Tantalus and 3YA

New Zealand Listener, Volume 15, Issue 386, 15 November 1946, Page 14

Tantalus and 3YA

TATION 3YA has adopted a theme or signature tune, one which is played regularly to fill up the momentary gaps between the eng of one programme and the beginning of another. This practice holds definite possibilities in the directon of giving the station a measure of individuality, it being at present a legitimate criticism of the YA stations that one is not markedly unlike its neighbour. But if this is to be maintained and developed I would urge that it be done thoroughly. Let the tune be put over consistently and definitely so that we come to associate it with the particular station-so that (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) it becomes integrally part of the station’s character. Let us hear the tune and expect the words, "This is Station so-and-so. We are now" about to present a programme which shall be itself individual. What we have at present is a rather unhappy compromise, whereby there is never time for more than about one-third of the record to be played, and its use as a theme debars us from ever hearing it played for its own sake. When I add that the record is of Vaughan Williams’ arrangement of "Greensleeves," the position will be seen in all its exasperating incompleteness. We hear the opening statement of the original folk tune and perhaps the sharp resounding note that ushers in the middle section; but then breaks in the chirrup of tirfe signals or the solemn thunder of fat stock prices or the whereabouts of the following missing motor-car.