Religious Telecasts In City To Be Discussed

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 17

Religious Telecasts In City To Be Discussed

Religious programmes on Christchurch’s Channel 3 will be discussed by local church leaders, broadcasting authorities, and the Rev. G. Dallard, who arrived here from Wellington yesterday. Mr Dallard is director of radio and television for the. Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and co-director and secretary of the National Council of Churches commission of television. The other co-director Is the Rev. ‘Canon Austin Charles, of Auckland. Religious programmes in Christchurch would probably be similar to Auckland programmes, Mr Dallard said There, since Christmas Day. religious programmes had been presented on Sundays and special religious occasions. The programmes were usuallv live 10-minute epilogues or children’s programmes from the studio, or films of varying lengths. “Unlike sound broadcasting, churches are working together through the commission to produce programmes dealing with the mainstream of Christian understanding.” Mr Dallard said. But in the case of the Roman Catholic Church, a

proportion of the time was allotted. This was now about one Sunday in six. The commission was responsible for the selection, preparation, and presenting of all programmes. Mr Dallard said. The person conducting the programme usually prepared his own script. It was then checked by himself or Canon Charles and broadcasting authorities. It was likely, as television grew, there would be some religious programmes, transmitted during week days. Mr Dallard said. He said it was also hoped to produce studio services in the future. These would be like church services, with perhaps a minister and choir taking part.