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PROGRAMMES Allocation of Programme Time The following analysis of programmes for the week ending 28th February, 1947, was prepared in order to illustrate on a percentage basis the amount of time allocated to various types of programmes : p er Cent Serious music .. .. .. .. .. 22 • 5 Light music .. .. .. .. .. .. 43 • 1 Modern dance music .. .. .. .. .. 10-3 Plays, sketches, and dramatic serials .. .. .. 6-2 Sporting commentaries .. .. .. .. . . 3-1 Talks : general, educative .. .. .. .. 2-6 News and commentaries .. .. .. .. .. 8-0 Church and devotional .. .. • .. .. .. 2*l Children's sessions .. .. .. .. .. 2*l This analysis might differ from that of other weeks, but not to any appreciable •extent, and it may be regarded as an average for the year. Serious Music An increased interest has been shown in serious music during the past few years, .and with the return to peace conditions there has been a general development of musical .activities. The return of musicians and staff to civilian life has been reflected in the high standard of musical broadcasts attained. It has been possible, too, to overcome to some extent wartime shortages in the music and record libraries of the Service, thus -easing the difficulties of programme presentation. As will be seen from the analysis referred to in the previous section, a considerable proportion of programme time was devoted to serious music. Selections from the work of the world's greatest composers and artists were presented, and listeners were provided with a wide and varied choice of programmes, both recorded and " live." An added stimulus to the serious music programmes has been given by the establishment of the National Orchestra and the engagement of overseas celebrity artists, developments which are referred to at greater length later in this report. There were seventy broadcasts of complete recorded operas. Broadcast for the first time in New Zealand, was Bach's " Art of Fugue," comprising three programmes of recordings. An interesting .series presented by local artists was that of " Modern Song Cycles " from Station 2YA. Broadcasts of French music composed during and after the occupation period were featured from all National stations. These programmes were compiled from recordings loaned by the French Press and Information Service. . Special programmes included several received from the British Broadcasting Corporation, comprising works recorded by the 8.8.C. Symphony Orchestra and the New London String Ensemble. Though fewer shipments of disks were received from the United States Information Service this year, good use was made of those available. An interesting series received i'rom this source was entitled " Concert Artists You May Not Have Heard " and introduced artists not previously heard in this country. Other programmes were a further series of " Contemporary Composers," and recordings of great American Symphony Orchestras and the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir. Light Music, Variety, and Bands The high percentage of programme time allocated to light music continues to be justified by listener demand. Light operas and musical comedies maintained their popularity, and many selections were included in programmes. By arrangement with the copyright-holders, Gilbert and Sullivan operas were again broadcast.

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