RACING BAN ON RADIO

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 425, 6 August 1928, Page 1

RACING BAN ON RADIO

No Broadcast During Events BELIEVED TO ENCOURAGE ILLEGAL BETTING HOLDING that the broadcasting of the results and descriptions during the progress of races encourages illegal gambling, the Racing Conference is determined to maintain the ban. The Broadcasting Company has replied in o\it spoken terms, describing the conference’s statement as “hypocritical nonsense.”

Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. Replying to the Radio Broadcasting Company, the secretary of the Racing Conference says: “The attitude which your company proposes to take in connection with tbe broadcasting of descriptions of racing and trotting meetings is to be regretted, not only because your proposed action to broadcast such information is contrary to the wishes of the Racing and Trotting Conferences, but for the reasons: “(1) That is creates and maintains attention to happenings at race meetings during the progress tl ereof by many persons not present, which results in disadvantage to the business community. “(2) That it promotes and facilitates illegal betting. “The fact that your company is not alone responsible for certain abuses is, I think, generally recognised, but nevertheless, it is common knowledge that the broadcasting of results, etc., during the progress of a race meeting stimulates an interest away” from the racecourse on race days, and results in an increase of illegal betting. “I fail to realise that it would be ridiculous for you to broadcast the

result of race meeting in the evening session for the simple reason that there must be more listeners during the evening than in the afternoon. In addition to this your scope is much greater than that of a newspaper, and you could give full details long before the morning papers, and fuller details than the bare results at present given in the late news itegns in the evening papers. May I also” point out to you that you must not lose sight of the fact that various newspapers give a lot of space to racing and trotting matters and are entitled to some consideration for the service not given by your company. The Conferences have recommended all clubs to accord your responsible representatives free admission to racecourses and use of the press stand and room at meetings. For the reasons already enumerated we desire your company nc*t to broadcast descriptions of meetings until after the last race. “In view of the fact that your company has refused to pay clubs any monetary consideration for the privilege of broadcasting the costly entertainment provided by them, you surely do not consider the facilities to be accorded your representatives most extraordinary.” “HYPOCRITICAL NONSENSE” CORRECTORS OF MORALS COMPANY’S STRAIGHT TALK Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. In reply to a statement by the Racing Conference, the Radio Broadcasting Company says: “We have all alow a ' failed to follow the arguments of the racing authorities. Their attitude in regard to the spread of illegal gambling is sheer hypocritical nonsense. Broadcasting of race results does not affect adversely totalisator investments — rather does it increase them. Owing to the publicity given, additional interest is thereby aroused in races, and there is a correspondingly increased attendance. Though it is safe to say that racing authorities are more concerned about the possible harmful effect of broadcasting from the point of view of their share of totalisator investments, they have chosen to pose as correctors of public morals in regard to betting. The public will appreciate at their real worth these protestations and feigned feelings. The Broadcasting Company has no need to make any such professions.”