Education by Air

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 49, 22 June 1928, Page 3

Education by Air

; SPECIAL ADULT TRAINING -_---- BRITISH INVESTIGATION How broadcasting may be developed from a medium to provide entertainment into a service which will enlighten the nation and vastly increase the people's range of knowledge, was explained in the report of a special committee, issued recently, which has been examining the problems of wireless and adult education. } } "THE report calls for the creation of a New Central Council for Adult) Education, and a series of Area Counceils to interpret local opinion. The main body would be composed of re- | presentatives from important educational sources, and a proportion of nominated members; and a member) from each Area Council would have a place on the Central Council. It is laid down that both in matter and presentation the broadcast programme ‘requires the greatest freedom of experiment, and "controversial subjects snould not be cut out." Strict care, however, must be taken that speakers have " a proper sense of their responsibility." [Ty their conclusions, the Committee emphatically dissent from the prophecies of those who hold, like Mr H. G. Wells, that as soon as the novelty has worn off, interest in broadcasting will be spent. Unless its place is taken by some new invention, they main that broadcasting "is likely to become one of the most powerful forces in the modern world." Special Wave-Length. *s7IXEE most satisfactory method of providing a regular educational service would be to set aside the whole or the main part of one wave-length capable of covering the country for a special service of lectures, music, ete.," Until then, a definite proportion of the time in general programmes should be allotted to general talks, and appropriate periods in the day reserved for more formal education. The fact that broadeasting is a& public service is held to strengthen the case for using it in the interests of national education. T is acknowledged that a_ general raising of the standard of reception is of the highest importance, and a service of visiting and advisory engineers should, it is claimed, assist those responsible for sets which have an educational purpose. Advice should be made available to secure the efficient construction of apparatus. The Committee suggest that the "fol-low-up" policy inaugurated by the B.B.C. should be developed by increased publicity, by a weekly illustrated educational journal, and by a closely organised advisory system. The cost of the developments outlined, can and ought, it is declared, to be met out of that part of the revenue for licences which is at present retained by the Postmaster-General, over and above the costs of collection and administration.