BROADCASTING BILL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20442, 12 June 1936, Page 11

BROADCASTING BILL

BRIEF DEBATE IN COUNCIL APPROVAL GIVEN By Telegraph-Press Association WELLINGTON. June 11 In the Legislative Council this morning the Hon. M. Fagan moved the second reading of the Broadcasting Bill. He said that although the Broadcasting Board would be abolished the same people who had carried on the work in the past would continue to carry out the work in the future. The Government already advertised in newspapers and on hoardings, and there was no reason why it should not advertise over the air. Dealing with the use of the radio as a Government service, Mr Fagan said if the necessity arose the Government unhesitatingly would use the air. However, for every minute used by Government speakers, a similar amount of time would be available for opponents of the Government to put their case over the air. He would not say that the press of New Zealand had been unfair. The Government had had all the space it should have had and had been treated fairly. The Hon. R. Masters said he was not so much concerned with the possible use of the radio by the Government, nor political propaganda, as with the effect of its policy on listeners. He was»not going to say that the powers taken under the Bill would be used in a dictatorial manner, nor would he prejudge the Government on that point. The Broadcasting Board had given very efficient service, and developed the main stations out of revenue solely from license fees. He condemned the proposal to advertise over the air. He thought those countries which had advertising would turn it down flat if they had the opportunity. Other members generally supported the measure. The Hon. M. Connelly said the press had a stranglehold on the minds of the people and the newspapers had had a pretty good time for many years. For that reason the Bill would be for the benefit of the public. The Hon. E. R. Davis urged that dividends should be allowed to be put over the air. The Hon. T. Bloodworth expressed the opinion that the radio would never supplant newspapers. He said the circulation of newspapers had increased during the rise of the radio to popularity. The Bill was put through all its stages and passed. . The Molyneux Gold Dredging Company Bill and the Napier Harbour Board and Napier Borough Enabling Bill were passed. The Napier Bill was passed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. PROTECTION OF B STATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 10. The protection to be afforded B stations, and the possibility of the appointment of a Minister of Broadcasting were discussed to-night. The Prime Minister, Mr M. J. Savage, in an intei-view, said that the question of copyright fees for items broadcast by B stations, had received considerable attention recently. He said that when the Broadcasting Bill became law all B stations would be subsidised by the Government, which, in consequence, would have some say regarding payment to outside interests, in the matter of the payment of fees to the Performing Rights’ Association and firms holding patents. He understood that the Government had undertaken responsibility for those stations which received subsidies in the past. Outside interests now making claims in regard to broadcasting rights would have to deal direct with the Government. The matter had not been fully investigated as yet, but would doubtless be the subject of negotiations in the near future. It could be taken as definite that private B stations would be placed ‘on a position of equality with those which already received subsidies. The Bill makes provision, if necessary, for the appointment of a special Minister of Broadcasting. Mr Savage said so far this question had not been fully discussed by the Cabinet, and as yet it was impossible to say whether a new Minister will be appointed, or whether an existing member of the Cabinet will be charged with responsibility of administering broadcasting matters. Until a decision is made the Postmaster-General will be in charge of broadcasting.