Worth the Whole Candelabra

New Zealand Listener, Volume 22, Issue 557, 24 February 1950, Page 10

Worth the Whole Candelabra

resent the time allotted on the radio to racing, and perhaps also to football, at the expense of other sports. I am one of them. But he would be a sourpuss, indeed, who could find fault with the radio coverage of the Empire Games. This was, I should say, the most exacting piece of radio journalism ever under- | taken by the NZBS-a major test of its resources and efficiency-and I, for one, believe that it was not found wanting. Clearly the Empire Games merited thorough, intelligent and human treatment, to bring the events alive to the hundreds of thousands wha could not attend; and they received just that. This successful effort of the NZBS to fulfil its function as an instrument of public service must have compensated many listeners for the odd grudges they nourish against the Service. All concerned deserve a large bouquet without a brickbat anywhere concealed. From the impressive opening ceremony to the final presentation of the flags, the radio was on the job, with running commentaries, interviews, summaries and results. Through it we shared the heat of the day, we fancied ourselves jammed in the crowd, shouting at the finals, roaring when New Zealand got -a place, cheering such a popular win as that of the Fijians, and even enjoying the downpour of the last two days, The whole series of broadcasts was a remarkable piece of team-work. Behind the voices of the commentators, one was aware of a huge network of organisation, of the careful harmony of technicians and officials which brought the Games to us hot on the plate. It was striking with what ease, too, the announcers gave their impromptu impressions. Even when there was nothing in particular ~brewing, their descriptions of settings and people helped the listener to get the authentic Games atmosphere. Although I was particularly impressed by the swimming commentators, it is really impgssible to single out individual speakers for praise; all seemed to be giving of their best during the hectic. week, conscious of the importance of. the occasion, and keyed to a pitch of enthusiasm which was infectious. Even a well-known sports announcer whom I normally find unintelligible in moments of excitement became understandable and fitted in neatly with his’ calmer associate at the athletics. ‘ A pleasant postscript was A. R. D. Fairburn’s Sunday morning "layman’s review" of the week, which recaptured much of its spirit and which ended appropriately with an unsolicited tribute to the broadcasting authorities. Our radio will seem, quieter for a week or two (un‘less we inadvertently tune in to a Stan Kenton recording), but something vital will have gone from it. The Games were a grand occasion, and, so far as I am concerned, radio grasped its opportunity firmly with both hands. "T are some people who |