Theatres for Wireless

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 45, 24 May 1929, Page 7

Theatres for Wireless

A Novel Proposal AN interesting suggestion has been advanced, and enthusiastically discussed in the London Press, This is that the casual listener should be catered for by the provision of special theatres or salons for listening to wireless programmes. The suggestion was first made by a correspondent to the "Morning Post," who pointed out that on the occasion of outstanding events. such as the inauguration of Mr. Hoover as President of the United States. or the institution of a special series of lectures by such an authority as Dr. Bridges, England’s Poet Laureate, a great number of the general public who are not equipped with wireless in their own homes would be prepared to pay for the privilege of satisfactorily hearing the events by wireless. The idea. it was immediately recognised, had big possibilities, and an interesting correspondence has dewom in the British Press concerning t.

SiGDEL ELE. In addition to those who are desirous of hearing special programmes, there is also the opportunity of catering for those who have an odd halfhour to fill in. ‘The continuous picture show meets a felt want in providing entertainment in the cities for those who have spare time between appointments, If facilities were available, part of this floating population would doubtless be diverted to radio listening. Provision of such listening posts would undoubtedly. be a good advertisement for listening in general, and would of course lead to the increased installation of home sets. Another aspect is that, as receiving sets are improved and made more and more highly selective, it would be possible for listeners in one city to be regaled with special programmes from other cities-i.e., listeners in London might be afforded feature programmes such as concerts in Be-"in, Paris, Rome, etc. Added to the radio suggestion is one that television theatres should be provided. This is an obvious corollary because of the extra cost of erecting the home television sets. Doubtless this development will be an outcome of the future,