LISTENERS COMPLAIN ABOUT PROGRAMMES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18189, 23 June 1927, Page 10

LISTENERS COMPLAIN ABOUT PROGRAMMES.

SYSTEM OF CONTROL NOT SATISFACTORY, AUCKLAND DECLARES. (Special to the “ Star.”) AUCKLAND, June 22. The quality of the programme broadcasted from IYA station at Auckland and the method of arranging for artists who give them was touched on by Mr Trevor Stringer, secretary of the Listeners’ League at last night’s public meeting in Scots Hall. “Now I come from Christchurch myself,” he said, “but still I do not think that the present method of selecting all radio talent and arranging the programmes from that city; which is the head office of the Radio Broadcasting Company, is satisfactory. The average fee is 10s 6d for three items. That, by the way, accounts for why we hear so many bracketed items. Of course some artists should not get paid at all.” (Cries of hear, hear, and loud laughter.) Mr Stringer then referred to an incident which occurred at IYA station one recent Sunday evening. “The plant broke down,” he said, “and Mr Prentice immediately summoned two mechanics to remedy the defect and put the broadcasting set in order so that at least we could hear the Municipal Bands concert, but just as the mechanics were ready to commence their task, which would not have occupied more than ten or fifteen minutes, a message arrived to say that they were not to touch the plant as Christchurch had not given any instructions.” Cries of: “Shame ! ” “IYA remained silent that night.” said Mr Stringer, “and the plant was not. repaired until the Monday morning, and then Christchurch did not even give the job to the two mechanics who left their warm fireside on Sunday night, so that you people would be able to listen in to the programme.”