RADIO CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 197, 20 August 1931, Page 16

RADIO CONFERENCE.

Wants to Know Policy of Government. CONTROL DISCUSSED. To obtain an expression of opinion as to the proper method of controlling radio broadcasting in the future, a conference of representatives of public bodies, arranged by the Radio Listeners’ League, was held last evening. Most of those present expressed the opinion that they had not sufficient information to warrant them coming to a decision at once. The only resolutions passed urged that, before a new contract was arranged, the Government should make its policy known so that representations could be made by interested parties; that no contract should be entered into for a longer period than three years; and that the claims of B class stations should receive consideration. Mr J. E. Strachan presided, there being also present Mrs T. Green (Radio Listeners’ League), the Rev M. A. Rugby Pratt (Christchurch Ministers’ Association), Messrs J. Anderson, jun. (Chamber of Commerce), W. P. Glue (Canterbury Progress League), C. Bennett (Radio Traders’ Association), J. D. Hall (Farmers’ Union), A. Burke (Employers’ Association), F. M. Robson (Trades and Labour Council) and A. R. Allardyce (Listeners’ League). Mr Allardyce said that the cost of the radio broadcasting service to the Government of New Zealand was £7OOO a year. This was on account of the amount which had to be paid annually for patent rights. He pointed out that the Radio Broadcasting Company’s proposed new company was to have control of the service forever, for no period was stipulated in the proposed contract. The Listeners’ League. “ We’re not here to-night to discuss the Listeners’ League,” said Mr Allardyce in reply to a question from Mr Glue as to the membership of the league. He said that the league had a membership in Christchurch of eighty, but in Dunedin its membership was 3000. The question of the number of members in the league did not matter. Mr Glue suggested that if a federation of listeners was organised it would have more influence with the Government than any other organisation. Mr Allardyce said that the only expressions of opinion which had been already made came from the Radio Traders’ Association, who had asked for a form of control similar to the British Broadcasting Corporation, and from the Associated Chambers of Commerce. The Listeners’ Leagues urged that the service be controlled by a board. Mr Glue said that credit had to be given to the Broadcasting Company for putting its cards on the table. Mr Pratt said that most of those present had attended without a mandate from those they represented. They had to recognise that the company had done important pioneering work. In his own judgment the meeting had not sufficient information before it to enable it to give a considered opinion, except to urge the Government not to enter into a contract for a longer period than three years. He moved that the meeting express its opinion on those lines. Government in Business. Mr Burke said that the Employers’ Association felt that its members had suffered through the extension of Government business activities. He felt that the Dominion could do without Government ownership of the broadcasting system. Mr Hall, in seconding Mr Pratt’s motion, suggested that, as the arranging of a new contract had been delayed so long, it could easily be held over longer to enable full consideration to be given to the problem. Mr Bennett said that the last deputation from the Radio Traders’ Association to the Postmaster-General had not been unanimous and a further deputation was to wait on him next week. He understood that the present companv would get an extension of its license. Any action would have to be taken at once. Mr Allardyce: They don’t want to get an extension, according to this statement of theirs. Mr Bennett: I doubt it. Mr Robson said that it would be almost a calamity if the broadcasting service was not placed under the direct control of the Government. A company would place profits before service and any profits would be made at the expense of service. He thought that B class stations should be permitted to continue. Mr Pratt’s motion was carried. Inadequate Data. On the motion of Mr Allardyce, seconded by Mr Robson, it was decided that, in view of the absence of adequate data, the meeting was not able to express any definite opinion regarding any proposal in connection with broadcasting so far submitted, but urged the Government to announce its policy at an early date so that those most interested in the matter should have full opportunity to express their views before matters were finalised. Mr Robson moved and Mr Bennett seconded that, in view of the proved utility of the B class stations, due consideration be given to their rights and possibilities. The motion was carried. A motion thanking Mr Strachan for his address was carried unanimously.