Broadcasting in Australia

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 30, 8 February 1929, Page 4

Broadcasting in Australia

HE Australian Federal Wireless Advisory Board is to take control in the near future of all broadcasting in Australia on behalf of the Federal Government. Private ownership of the monopoly right to broadcast either from an "A" or "B" class station is to cease as soon as arrangements can be made for Government control. Trafficking in broadcast licensing which has taken place in the past will

not now be permitted. It has been stated that the right. to the license Jer which 83LO Melbourne broadctsts was transferred originally for £40,000 and all that was passed over for this fee was the paper license issued by the Post and Telegraph Office. Recently "B" class licences have changed hands for as much as £5000. Under Government control adequate provision will be made for the renting of a "B" station to an individual or organisation for a particular purpose should that be desired. There will be a certain number of wavelengths retained for "B" stations in each State but these will not be the private property of any individual or company. Provision will be made for the renting of a "B" station for a particular purpose by an individual or an organisation. The Board considers this will ensure a greater variety and a better quality of programme from "B" stations in the future than has been possible in the past. The changes, it is considered, will be far-reaching and will establish broadcasting in Australia on a firm and popular basis within a year of the Government’s taking control.