SEATS FOR LISTENERS

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1935, Page 7

SEATS FOR LISTENERS

RADIO CONTROL BOARD AMENDMENTS ANTICIPATED. APPOINTMENTS BY MINISTER. FEW OTHER CHANGES EXPECTED. (By Wire— Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. A. Hamilton promised the House last week that he would consider reasonable amendments to the Broadcasting Amendment Bill before the committee stages were taken. After he had heard representations from different interests the Minister has considered various amendments and it is expected that the principal concession will relate to the personnel of the new board. It is understood provision will be made for two listeners’ representatives to be appointed to the board of seven, but it is certain they will be selected and not elected, the view held being that a postal ballot of listeners would be impracticable. Suitable appointments will be made by the Minister, probably on the recommendation of listeners’ organisations.

There is a possibility that- the clause relative to advertising will be redrafted to ensure that all forms of advertising over the air are prohibited. Although representations have been made for the exclusion of B stations from the control of the board, and these services have many friends in Parliament, it is gathered that the present proposals in the Bill covering them will not be altered.