MANUFACTURING DISCONTENT

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 35, 16 March 1928, Page 4

MANUFACTURING DISCONTENT

SS eee WORK OF A GENTLEMAN WITH A "PULL"

Some rather remarkable statements about broadcasting have appeared of late in certain Auckland newspapers, these having reference not only to the change in the personnel of the station director at 1YA, but to the relay of the Edison night from 2YA, and caustic ridicule upon appreciative comment on the New Zealand system which appeared in an American newspaper. All of these statements have been sensationalised, apparently with the direct object of creating prejudice on the part of the public towards broadcasting. It is not our place to determine the underlying motive of those concerned, but a letter has come under our notice which seems to indicate a deliberate campaign being afoot to pin-prick broadcasting. ‘he best possible service we can render: listeners in general in showing the forces that are operating to befool them is to give the essential parts of this letter:"J want a hobby for the coming winter, so I have decided to take an interest in keeping the Radio Broadcasting Company on the right track by the various aids ofi"(1) Criticism, constructive and’ destructive, in the newspapers (I have a pull there). (2) Private political action, I know two members of the cabinet, Christchurch Old Boys, and besides there is a general election coming. (3) Ridicule. This will be easy, if mecessary."’ So I ought to have quite an amusing time. Things are going to start here soon, I hear. Last night I was rung up by a neighbour who is a member of the executive of the Listeners League, and whom I consider as being the only really brainy man in the show.- He is not the dud that -- is. When he gets going he will tear things up a bit. Hle’s a new member on the executive and one of the most forcible and logical platform speakers here, so there should be some fun ahead. "| think that -- dismissal will set the match to the fuse, Mind you, between ourselves, I couldn’t under: stand his getting the job..-He has had no office experience, and is not suffivs atter ta chowman for the position.

"A PITIABLE "HOBBY." Whether the ‘pull’ that this gentleman has with the Auckland Press 18 responsible for thie whole of the matter which has recently appeared, we do not know, but we do know that a wholly biased and unjustified view of events has been presented to the public, and that this is reacting very definitely against the interests of the public, the listeners, and the trade. Much of the matter that has appeared has been not only erroneous, but contemptible, notably that in connection with Edison night relay, and the ridicule sought to be made out of the tribute paid by the leading American radio newspaper to the legislation and conduct of broadcasting in New Zealand. It would seem that either the Press or their paid writers desire to wreck aud obstruct broadcasting. ‘The regrettable aspect of the whole matter is that, unless checked, it will react disadvantageously to the ewhole body of listeners, and the artistic service that broadcasting can render the public. Over the last few months the leading artists available in Auckland, thanks to the policy instituted by Mr. W. J. Bellingham, have been appearing both in solo -and concerted work, to the very great improvement and benefit of the programmes in general. With many of these leading artists, the prime motive has been, not financial remuneration, but the desire to accord pleasure, and further the interests of music. Under those impulses they have performed often at considerable inconvenience, and we say advisedly that it is wholly unfair, unjustificd, and unsporting for their work to be made the subject of Press attacks as a "hobby" by an irresponsible of the type whose letter we publish. The Radio Broadcasting Company has throughout made it clear that it claims no immunity from criticism or freedom from suggestions; on the contrary, it lias expressed a desire for the formation of strong, responsible bodies representative of listeners, but listeners will, we think, agree that mere carping destructiveness of the nature proposed as a "hobby? will serve no useful purpose. --EE