The New Zealand Radio Record

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 3, 3 August 1928, Page 3

The New Zealand Radio Record

| P.O. BOX, 1032, WELLINGTON. _ , Published Weekly. Subscription Post Free in advance, 10s. per Lt i booked 12s. 6d. annum ; _WELLINGTON, FRIDAY, AUGUST 3.

rPHIs issue will,.we think, take rank "in .the- minds of listeners as a particularly comprehensive and. informing..review of the activities of the Broadcasting Company since its inception. That is its purport. It is designed to give listeners as full an account-as is possible in the space of the stewardship of the |Broadcasting Company. The purpose of this review is, we think, soundly conceived. The measure of the Company’s performance cannot be gauged by any cursory review of a single aspect. Memories are fleeting, and what impresses one may pass unnoticed by another. In the ordinary passage of time what is recognised as a useful performance at one period of the year is speedily forgotten. When, however, there is here presented in one comprehensive record a full review of all that has been done, all that has been organised, and all that has been built, in order to make suitable programmes- available in the homes of listeners, the impression must be that of a noteworthy performance. N the compilation of this record the impression has steadily grown that the achievement of the Company has been creditable and distinctly worth while. Criticism there has been throughout the past period. Criticism there always will be, because it is recognised to be impossible to satisfy so diverse a community as is represented in the ranks of listeners, all the time. That criticism, to be weighty and just, must be well informed. The information necessary to judicious criticism is here provided, and we make bold to say that this record will in itself constitute the best possible answer to ill-informed « ‘ticism, : | For the satisfactory. development of broadcasting in New Zealand, full eredit must be given to the wisdom of the Governmental authorities in laying down at the start’ a sound basis.

Fences were not rushed. Wisely it was preferred to let time elapse and the necessary period of experiment in other parts of the world develop, in order to select just those features most suitable for adoption in this country. It is highly satisfactory that this caution was observed, because the plan that was finally adopted is recognised as being outstanding], the most satisfactory for efficient service. Jt is the same plan in essence that is in vogue in Britain and in Australia. Proof of: this is given in the most recent message from Australia, viz., that the unnecessary competition that has been waged there is to end, and that arrangements have been effected whereby, for the future, one company alone will be charged with the task of providing programmes for the whole of Australia. This is clear-cut proof that in this field competition is wasteful and inefficient: that fullest efficiency can

be secured only when the funds available from listeners are concentrated upon a strong organisation, to enable the best use to be made of the resources of the country in providing the necessary equipment and programme service. There is no ntcd to stress this point, but it will be obvious to any thinking person that necessary charges of equipment, upkeep and administration must be met before expenditure is devoted to programmes.: Experience clsewhere shows that approximately 80 per cent. of station revenue is required for necessary and unavoidable maintenance and overhead. Diffusion of revenue, as hag been practised in Australia, has simply led to penalising the listener by duplicating plant and reducing the amount available for programme service. The fact that- this Dominion avoided all pitfalls of competition is distinctly ereditable to the foresight exercised by. the authorities. ) UNDER the New Zealand system, the spur to efficiency is provided by public criticism and public demands. There has been no lack of the necessary impulse in that direction. This criticism must, however, be well balanced and informed, and with the review that is now given of the organisation necessary to pro- vide programmes, we expect a fuller recognition of efforts made and the | quality of service that has been given. i are very glad to give listeners | this comprehensive view of the | Company's policy. In giving it to «the length we have, we have bcen

compelled.to sacrifice a number of the customary features in the ‘Radio Record." We have thought it well to do this, however, in order to present a complete, rather than a partial, view of the broadcasting organisation. . WE have, however, an cye on the future as well as on the past. The hope is that this Souvenir Number, and its complete record of the service available io listeners, will stimulate those now enjoying the entertainment and news value of radio to endeavour to enlarge the circle. iwery newcomer to the ranks of

licensed listeners is an added element of strength. The service is mutually complementary. It can expand only as financial resources grow. Listeners can benefit by better service only as their own ranks grow stronger. They are themselves the greatest fighting force in swelling those ranks. .To-day the radio family of New Zealand comprises nearly 40,000. For every home in which there is a radio set, there are more than five without one. If each licensed listener could secure but one friend to join the ranks, the position would be wonderfully improved and the service wonderfully better. T present, the very best that is possible, with the equipment and resources available, is being done. It is not contended that betterment is impossible. Improvement is possible, it is frankly admitted. Great advantage has been taken of the range of talent, both professional and amateur,’ in the Dominion. The stimulus offered by regular employ-

ment has induced artists to steadily, extend their repertoire. The Company, on its part, has provided the musical literature necessary for this. With further revenue, the more ex~ pensive combinations of artists could be more extensively used. Importations of outside talent could occasionally be made, very much to the benefit of the service. Transfers of talent from one centre to another could be undertaken for the special advantage of crystal listeners. The Company has the enterprise and the initiative to do all these things keenly and vigorously, so soon as the funds are provided.

The performance of the past is the best guide to the promise of the future, and with the machinery now established, listeners should, ‘we think, respond generously to the invitation of the Company to vigorously stride forward, expand the number of licensed listeners, and by so doing lift on to an even higher plane the munificent blessings of radio.

Those secking a complete guide te radio in New Zealand will find it in the "New Zealand Radio Listener’s Guide," 1928-160 pages, well illus trated and replete with full, but concise articles on all aspects of radio. A valuable glossary of wireless terms, and lists of stations are included.