RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 10, 23 September 1927, Page 4

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

d — STUDIO OR CHURCH? SUGGESTION FOR MINISTERS. The development of radio broadcasting in New Zealand has been very rapid, and a great deal of work is being’ done in order that the best service in all departments may be rendered to listeners. One aspect to which the company is now directing attention is in regard to the broadcasting of chureh services in the hope that these, too, may be further improved. In this connection the general manager, Mr. A. R. Harris, makes -the followine statement «-

It is recognised that religious services hold an important place in broadcast programmes, for they tncet a need which has been very much felt, especially in the country and by those who, for various reasons, are unable to attend the churches. ‘The Radio Broadcasting Company, as a public utility, recognises the value of broadcasting religious services, and . feelsthat the time has arrived when improvement might be effected in this branch of its work. At one station the step has been taken of broadcasting special children’s services from the studio before relaying the usual evening service from the church, and this session is proving very popular-tletters of appreciation having been received from many listene-s, both in the back country end in the cities. In some quarters it is felt that the most satisfactory proccdure would be to broadcast from the studios all except special services, such, for. instance, as anniversarics, which could still be relaved from the churches as

is done at preseut. On the other hand, some contend that the relay of a service from the church itself is preferable, as they ecnsider listeners get the church ‘‘atmosphere," which adds to the interest, and which cannot be reproduced jn the studio, The Broadcasting Company feels that it shares with the churches 2 common interest in this subject, as both have the same end in view, namely, the rendering of the highest possible service to listeners. It is evident that in this, as in other matters, there are many points of view, and it is proposed therefore, that representatives of the different churches be invited to meet the officers of the company in conference, in order that the broadcasting of religious services may be discussed from all sides, and that a definite plan may be evolved which will be a help both to the churches and to the company, and will render this branch of broadcasting of greater value to the community.