USE OF RADIO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 217, 13 August 1937, Page 8

USE OF RADIO

MORE PARLIAMENTARY BROADCASTS.

MR SAVAGE’S STATEMENT.

Per Press Association

AVELLINGTON, Aug. 12

Greater use of tho radio service in broadcasting the activities of Parliament as well as information of an administrative character is contemplated by tho Government in future. The opening of Parliament, the presentation of the Financial Statement and several of the more important debates in tho House of Representatives were broadcast last year. “Wo intend to make greater use of tho broadcasting service in broadcasting Parliament,” said the Prime Minister in an interview to-night. “We will certainly do more in the future than in the past. There was a gap last session because we had to deal with a lot of matters it would not bo easy to follow over the air. I have had a number of communications from people who express themselves as well satisfied with the broadcasts from Parliament and say they want more. There is such a thing as tho misuse of the broadcasting service, but wo are not going to do that. AVe arc going to use it to provide facts for the people not only of a legislative but also of an administrative character.

“We will tell the people what is happening from week to week. AA’e will, for instance, put over the air facts about the various State Departments and tell listeners what they are doing. If we supply evidence without comment we will have done out duty.

Mr Savago said no one could charge tho Government with unfairness over the arrangements made for speakers in debates broadcast from tho House of Representatives last session. “Whether two peoplo or ten people are speaking it is just as well to have the thing properly analysed,” added the Prime Minister. “The, thing that counts is not tho strength of parties but the strength of argument. Av e have no intention to take advantage of the Opposition. People are entitled to information from time to. time wjth out propaganda. AA’e don’t want propaganda. That is not the thing that counts. The thing that counts is the unadulterated truth. Let the people know the facts and leave them to form their own judgment.”