THE DESTRUCTIVE HOBBY OF A GENTLEMAN WITH A "PULL."

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

THE DESTRUCTIVE HOBBY OF A GENTLEMAN WITH A "PULL."

Radio matters have been very much in the limelight of late in Auckland, and a rather amazing letter which we publish in another column seems to offer some degree of explanation. This letter sets out that a certain individual has chosen the "hobby" of pinpricking the Broadcasting Company to provide himself with amusement; that he has a "pull" with the Press, and is also good pals with two Cabinet Ministers ; that he regards some of those who have hitherto taken a prominent part in the activities of the Auckland Listeners’ League as "duds," but that he has a dark horse in training who will-"tear things up a bit" when he "sets going" ; that, in short, by the easy weapons of destructive criticism, political pressure and ridicule, he proposes to make the interests of the listening public a mere chopping block for his own petty interest or amusement, The spirit behind this is to us utterly incomprehensible, and we imagine it will be, too, to the listeners vitally concerned. Broadcasting is a public utility and service of the highest order. It has an outstanding function to perform in entertaining, amusing, and informing the public. It has great educational possibilities. It is the brightest feature in the life of many sufferers from illhealth, many isolated by distance, and countless thousands seeking relief from business worries and daily weariness. Yet such a service is to be hamstrung and crippled ee | as a Analysis of the situation in Auckland shows that the Radio Broadcasting Company, in spite of all disadvantages, has steadily pursued a policy of programme betterment and a high standard of directional efficiency. In pursuance of its standard of service, it has been obliged on two occasions to make major staff changes. Any business organisation has the right to manage its staff in its own way, without its domestic affairs being made the subject of public controversy, and the public, who are very far from being fools, will realise that such changes are not lightly made, nor are they fit subject for detailed discussion:in public. Critics who are compelled to harp upon such topics seem to us to reveal the poorness of their case, while the person most concerned might fitly exclaim in retrospect, "Save me from my friends." The Auckland programmes to-day are better than ever. The best talent is engaged, . . and is devoting itself to the public entertainment. The most serious aspect of the position in relation to the activities of the "gentleman with a pull," to our mind, however, is the serious reflection it casts upon a section of our public Press. It may be suggested that the Press which has for so long had an exclusive monopoly of the privilege of purveying news to the public does not look with favour upon a newcomer in the field which has competitive possibilities. In our opinion such an attitude on their part is unjustified, and, though the facts present some colour for the view that Press interests are antagonistic to broadcasting, and that they, by manufacturing discontent, are seeking to pave the way for Government administration of broadcasting (subordinate to Press domination) we prefer to believe that the final editorial control is unaware of the advantage that is being taken of its hospitality, and that it is ignorant of being made the victim of the despicable sustained "jape" indicated by the letter now published. It is obvious that no proper investigation has been made in respect of recent statements made-an investigation at once readily made had the desire of fairness been there and dictated by the very nature of the matter published. It rests with the Auck*land Press concerned to disprove the claim of the gentleman with a hobby that he has a "pull," and to give broadcasting fair treatment. It has not had it of late. The broadcasting service is not perfect-neither is the newspaper service. Radio broadcasting has to grow towards perfection. It is still an infant. It has made lusty growth, and is capable of greater advance with reasonable consideration and a fair field. It is the business of listeners to refuse to be gulled by Press propaganda, and to exercise their own wunbiased judgment. That judgment, we are satisfied, will be wholly in favour of giving the Broadcasting Company and service a fair spin.