SLUMP IN RADIO

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1926, Page 3

SLUMP IN RADIO

-rnm.AltlTY ON TIIK \Y.\NI-

SYDNEY. March 2A. Two things point clearly to a marked decline in the popularity ol broadcast receiving in New South M ales. One is the reduction in the number oi licenses Cor sets, compared with an increase in Victoria ; another and even stronger manifestation is the cancellation of no fewer than 3352 licenses for february, compared with only 599 in \ictoria. Even allowing for the lact that the I Lorians. as a people, are more homeloving than the people of New South Wales, the decline in the popularity of wireless in the latter State is viewed with disquiet by those interested in broadcasting. The position has been reflected also in a slump in the sale of wireless receiving apparatus dining the recent months in Sydney and throughout the State generally. It is contended by some.listeners-in tliat only trainoil experimenters can, under existing conditions, and with average sets, remain “ constant ” on any one station outside 2 Ft', one of the leading stations within the metropolitan area, for a whole evening without experiencing annoying interference. What tlie average person wants is a simple set that is moderately easy to tune, and that when tuned will “ stay fixed.” The belief is expressed that there will lie no big rush for the renewal of licenses as long us local programmes, aboilf' which there is not a great deal of complaint, cannot be enjoyed throughout an evening except by owners of “ selective ” sets, costing anything from £lO to £IOO. Tlie owners of the bumble crystal receiver anil the one-valve set teel that as they pay their license fees they are entitled to some consideration. Following the example of Victoria and South Australia, a movement is nowon foot to form an organisation among listeners-in, for the protection of their interests. While there are growls at the programmes nut on the air, the bulk of enthusiasts appear to be satisfied with them, if only they are permitted to receive the programmes without continual interference.