EDITORIAL NOTES.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 9, 13 September 1929, Page 6

EDITORIAL NOTES.

WITH. the return of "Mr. G. McNamara, Secretary of the Post Office, from a tour abroad, with the particular objective ot ‘attending the International Postal Conference, it may be taken for granted that the Postmaster-General: will be presented with a report -embodying a review of radio broadcasting as conducted under different systems of control in the various countries visited by the Secretary. This report will be of special departmental interest, as informing the Postmaster-General of the processes adopted and the results being attained in countries abroad. The New Zealand system of control, as is well known, is an adaptation to our circumstances of the two major systems employed in other countries. In Britain the Radio Broadcasting Company was eventually transformed into the British Broadcasting Corporation, an organsiation established with Government backing for the specific purpose of administering broadcasting. It is in effect a Government-controlled institution, with illimitable resources due to the mass of population served. In America the system of private enterprise has prevailed, and in spite of difficulties presented by an initial plethora of stations, has resulted in the establishment of a high standard of efficiency in radio broadcasting in that community. In fact, the United States is acclaimed as the home of radio. Certain disabilities have been inflicted upon listeners by the methods adopted. there, such as undue preponderance of advertising matter and sponsored ‘programmes; nevertheless, good services are maintained by private enterprise. ; EW ZEALAND, by adapting a half-way house between these two systems, has preserved that economy of operation given by private enterprise, and the necessary elasticity for prompt action. We have also avoided the infliction of advertising matter over the air, and, having regard to our circumstances, this system has given a standard of. efficiency that has met with the general approval of listeners. The Government, through the Post and Telegraph Department, protects the interests of listeners by regulation, supervision, and oversight. , HERE are, however, some who are not satisfied. This is as it should be. Critics-even unreasonable critics-fulfil a certain necessary function in life. They keep one alive, and clarify thought

even when they propound stupid ideas for betterment: Into this category comes an article which recently appeared in the Dunedin "Evening Star." This article, contributed by one "Henry," to whom the appellation of "Henry the Humorist" could most suitably be given, makes the suggestion that Government control immediately be instituted in this Dominion. The reasons he advances are immature and bear the hall-mark of inexperience. or the reason, however, that "Henry" was so enamoured of his ideas that he forwarded a copy of his article to each member of Parliament, together with a covering letter soliciting ' their support, and a special letter to the Rev. Mr. Clyde Carr, formerly announcer of 3YA, we give him in our columns a publicity to which he would not otherwise be entitled, This publicity is given merely tosinform listeners of the undercurrents at work to inspire attacks upon the broadcasting service. So far as we are able to judge from the volume of opinion flowing in upon us from the pens of listeners, we hold the view that at no time has the standard of service given by the Company been so good as is now obtaining, and never before have listeners been.so generally satisfied. In those circumstances we rather imagine "Henry’s" outburst will prove to be a damp squib. =