RADIO REVIEW

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 53, 28 June 1940, Page 54

RADIO REVIEW

Contributed by

N.Z. DX R.A. Inc.

Address all Communications, P.O. Box 437, DUNEDIN.

With The Branches Dunedin: The latest report indicates that Dunedin hopes to add another title to its record by annexing the shortwave championship for branch totals. .At present this branch is undisputed broadcast champion, having received reception confirmation from over 1,000 broadcast band stations. New Zealand's isolated geographical position makes this an unequalled DX feat. (N.Z.-" The DX’ers paradise!"-DX Ed.) North American Broadcast Agreement This note will acquaint many who at present know that a re-allocation of frequencies is now being completed, with more details of the plan. The agreement was adopted by representatives of U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Cuba and Haiti. A delay of two years was caused by the failure of the Mexican Congress to approve the agreement, due to unwillingness to disturb the operation of high-powered Mexican stations along the Rio Grande. The full story is interesting. These border stations, whose full history reads like a thriller, are expected to be eliminated because they are not included in the plan. Their continuance will depend on whether they are prepared to remain as medium power regional stations. Their present broadcasts, received well in New Zealand, are directed to the U.S.A. where they are regarded as obnoxious. Many years ago, it is recalled, two of the present owners of these stations were compelled to surrender their licences to operate U.S.A. stations. The value of these stations to Mexico was evidently doubted. The Mexican Association of Broadcasters disapproved of them and urged their elimination. It is said that the hope of extension of NBC, CBS and Mutual networks to include Mexico was also a factor in swaying the Mexican Congress. A Saturday and Sunday night programme is at present relayed to some Mexican stations from U.S.A. However, ratification by the Mexican Congress on December 28, 1939, enables the final reallocations to be made. The main objects of the agreement are: (1) Reduction of station interference in the 5 countries due to the present ungoverned system of zonal frequency allocation. (2) To permit local problems to be adjusted, e.g., channels regarded as "local" are admittedly overcrowded. In regard to the last problem the most relief will be afforded by the extension of the band from 1500 to 1600 kc/s. The main changes will be made among those stations at present operating between 740 and 1500 kc/s. But the fact that many stations not directly affected, together with approved newcomers, are requesting amended facilities, will cause what will be an almost complete re-alignment of all broadcast stations in U.S.A,