New Plymouth to Have Broadcasting Station

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 23, 21 December 1928, Page 6

New Plymouth to Have Broadcasting Station

Broadcasting Company Co-operating with RadioSociety

SCHEMBE for putting New Plymouth ‘on the air’ has been "in the air’ for some time, and it seems likely now that another two or three months will see the scheme matured. ° The proposal advanced considerably last week, when Mr. J. Ball,. editor-announcer, and Mr. J. M. Bingham, the company’s chief engineer, visited New Plymouth and* went further into the question. 3 is well known, reception of 2YA is somewhat spoiled in New Plymouth owing to the screening effect of Mt. Egmont. A scheme for circumventing the mountain obstacle has therefore been hatching in New Plymouth, and overtures were some time ago made by the Radic Society for the use of some of the Company’s old plant with which to make a small re-broadeasting station. The suggestion appealed to the Company, which considers that it can adapt some’ of the old plant which was dis- _ earded when the new stations at 1YA and OYA were erected. The proposed station will have a power of 50 watts, which will be ample to ensure good reception in the town of New Plymouth. [HE studio and transmitting station will be in the heart of the townthe studio is to be in the music warehouse of Messrs. H. Collier and Company-but the receiving station, which will be used for the purpose of re-broadcasting 2YA will be on a flank of Mt. Egmont. The exact location will depend on the quality of reception and whether a good relay line to the studio can be arranged. ) HE New Plymouth station will not, of course, be used solely for rebroadeasts. The studio will be adequately fitted up with the necess"ry microphones, and there is little doubt that the Radio Society will take full advantage of New Plymouth talent for the purpose of. providing local programmes. ° DURING the recent conference with the company’s representatives, the } Radio Society’s speakers said the intention was that several of their members should qualify for an operator’s certificate and take turns in controlling the station. 'M'HE complete scheme has not yet been worked out in detail, but the indications are that in two or three months’ time New Plymouth will be able to boast a station of its own, and crystal set users in that town will be able to hear the cream of the programmes sent out by the other New Zealand stations controlled by the Broadcasting Company.