Stargazings of "Henry the Humorist"

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 9, 13 September 1929, Page 3

Stargazings of "Henry the Humorist"

Press Critic urges Government Control

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-- PTER "The Pied Piper" comes "Henry the Humorist." Last week we outlined for the amusement of listeners the mature views on broadcasting of the "Pied Piper" of the Christchurch "Sun." This week the humour is pro-

vided by one "Henry," who is responsible for the Radio Notes in the Dunedin "Hvening Star." His light-hearted irresponsibility warrants ‘the enlargement of his title to that given above. "Henry" has been giving thought to the . problem of radio broadcasting. Yes, really he has, And he has reached a wonderfyl conclusion.. He is quite satisfied, he says, "that broadcasting has come to stay, and it cannot remain indefinitely. in the hands of a pri\gy*e, company." He therefore proJe@hds the view that the whole of rMuio , broadcasting should be taken over by the Government, and run on either ‘one of two surprising schemes which he outlines. First, he suggests that the Government should taken over . the four Dominion stations, and attend to the technical details, and sub-let a contract to responsible parties to provide the entertainment for each of the four centres. This could possibly be done by tender, with a different or: ganisation in each province controlling the musical items, and being paid a definite yearly sum for such activity. All new licenses could go to the State in full, and the organisation need not be dependent upon any falling off or in- * erease in the license figures. Why worry about such mundane details? Let- Johnny Government worry! If the Organisations were paid a definite sum by the Government, he says, the latter would profit by all excess licenses-and the Goverriment would then probably be in the position te reduce ‘the cost of license fees! (Conversely, it might ‘raise them if revenue. did not meet ex: panding costs.) THE second suggestion advanced by "Henry the Humorist" is that perhaps the Australian Broadcasting Company could be tempted for a certain definite sum to extend its activities in the matter of programmes in the Dominion. ‘This would give professionalism in the programmes, dispensing with "mediocre amateurs." In this case the Government would have the necessary funds available, and could extend to the people, if so desired, a

e , form of six-monthly license, and probably to deserving schoolboys a threemonthly rate! That last touch is very considerate indeed. His schoolboy pals will certainly thank Henry for the thought. Wwe understand on very good authority that "Henry" was so pleased with the maturity and soundness of his. business views, as expounded in this interesting article of August 24, that

he sent a copy to each member of Parliament, together with a covering letter directing their attention to his solution of the grave problem of radio broadcasting. One member was honoured with a special letter. This was Clyde Carr, member of Parliament for Timaru. The Rev. Mr. Clyde Carr was favoured with a special letter, because he was aforetime associated with 3YA in the capacity of announcer. With the standing thus given him, Mr. Clyde Carr responded to "Henry," we believe, to the effect that he would have the article ventilated and discussed on the floor of the House. In the Womb of the Future. Ne one can forecast at this stage what the ultimate development of radio broadcasting in New Zealand or elsewhere will involve. It may be that eventually it will become entirely a State-subsidised service, run by the State for the benefit of the community as a whole. That day, however, is not yet, and the immediate suggestions of "Henry the Humorist" display very little appreciation of the intricacies of the subject. Probably the best reply te "Henry" would be to invite him to

read and reflect upon the interview reported elsewhere in this issue, in which Mr. Doyle, one of the "Big Three" of the Australian Broadcasting Company, outlines the inception of that organisation. If "Henry" has the capacity to appreciate’ the business intricacies involved in that statement, he _ will realise that his suggestion as to forming a separate entity in each of the four centres in New Zealand to tender

for the provision of programmes. from the respective stations, is merely childish, and gives no consideration to the business factors involved in musical organisation, theatrical production and copyright issues. It would be-contrary to all known principles of modern business, which tend to co-ordination and big-scale operation, rather than to their diffusion and the creation of minute fractions. The Government, it is kindly suggested by "Henry," should not wait

until the expiry of the Radio Broadcasting Company’s contract, but should immediately begin to adopt "Henry"s idea and organise for the provision of a Government service at that time., "Henry" foresees that, with the resources of the Post and Telegraph Department, relay stations could be established in such points as Central Otago, where, of course, in addition to the farming community, there is a.yery large population of rabbits hungering. for radio reception. They would doubtless be enthusiastic licenses. The Post Office buildings in each town could be utilised for housirig the necessary broadcasting plant! The Mere Factor of Cost. A STRONG point is made by "Henry" of the financial resources of the Government. There is no doubt that the Government has strong financial resources. The community is at the back of it. So strong indeed are ‘the resources of the Government that, in the desirable programme outlined by "Henry," it would be feasible for the Government not to bother with such annoying details as listeners’ licenses, but to provide a handsome service free of charge to listeners, und liberally pay the artists, professional anid amateur, as required, and in addition, as suggested by "Henry," extend liberal benefactions to charities throughout the country in consideration of being allowed to broadcast sporting events. There is certainly no difficulty in finance once it is held desirable that the Government should provide a radio service. The only point is the attitude of the taxpayers in general, particularly the man who doesn’t want the service and objects to providing it for others. If. and when Government control of radio broadcasting ever does come in New Zealand, it will, it is recognised by those who have given thought to the subject, immediately involve increased expense in operation. The present system, with its judicious combination of Government supervision and private enterprise, is yielding a standard of attainment creditably high in relation to the cost involved. Every ,commercial mind will realise. that transfer of operating expenses to Government control would increase the ratio of expenses, simply because the State would inevitably be regarded as a comparative milch cow for all those selling goods or services to it, and the tendency would be for the total cost to increase without any necessary inerease in revenue. Weare afraid that the murmurings of "Henry" must rank on a par with those of the "Pied Piper." They are quite irresponsible and without regard to business facts.