The Radio Service Reviewed

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 24, 28 December 1928, Page 3

The Radio Service Reviewed

A Comprehensive Record (To the Editor) .

~ WOULD be grateful for a 2 little space in the columns of your interesting journal to record my opinion of the efforts made by the Broad« casting Company to cater for its ever-increasing circle of listeners.

I have just concluded 2 comprehengive six months’ tour of New Zealand, and have been fortunate enough to have listened to all New Zealand stations. Criticism to be instructive must be impartial, and I hope no offence will be taken by the Company concerning my remarks. Firstly, I desire to inform you that XI have not the least cognizance of the inside management of your New Zealand stations. Transmission. IP HIS important aspect of broadcasting is causing concern among listeners and... the trade. Your big station, 2YA, I regret’ to say, is subject to spasms. of distortion, and lack of quality. At other times the transmission is flawless. From what I have learned: in New Zealand, the general opinion is that'a superior service from 2YA would be obtainable if the power was reduced and running expenses made lighter. I concur with that view, and think it would be advantageous to the Company. As license figures will fall or rise on 2YA’s service, the Company would be well advised to make any provement immediately. ?3YA. is the most consistent and reliable station operated by the Company, and it has surprised me the volume tonal, qualities this station possesses, 1YA, Auckland, is doing splendid service in that district, although bad fading does not make it a reliable station for southerners. 4YA, although working under adverse conditions, I understand, is gaining the confidence of the public, and their programmes are generally very acceptable. Programmes. APART from the noteworthy broadcasts given listeners from time to time. (the "Southern Cross" flight being handled splendidly), there is a decided improvement necessary. Variety is needed by the listening public, and to many listeners grand opera is rendered far too often by your stations. Practically sixty per cent. of your New Zealand listeners are lovers of popular music, and when I say popular music I mean items the public know, "The Gondoliers," "In a Monastery Garden," etc. Novelty items will increase

licenses, and I would earnestly suggest the Company include popular items in their programmes, irrespective of what it is, ballad, band, operatic, or grand opera. I have conversed with many farmers re radio, and their reason for not taking it up is that after a day’s work they do not want to sit and listen to "high brow" music. A dinner session composed of cheerful items would suffice to please your farmer listeners. I trust the Company will give this important matter their very careful consideration. I wish to congratulate Mr. George Ellwood and his orchestra at 2YA, which has no superior in the Southern Hemisphere. Afternoon Sessions. — A POPULAR session, items well chosen and rendered. Would suggest short lectures and subjects suitable for lady listeners. Children’s Session. OING splendid work among our young and enthusiastic listeners. As far as 2YA is concerned, I am emphatic when I state that their children’s sessions are the best conducted in the world to-day. This statement I make after listening to all the prominent stations of the world during my three years’ tour. Congratulations, Aunt Gwen. : News Session. NDISPENSABLE to a broadcasting company. To my mind not allotted enough time. Every item of news of interest to listeners is broadcast. Sporting Session. NDOUBTEDLY the most popular branch of broadcasting in ,New Zealand. In this country you are true lovers -of sport, and you should be proud of the success of your famous athletes. I cannot understand why the Racing Conference has been so narrowminded as to refuse permission to broadcast racing events. In Australia the clubs have received tremendous advertising from radio; racing is the most popular session at my own city, Melbourne. The clubs have never suffered from broadcasts in Australia. In fact, it has increased the popularity of many clubs, and drawn thousands to their meetings who otherwise would take no interest in the sport. I am an owner of four thoroughbreds, and a steward of a metropolitan club in Australia, and for the life of me cannot understand your authorities’ decision. That the Company realise the m. jority of listeners desire sporting information is proved by the inauguration of "2YA Special Sports Service." I want to inform the Company here and now that this service is obtaining more licenses monthly than any other branch of their services. The "Service" is being highly praised all over New Zealand, and the Company are to be highly commended for their enterprise. The service rendered during the Test cricket match of results and de-

tailed reports promptly is receiving the thanks of all sporting enthusiasts. Considering no running descriptions of racing are permitted, and the limited finance at your disposal, I doubt if a better sporting and news service could be given from the studio than that at present given by 2YA. The expenditure is amply justified: by the expressions of praise throughout the whole of New Zealand. ; The improvements necessary in this department are:--(1) More relays from scene of activity, particularly so in case of 2YA (with power reduced as suggested, making operating expenses lighter). Should be able to provide the best sporting service in Australasia. " (2) Talks to listeners on sporting by reliable ‘authorities. (3) Cut out unnecessary relays of fixtures likely to interest only _ Jocal fans. (4) A continuation of your summary of sporting results at 10.45 p.in., especially for distant listeners, Lectures. (THESE have a great appeal to many listeners, but some lectures recently given do not warrant the station remaining on the air. Announcers. [THE Company are indeed fortunate in possessing some very fine announcers, men who have the entire confidence of listeners. Their speech is foreeful, pronunciation excellent, and general delivery of speech of high standard. 2YA’s announcer is certainly the most popular in New Zealand. The Trade. "THE radio trade in this country do not give the service required: of

listeners. They lack interest (with few exceptions) in their clients, instead of imparting their knowledge gratis at all times. In fact, I consider there are too many in the trade, and not enough "experts." Amateur Radio Societies. OING splendid work, but lacking the co-operation of ali listeners. The work is left to a few, and no beneficial results will be obtained unless. the numerical strength of the societies is increased. The "Radio Record." I WOULD be lacking in my duty it I failed to record my appreciation of your journal, It is the most compact, interesting, informative and instructive radio magazine at its price (3d.) in the world. I am so pleased with it that I have :forwarded two dozen copies of the "Souvenir Number" to my friends in various parts of the world, and I will be very pleased to forward any suggestions they may desire to offer. R I regret that I have taken up s# much of your valuable space. I am leaving New Zealand this week, and will carry away with me cherished memories of my visit to your beautiful country, made more enjoyable by radio, Before closing, I would like to thank through your widely-read columns the many kind radio enthusiasts who permitted me the use of their wireless equipment. For the destructive critic, ‘The Growler,’ I enclose for his perusal 2 copy of the winning letter of praise concerning 4QG, Brisbane. . With my best wishes to the Com« pany, I am, Yours faithfully,

F. C.

COLLINS