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Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 24, 28 December 1928, Page 6

WITH this issue the year 1928 draws to a close. From the broad- . casting point of view it has been as memorable in its way as that of its predecessor. 1927 was noteworthy as marking the practical culmination of the building programme of the Radio Broadcasting Company. 1928 has seen those four stations working to a high average of efficiency, and rendering good service in their respective areas: A number of outstanding events have occurred during the year, and have been duly broadcast for the benefit of listeners. Some of these events originated in other countries of the world, and the New-Zealand service was given by way of a rebroadcast. . Others, such as the Southern Cross Flight and the Election Night, dealt with incidents in our own locality. In all phases, however, the broadcast service has advanced until it 1s now recognised as an unquestioned branch of community service. WHAT willbe the outstanding trend of 1929? In our opinion it will be advisable for attention to be turned now to fresh fields, in order to maintain the definite progress of broadcasting. It is extremely satisfactory to. know that the old year ends with the dissipation of that cloud of apprehension which has attended the patent royalty: position. . The agreement: effected between the Government and the Amalgamated Wireless interests, which we outlined in our last issue, is wholly satisfactory to broadcasting in general, and leaves the position clarified for unhindered development and advance in the future. The four cities and their surrounding areas of population | are well served by the.four YA stations, although it is true that the strengthening of the power of 4YA is desirable, and no doubt will be undertaken at the earliest possible moment. Outside the four centres, however, there are various areas of population in the provinces which offer a potential field for radio development. In the case of Palmerston North a service is being rendered to the community by the local station, maintained through the enthusiasm and enterprise of the Manawatu Radio Club.. In New Plymouth a plan is on foot for effective co-operation between the Radio Broadcasting Company

vev cv, * ~~ a Md 2 2. and the local Radio Society. With the finalisation of details yet to be fixed, it should be possible for a distinct service to be rendered this area. In the best interests of the other parts of the Dominion, however, it would seem desirable for the problem of the rural centres to be tackled in an effective fashion. The community as a whole is now radio conscious, and as it is the areas more distant from the main centres to which radio can render the most service, those’ areas offer highly valuable potential markets for development. It: seems extremely important to us that the record of advance established by the events of .1927 and 1928 should be maintained in 1929 by the development of a comprehensive plan for the satisfactory initiation of broadcasting in the main provincial centres of New Zealand. In the original concept of the building of the New Zealand scheme, provision was made for a number of provincial relay stations. With the popularity to which radio has now attained and the need for maintaining and developing it on an even higher level, inquiry may be made as to whether the time is ripe for entering upon consideration of the provision of these relay stations. : A pete —