BROADCASTING

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1931, Page 3

BROADCASTING

GOVERNMENT’S DECISION. ‘ INDEPENDENT BOARD OF CONTROL WELLINGTON, August 29. “Government has decided that the New Zealand Broadcasting Service will, at (the lexpiration of the Company's lease be placed under the control of an indepehdent board,” according to a ' statement issued from the Postmaster General’s office to-day. As the agreement with the Company expires at the end of December, it was necessary to decide what system of control'would best meet the needs of the ' Dominion in the future. Cabinet appointed a Committee consisting of Hons. Donald, Atniore, Stallworthy and Murdoch, to go into the question and this Committee considered the methods in vogue in Other countries, and heard' evidence from the Directors of the present leasee Company. It was unanimously decided that the British Broadcasting Corporation was a model which could most readily be adapted to the needs-, of the Dominion, offering as i-t did, all. the advantages of non-political, direction, -; with none of the disadvantages attachihg to a private monopoly of a public utility. Cabinet had confirmed the decision of the Committee and a ’Bill to give effect to it was now ready for presentation to Parliament.

The proposed Board will be vested with the ownership <>f all stations and equipment, and with entire control of the technical and studio staffs.

The Post and Telegraph Department as at present will collect the license fees, and allot wave lengths etc. The intention is that the Board shall consist of a Chairman and four others, all appointed by the Government.