BROADCASTING AND DEMOCRACY

New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 526, 22 July 1949, Page 5

BROADCASTING AND DEMOCRACY

eil;-rias "Urade a new meaning known only to Sir Thomas Hunter? The Oxford Dictionary defines a tirade as "a piece of veherment denunciation or rant," a definition which cannot be applied to Dr. Gascoigne’s talk. This is the type of emotive inaccuracy which, in part, makes limits on the freedom to broadcast necessary. The expression of all shades of opinion is, I suggest, inherently dangerous since it allows persons to express opinions without being compelled to give reasons for such opinions. Any radio speaker who is allowed to speak could say anything, and power of influence, of expression and construction could avail more than reason,» Hitler was irrational, but his manner convinced. Persons who set out to propose complete freedom of the air should be sure that they, at least, are precise. Moreover it is surely discourteous to dismiss such an important talk as part of an argument on some other topic, to label it as a tirade and advance not one, good argument against the talk or in support of its dismissal as a tirade. Allow freedom of the air by all means, but prevent those from using it who are not willing to support opinions with arguments and facts. If Dr. Gascoigne failed in that, then Sir Thomas Hunter could easily have caid ca

IPSO FACTO

(Wellington).

Sir.-Your correspondent T. A. Hunter does not, I think, appreciate that a democratic instrument is properly one for the tolerant, "Dr. Gascoigne," he says, "delivered a tirade against the secular. solution in education." This talk was a criticism of the value of secular education, Your correspondent did not agree with it, so it becomes a "tirade." Is this near-vituperation really necessary? It is natural for us all to value our own opinions, but I do not see the necessity to deride those who question them, Apparently there is still resentment because the neo-pagan, pseudo-scientific series How Things Began was suspended. To have broadcast this one-sided (one might say, bigoted) series of lessons without presenting alternative theories would have been the undemocratic thing. As there was no provision for such criticism during the course of the lesson, and in view of the widespread opposition, the department ‘quite properly suspended the series. It would appear that your correspondent is resentful because of the non-infliction of one of his pet theories upon the children of New

Zealand.

D.

C.

(Feilding).

Sir,-I sincerely hope that our broadcasting aythorities will give urgent and earnest attention to the thoughtful letter from Sir Thomas Hunter. His arguments for a broad-minded and tolerant investigation of modern thought upon all that concerns ‘the progress of humanity are impressive and logical. Bishop Barnes and others are doing a most valuable work in replacing tradition by truth, as they see it; and many of us would welcome talks, discussions, or sermons on the air, in which their latest research could be made known.

ENQUIRER

(Whangarei).