THE B.B.C. IDEA

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 86, 8 October 1931, Page 22

THE 8.8.C. IDEA

APPROPRIATE COMMENTS In a, recent number of the "jXinoteenth Century" appears a long and highly interesting article written by Sir J. C. "W. Keith, Director-General of t.ho British Broadcasting Company, on his return from a recent visit to the United States.: A few extracts are given here, as unexpectedly appropriate to the discussion of broadcast control in New Zealand. Referring to the establishment of the 8.8.C. (iv Januavy, 1927) he writes: "Doubts were expressed as to the wisdom of the change, chiefly on the basis that 'Governmentcontrol' or a vague political control in some form or other somehow implicit. Those are without foundation, but- even to-day one hears the corporation referred to as if it were literally a Government department." Then, referring to American ideas on the subiect, he says: "They (Americans) mostly seem to say quickly and impulsively, 'Whatever happens we can't have monopoly and we can't have Government control.' .In such terms many of them imagino that they dismiss the British system from any possible application to America. But there are two main misconceptions. One of these is obvious to those who understand .the .British system, which is certainly not under Government control.. The other is not so obvious; it is, in fact, a matter for discussion —namely, whether a monopoly, to use the invidious term, must necessarily be accompanied by the positive and negative disadvantages so often associated with it. One sets out, therefore, to persuade the scoptical American that . . . Government or public ownership in some form or another need not at the outset and in the framing of the constitution embraco Government or public management, or Government or public interference in management—quite to the contrary, for these must be obviated. But,he has great difficulty in accepting such a possibility. Even |if he can comprehend and accept the, idea as an intention, he is almost sure to reject'the possibility of its being carried out, 'for,' he says, 'what,will be the plan of management? Who 'will the men be? Who will appoint them? How will they keep clear of,' political pressure' and political interference? Won't they always haye one eye on those who can stop their reappoiiitinent and who in turn have their ey^cs on the constituents who elect them?' He is unable1 to visualise; a board of directors or governors, such as exists for broadcasting in this country, and certain others, doing what they were charged to do impartially, consistently, and regardless of, any.l, consideration other than the good- of the service."