Summer Programmes
SEVERAL weeks of thumbing through radio programmes without enthusiasm compelled me finally to examine myself to decide whether I was jaundiced or the programmes dull. I have concluded that if there is a mote in my own eye, the beam is in that of my brother, the programme organiser. Summer listening seems to be regarded as of minor importance; serious programmes, and by that I only mean programmes that are not totally a waste of time, tend to be kept for the winter months. Yet the lame and the halt and the parents of young children who probably make up the steady core of the listening public have their infirmities with them all the year round. At the moment, for their delight, a collection of aged serials has been arranged, a few "imperishable stories,’ and evening music which can rarely for an hour at a time be properly entitled a programme. With the reappearance of Book Shop and’*the most welcome, addition of the BBC World Theatre to our programmes, however, it looks as if the period of sumimer repose is coming to an end, and perhaps. at the time of the equinox we may look forward to good listening again. Talking of Books \ HAT constitutes a good book talk ; I have never been able to decide. Careful analysis of plot and style in the manner of a literary review can waft the listener on waves of boredom into a private dream; too many books can be confusing; too few, dull. Among the most successful book talks are those of Gwen Sutherland, who broadcasts "A Farm Wife’s Reading" from 4YA once a month in Countrywoman’s Magazine, and the reason for her success is probably the enthusiasm she brings to ‘her reading and to her talking about it. Her tastes are catholic; and one may be sure, whatever one’s own interests, that
at some point Gwen Sutherland will touch them. I suppose most book talks are given by enthusiastic and confirmed readers. It is only after listening to Gwen Sutherland that I realise how few of them sound as if they are.
Loquax
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 763, 5 March 1954, Page 11
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353Summer Programmes New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 763, 5 March 1954, Page 11
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
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