G.M.'s Mailbag

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 42, 3 May 1929, Page 26

G.M.'s Mailbag

The Question of Varied Programmes. CORRESPONDENT says: "In reference to the type of programme , which I prefer I would like to offer some criticism on the classical programme broadcast on Tuesday evenings from your station, 2YA, I am extremely fond of all types: of music, but by your method of flooding theclassical kind into one night, you are causing my sense of appreciation to languish. If you would only give us a variety at every session, the system would be considerably more popular. If it is your wish to educate listeners to a high sense of appreciation of classical music you will, I feel sure, succeed when you realise that a prggramme of all kinds of mus) is placed on the air. During the afternoon session at 2YA you flood the final half hour with jazz music, ° which, if interspersed with the earlier music, would be appreciated, and at the same time allow listeners a fine opportunity to comparé the two types. "In conclusion, I would like to offer a suggestion. When your stations relay the American shortwave stations I think it would please listeners if they were informed of the approximate time of the relay in America. "In respect to our programmes," replies the G.M., "it is extremely difficult for us, owing to the ‘limitations which characterise a broadcasting ser- — vice, to please everyone at. all times. The preparation:of our programme is, of course, of paramount. importance, and our experience has indicated that in view of the fact that we are unable to please everyone all of the time, ~ the most desirable alternative is to. eater for different sections of our listeners at different definite times. "Thus, we arrange as far as we possibly can to co-ordinate the programmes of our respective stations, such that a listener with ‘a sufficiently powerful receiving set is able to choose from four different types of programmes on each night of the week. In the case of the person utilising a crystal set he is, of course, able to receive the programmes only from the station within his locality, but in his interest we arrange that the programmes of each individual station are varied on each night of the week. It would be possible for us to broadcast a variety programme on each night, but 4. view of psychological considerations we have found that this would not be totally desirable. "Regarding your suggestion that an announcement in respect to time De given when an overseas rebroadcast is conducted, this could quite conveniently be arranged, and we will be pleased to bear it in mind-for attention when occasion arises." 5