Broadcasting Football Matches

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 9, 13 September 1929, Page 2

Broadcasting Football Matches

Question Discussed by Wellington Rugby U nion

soma disenssion has occurred in Wellington Rugby Union circles as to the broadcasting of Rugby maichea from Athletic Park. The discussion arose through the Broadcasting Comnany adopting the procedure of broadRanfurly Shield matches by relay from Masterton on the occasion of such contests being held. On one of these occasions the relay took place on a Wednesday, ordinarily Wellington’s silent day. 2YA, however, went on the air specially for the Ranfurly Shield match, in order not to disappoint listeners in general. Prior to the Wellington-Southland match the question was raised at the meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union by the chairman, Mr, Prendeville, the Broadcasting Company, he said, had been given the privilege of broadcasting their matches throughout the season, but when a more important. match was: played a change had been made without reference to the Wellington Rtgby Union. This put them in the position that, although matches ‘were being played on the day in question at Athletic Park, they were not broadcast, the preference being given to the Ranfurly Shield match from Masterton. "This," he said, "raised the question as to whether they should not require that the Broadcasting Com-

spany, in having been given the privilege of broadcasting their matches throughout the season, should be re‘quired to broadeast the whole of the matchés without distinction." Arising out of the discussion which ensued, it was resolved that the Broadcasting Company should be written to asking whether it was intended | to broadcast all the Wellington Rugby Union matches for the balance of the season. In replying to this letter; the general manager of the Radio Broadcasting Company, Mr. A. R, Harris, wrote as follows :- "As we have previously intimated," stated the letter, "we are desirous of co-operating with you in. every possible respect and were firmly of the opinion that in broadcasting the abovementioned games we were acting in a ‘manner which would further this object, 7

"We appreciate that the broadcasi~ ing of matches from Athletic Park. reflects to the immediate benefit of your union, but on the other hand it will be. realised that any action which might be taken for the purpose of widening interest in the sport generally, whether per medium of broadcasts from Athletic Park or elsewhere, would automatically .react to the advantage of the individual unions. "Having this in mind, we carried out the transmissions referred to, not only because the games were of-wide interest, but also because they were calculated to afford ample illustration of the spectacularities and science of the Rugby game in the special interests of those who were not familiar with these technicalities to the extent that, they would not otherwise become. regular supporters on the latter score alone. "Thus, it is unfortunate that our action has apparently been interpreted

--_---, in any way as a restriction upon our effort:.to co-operate with you, as w, were not clear that it was your union's. wish that our broadcasts should app to all its fixtures; and apart from this the relays from distant centres and from overseas have involved considerable extra expense and inconvenience. "We may assure you, however, that we are anxious to work in with you to the fullest possible extent in furthering the interests of Rugby generally, and your union in particular, and if: you have any suggestions as to how ‘this might be better achieved we would be very pleased to hear from you aecordingly." In the discussion which followed, the chairman, Mr. J. Prendeville, said that he had received the following note from a man in Wketahuna: "Dear Prendy,-Don’t be a pig; | les us have the best. Wireless to-day hag become part. of the life of the backe blocks." Mr. Prendeville said it occurred to hin that a test might be carried out next Saturday with a view to seeing, if the match was not broadcast, whether it would reflect to the union’s benefit. Major T. J. Kitig: "There is no question of the Broadcasting Company benefiting, but I think the matter

should be let stand until next year." Mr. H. D. Morgan said that although , the union had lost money as a result ce of the matches being broadcast, nevertheless the arrangement was a benefit to people outside the district. We thought they should be willing to pay a little to help those people. : Major King said the union provided! a free entertainment for the Broad- ' casting Company. Mr. A. J. Griffiths: "hat is so." Major King: "The boxing people had to cut it out. They. started it, and fellows used to sit by the fireside and listen to the fights," Mr. G. F. W. Jackson said that the Broadcasting Company in its reply had Side-stepped the -issue, and with this view the chairman agreed. It was decided to allow Mr. Lamberg to broadcast a description of the Canterbury v. Wellington game on. Saturday on condition that other matches under the jurisdiction of the union are broadcast for the remainder of the season.