Broadcasting

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 11, 27 September 1929, Page 7

Broadcasting

Discussion in Parliament S we forecasted, broadcasting was before Parliament very briefly last week, when the Rey. Clyde Carr, exannouncer of Station 3YA and now Labour member for Timaru, asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention had been drawn to an article in the "Evening Star," Dunedin, of August 24, advocating Government control of Dominion radio broadcasting; and whether it was the intention of the Government to constitute this public utility a Government monopoly when the term of the present contract with the Radio Broadcasting Co. of New Zealand, Ltd., was completed. The formal reply of the PostmasterGeneral, the Hon. J. B. Donald, was: "T have seen the newspaper article referred to. I am not in a position at present to indicate what the policy in reference to broadcasting will be in approximately two years’ time. Assurance can be given that the interests of listeners will be properly safeguarded." In brief discussion on this subject three members spoke, according to newspaper reports. The Rey. Clyde Carr hoped the Minister would endeavour to obtain the views of listeners in regard to the arrangement which the Government had with the Radio Broadcasting Co. Some of the artists employed by the company were inclined to become a little wearisome, and the company seemed to be anxious to pay as little as possible for the services of the artists. It ought to be possible for the company to encourage the very best talent, and more variety ought to be offered to the listening public. He appealed to the Minister to use his influence with the company in an endeavour to brighten up the programmes with debates and suitable plays, instead of the same old songs and elocutionary items. He looked forward to. the time when the Government would itself take over broadcasting. Mr. J. A. Nash (Reform, Palmerston) said the business of the Radio

in view of the large number of licenses taken out each year. He hoped the Government would not take over the control of .broadeasting, as it was better under private control, but he thought the Minister should consider setting up a board to deal with the programmes. Ile believed the programmes they were receiving at present were quite good.. Mr. Nash thought the Minister should consider reducing the fees of those who did. not have big sets; a 30s. license fee for crystal sets was out of the question altogether. Mr. E. J. Howard (Labour, Christchurch South) said there had been a decided improvement in the service of .the company, although they had not yet reached a state of perfection.