F.—3.

1942. NEW ZEALAND.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING SERVICES (FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31st MARCH 1942).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to the Provisions of the Broadcasting Act, 1936.

REPORT. This report is furnished in two sections, the first dealing with the National Broadcasting Service and the second with the National Commercial Broadcasting Service. SECTION I.—NATIONAL BROADCASTING SERVICE. I have the honour to submit the following report on the operations of the National Broadcasting Service for the period Ist April, 1941, to 31st March, 1942. Receiving Licenses. —During the year 371,259 receiving licenses were issued, an increase in the year of 15,779. In the past eleven years there has been a sixfold increase of receiving licenses. At 31st December, 1930, the number of licenses was 60,162. By 31st December, 1936, in which year the Government assumed direct control of the Service, licenses had risen to 231,364. Hours of Transmission. —The total transmission time of stations was 52,256 hours. Only 28 hours were lost owing to technical faults and power-failures. Programmes. —The National Broadcasting Service was at 31st March, 1942, supplying programmes to sixteen stations. Technical details are as shown on page 2of last year's report. Two privately-owned stations are subsidized by the Government. Broadcasting and the War. —The extension of the war to the Pacific added further to the responsibilities of the National Broadcasting Service. Broadcasting has been used more than ever by the Government and other authorities in accelerating the war effort. The mobilization of man-power and resources, the enlightenment of the public on wartime responsibilities, national savings and war loan campaigns, and appeals for patriotic funds provided opportunities to serve the Nation's cause. The Service provided broadcasts of war news and commentaries and kept in close contact with our Forces overseas by talks and personal messages from members of these Forces. A considerable proportion of time was needed for wartime activities ; nevertheless, normal cultural entertainment and other activities have been satisfactorily maintained to provide diversion and information and thus help to maintain public morale. News and Commentaries. —By courtesy of the British Broadcasting Corporation news broadcasts from London have been rebroadcast seven times a day, together with commentaries and war talks. At 9 o'clock each evening the main stations have continued the N.B.S. Newsreel, and at 7 o'clock local news by courtesy of the daily newspapers, as well as sports results, market reports, &c. Talks. —Overseas and local speakers were broadcast every day, dealing with the war, including many speakers of international importance. His Majesty the King broadcast on Christmas Day and on the National Day of Prayer, while Her Majesty the Queen was heard broadcasting to the women of America. Broadcasts by the Right Honourable Winston Churchill included his Atlantic meeting with President Eoosevelt and his speech to the Congress at Washington. President Roosevelt's broadcasts included his speeches to Congress proclaiming a state of war with Japan, and outlining his gigantic armament programme.