THE PROBLEM OF FADING

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 6, 26 August 1927, Page 4

THE PROBLEM OF FADING

In another column we outline an investigation into the problem of fading, in which we ask the co-operation of listeners. We think this will be of service to broadcasting. ‘The problem at present is a baffling one. The tendency of listeners is to attribute the fault to the station. A special article issued by the British Broadcasting Corporation, which we published several weeks back, stated that fading was not attributable to the station, but to the course taken by the waves after leaving the | station. It is also thought that the quality and nature of the land masses between the recipient and the station may have some effect, while the disturbance created by inexpert listeners may also be a factor. Whatever the causes be, however, we think an investigation along the lines we propose will be of value at least from a practical, if not from a scientific point of view. The returns made will be duly analysed, and a special map prepared showing the areas subject to fading, and so far as possible the intensity of it. As matters are now, some report fading and some report no fading. If it be found that the fault, generally speaking, is at the reception end, good will be done in directing the attention of listeners to the need for proper care and skill in reception. If, on the other hand, the uniformity of fading reports, indicate the cause to be in the station, a foundation will be laid for further investigation, which will be of value. THE OSCILLATING FIEND. Several items in this issue emphasise the duty of all listeners to their neighbours. A driver is not allowed on the public roads in charge of a motor vehicle without having demonstrated his capacity to at least not be a definite danger and nuisance to others. In wireless reception no standard of expertness is required, nor perhaps is desirable, before the issue of a license, but this does not remove the obligation of common decency on the part of owners of valve sets to avoid giving annoyance to. neighbouring listeners by inexpert swinging of the dials. There is recorded an instance where, in father’s absence, the children searched the ether for harmony-and created the most shrieking discords in neighbouring houses. Further, the testimony of a very expert listener and radio enthusiast is available from Auckland to the effect that never yet has he been able to enjoy 2YA because of the shrieking and howling of others. This suggests that there is need for a definite campaign for increased efficiency on the part of listeners. The results of greater allround individual efficiency would not only be greater pleasure to the person concerned, but to the neighbours as well. The lectures that are being given over the air from the various stations on radio features are all to the good, and may be expected to gradually achieve their object of raising the standard of reception skill throughout the community. POLITICS AND BROADCASTING. We cannot congratulate the Labour Party on the showing made by its members in their criticism of the Government in relation to its loan of £15,000 for the purpose of erecting 2YA. There is a type of mind which seems to delight in suggesting unclean motives and underhand methods- and it is a fair enough inference that those who are so ready to impute ulterior motives and discreditable action are the most likely to indulge in them should opportunity offer. The Postmaster-General deservedly. showed heat in repudiating the inane suggestion that the Government had been bribed to grant this loan by "services" rendered in other directions; ‘The suggestion carries no credit to those making it. The facts are plain enough. ‘They have already been given in our columns fo meet the Government’s wishes in making 2YA a superpower station able to cover the Dominion in daylight, and the South Pacific et night, the Broadcasting Company, after itself finding £15,000 more than its original commitment of £20,000, secured from the Government a short-dated loan of £15,000. The security given was a first security on the assets, plant and equipment of 2YA, other than the land, and as such is satisfactory to the Government, This arrangement permitted the plans to be carried forward quickly, and as the Prime Minister states, gave results cheaper than if the Government had’ itself undertaken the whole cost. But the Labour Party, for party purposes, seeks to suggest some hidden ulterior motive. Their story is not even consistent. In one breath they refer to the Broadcasting Company as a wealthy corporation" ; the next moment it is suggested that the finances are;such that the risk is a bad one! With such a carping and inconsistent opposition, what a delightful medley would result were some political factions and factors to haggle over the details of programmes, ttc. The only safe rule is to completely eschew politics. The "fly in the ointrhent" from the Labour point of view seems to be that the Leader af the Opposition, although invited to attend the opening of 2YA, was hot invited to speak; so he stayed away. Hence the uproar, It rather lounds like a small boy throwing bricks because he wasn’t at the party. The Opposition assumption to rank on a parity with Ministers of the Crown is nothing but an assumption, and as such may be taken at its jue weight,