Radio interference

Press, 10 April 1979, Page 12

Radio interference

Sir, — The castigation of Radio Rhema by the chairman of the Waimairi County Council, reported in “The Press” on Friday, is both unwarranted and unjust. Objections on technical grounds to the introduction of broadcasting stations within the urban area were made to the Waimairi County Council’s town planning committee, e.g. in my letter of July 27, 1977. but were disregarded by it. Similar objections were also made to the Broadcasting Tribunal which heard the application for a broadcasting licence in December 1977. This body too, rejected technical advice. With the approval of these two authorities Radio Rhema has quite properly proceeded to its legal entitlement. Given this, the present fiasco lies squarely on the New Zealand Post Office for not having done its homework on the new frequency allocations made in Geneva by the International Telecommunications Union. — Yours, etc., T. J. SEED. April 7, 1979. Sir, — Mr Berry’s appologia (April 5), whose cost estimates I challenge, serves to confirm that despite the idealism which it professes, Rhema’s operations are governed by expediency and financial considerations. Concerning Cr Rich’s censoring Rhema for continued interference: if the Waimairi Council had acted responsibly towards its ratepayers, and neighbours in the adjacent city, it would have heeded protests and refused permission for the establishment of both Avon and Rhema in an urban area, which permits the nuisance to which the planning committee belatedly objects. Waimairi’s chairman might also note that it has not been shown that Rhema is being operated outside the terms of its licence. The objectionable whistle does not come from Rhema’s transmitter, but is generated in receivers tuned to 3YA. because they then pick up 3XG’s signal simultaneously, a situation caused by changing 3YA’s frequency last November. — Yours, etc., P. A. G. HOWELL. April 7, 1979. Sir, — The Chairman of the Waimairi County Council, Mr Rich, is criticising Radio Rhema for coming in on 3YA’s frequency, overlooks his council’s contribution to the mess. Both Rhema and Avon — which

may also be heard other than on its slotted frequency within two or three kilometres of its transmission mast—were given planning permission by the Waimairi council for their mast sites. Rumour is that Radio New Zealand wants to move its Christchurch masts to the same area. Waimairi and other councils should see that all future masts are sited so as not to spoil the reception of other local stations. In addition, Waimairi should lend its weight towards getting existing stations to cope with this requirement, which the station managements, being in favour of fair competition (in one case) and Christian loving kindness (in the other) must surely find unexceptionable. — Yours, etc., ROBIN MITCHELL. April 8, 1979.