COMMERCIAL RADIO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 8

COMMERCIAL RADIO

CENSORSHIP CRITICISED AUCKLAND DISCUSSION UNSUITABLE MATTER FOR CHILDREN L Ter Tress Association.] AUCKLAND, Oct. 14. Criticism of programmes sponsored by business interests and broadcast by commercial radio stations was voiced at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The unsuitability of certain features for children and the lack of censorship were also deplored. No official protest was made, it being decided to leave the subject to authorities more vitally concerned in the matter. “It has been noticeable in recent months, especially during children’s sessions, that blood-curdling stories, not fit for any child on the point o* retiring, have been broadcast,” said Mr Gainor Jackson. “Such stories must frequently result in nightmares, and they should be stopped. Generally there is not sufficient censorship of programmes, and some corrective influence should be exercised on the firms responsible for sponsoring such items.” Mr A. Ely said that he was strongly opposed to any protest going forward from the chamber, which h*. maintained was not a suitable body to enter into such a controversy. “Thy views expressed, however, should he forwarded to the educational authorities, the Council of Christian Churches, or some other more suitable organisation,” added Mr Ely.

“If it is a matter of nightmares, do we not get Parliamentary speeches from the national radio stations?” asked Mr G. J. Browne. The chairman (Mr W. R. Fee) also held that there were other interests better able to tackle the question than the chamber. “We do not want to get a reputation for coming into everything, although at the same time, we must remain a live organisation,” said Mr Fee. The discussion then lapsed.