RADIO ANNOUNCERS HARD TO FIND

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5320, 5 February 1947, Page 7

RADIO ANNOUNCERS HARD TO FIND

Most of the "voices" found by the Australian Broadcasting Commission, in its search for 25 announcers, have been without expression and completely -unsuitable. Instead of "well educated, strong, clear AusUalian voices without affectation," the voices heard have been "harsh and nasal, with slurred, slovenly speech and unnatural accents," or "dull, dreary and tired." Officials of the commission, who . disclosed this, said that of applicants already auditioned, only 21 had passed preliminary tests, states the Mel--bourne. Applications to fill vacancies in all' capital cities, and Darwin and Port Moresby, had come from 3200 people, 25 per cent. of whom were women. They had come from ,all parts of the Commonwealth and had included commercial travellers, teachers, clerks, 'university graudates, typists, shop assistants, bus drivers, loan organisers, copy writers, Royal Navy men^ labourers, building contractors, engineers, seamen and a male nurse. Successful candidates in the intermediate auditions in all States were to face final tests before a Commonwealth auditions committee. The committee, which does not see candidates but hears them through a. special audition channel in another building, has been very disappointed with the voices so far.