadcasting systems may make this I evil difficult to remedy. It may also I be suggested that, if there is a large I surplus in the broadcasting- account I the broadcasting authorities should I remember that there are still many I people who do not own wireless sets I and that therefore a further reducI tion in licence fees might substanI tially increase the number of listenI ers. In this connection it may reaI sonably be suggested that listeners I cannot equitably .be asked to pay for I the erection of a short-wave transI mitter from which they will derive Ino real benefit. The project for a I short-wave transmitter is a project I for the benefit of the country as a I whole and should be paid for out of I general taxation.—Press.