Radio Factors

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 28, 25 January 1929, Page 9

Radio Factors

How Far can the Company Go? NOTHING but good can result from a discussion of Mr. ©. B. Plummer’s proposal. The aspect which anpeals to us. is the recognition of the part which broadeasting plays in the musical life of New Zealand. This part has great negative and_ positive potentialities. Radio broadeasting can, it is thought by some, make or mar the various musical organisations. It is, however, not our opinion that broadeasting is a menace to the musical societies ; that is the view held by some of the societies themselves, and that view, whether ir be right or wrong, has to be taken into consideration. Personally, we think that the more the _ societies broadeast the more they will spread the love of music-which is, after al!, the purpose of their existence in the community-and thus the more they, as societies, will benefit. But the immediate concern of the societies is finance, for musical societies, like all other organisations, must. have the sinews of war. Though the members have banded themselves together for the purpose of fostering the love of

music, the society, as a body, is not entirely altruistic, A society must watch its finances. It may be that it takes a short-sighted view when framing its policy in respect to the best way of ensuring a satisfactory balance-sheet, but there it is. [R. PLUMMER’S scheme has not met with unanimous approval, eyen by the musical societies which it is intended to benefit, but it has opened up a very interesting subject for consideration, he difference between the viewpoints of the societies 1s shown in Christchurch, where one gentleman expressed the opinion that even if his society received only £50 from the anticipated £4000, it would be in a very much more secure position than it is at present. Other societies, however, fear that if the scheme be put into operation, they will be faced with diminished audiences. The choral societies picture the effect of a halfempty hall on their membership, and on their singing, and feel that they cannot support the proposal at any price. If.the attitude of these societies be persisted in, then there is no hope for any proposition, whether it be proposed by Mr. Plummer or by Mr. Harris, for the basis of both schemes is the broadeasting of the concerts. If there be no chance of the concerts being broadcast, there can be no cooperation between the listeners and the societies. Opposition to the. publicity medium of broadeasting is, of course, an entirely mistaken policy. The analysis which Mr. Harris has made of Mr. Plummer’s scheme pronounces it as hardly practicable. though he admits that the object of the proposal is very much to be commended. ‘That the greatest musical organisation in New Zealand should he concerned, is only to be expected. The Broadcasting Company may assist, and is quite anxious to do so, but as the trustees for listeners’ money it must see that the listeners get fair yalue in return for what is done. The Broadcasting Company «oes not approve of increasing the license fee. Krom knowledge born of experience, it knows that that proposal is doomed to failure, PENDING publication of the proposals now under consideration by the General Manager for perhaps a direct subsidy on a basis within the present means of the company, it may be of value to outline -some of the

factors which must be taken into consideration. If the company reaches the view that such a direct subsidy. is feasible-and it will be agreed, we think, by the majority that ‘an increased license fee is not feasiblethen the basis of any payment of listeners’ money must be simply in return for items broadcast, rather than an indeterminate subsidy. Some of the essential costs of musical societies, in presenting public performances are for items which do not appeal to the radio listener in that they duplicate costs already incurred in providing a studio for the distribution of musical numbers. These items are such as the hire of the hall, the. hire of costumes, advertising, management, etc.-all costs necessary to the presentation of. the concert to the public, but not essential to a radio performance. Then again, in relaying a concert, expenses are incurred by the company which might be better spent on artists.in the studio, [IX looking at this matter it has to be remembered, we think, that no subscription that radio can in point of fact pay is going to get these musical societies out of their difficulties. Neither the gramophone or the radio are in themselves responsible for their plight. There are the social habits of th: people, and, above all, the economie factors governing the need of these societies securing sufficient from one or perhaps two public performances to cover the whole of long sustained preliminary expenses. In these days only those shows which run for long periods. and so spread their preliminary and overhead charges, have any chance of clearing expenses and making money. Amateur societies cannot Secure long runs. ‘Therefore, they are compelled to rely upon the voluntary assistance of members and a sympathetie public. We think Mr. Plummer is to be commended for advancing his idea, and we sincerely hope that it may have a practical outcome. We have endeayoured to point out. however, some of the factors which must weigh with the management in its administration of listeners’ funds specifically subscribed for the purposes of radio. These factors will necessarily limit the amount that may be offered at this stage as a subsidy.