THE PUBLIC UTILITY OF BROADCASTING.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 13, 11 October 1929, Page 6

THE PUBLIC UTILITY OF BROADCASTING.

AN extract from the well-known publication "John Bull," which we publish in another column, supplies an interesting sidelight on the situation in England in regard to broadcasting. Some few months back we recorded a batch of some seven resignations from the headquarters staff of the British Broadcasting Cofporation, and reproduced some part of the comment indulged-in by a leading radio journal, this being to the general effect that an undue atmosphere of bureaucracy characterised the administration of the British Broadcasting Corpora~tion. . It was represented that officials, inspired by ambition and initiative, found a difficulty in securing prompt acceptance of their ideas, and that accordingly they had no alternative but to accept defeat in the conflict between their ideals and bureaucracy. FOLLOWING on that point, it would seem that a definite wave of criticism spréad throughout the English Press, and a degrée of controversy developed out of all proportion to the importance of the subject. According to the extract from "John Bull," this controversy has extended from the daily Press into periodical journals, and has obtained a degree of severity out of proportion to the initial occasion. "John Bull" goes so far now as to say that the reason for this extreme Press antagonism lies in the fact that "certain powerful interests are out to wrest fhe control of broadcasting from its present stable and well-defined authority. They want control in their own hands, and they want it because broadcasting is likely to become pre-eminently ‘more powerful than any other means of dissemination." This is a very important and far-reaching statement to make. We are not in a position to discuss the probability of the definite charge made, nor to hint at the identity of the interests affected. With the further com--ment of the British journal, however, as to the effect of years of steady high-quality broadcasting, we find: ourselves in agreement. It is pointed out that the public, by reason of the direct, intimate contact given by broadcasting with high-class music, intellectual debates, original lectures by authoritative lecturers, and talks on topics of moment and interest, is becoming very well educated and capable of forming independent judgment on matters of importance. Hitherto the printing press has been the main moulder of public opinion. Largely through its work, the past one hundred years has witnessed

eee > the most remarkable expansion in all phases of modern civilisation, The Press has served to distribute news of modern inventions, has disseminated scientific truths, has discussed public policies, and has in.a word educated the people to'a general degree of culture never hitherto possessed by democracy. Broadcasting now carries that spread of culture further. "It in some degree lifts the lid off censorship, and permits leaders of the nation’s thought to speak direct to the people, instead of through the medium of the printed word, with its sometime sifting of views to suit the policy of those controlling the Press medium. DEVELOPMENT of that line of thought does suggest occasion for effort to command the new medium on the part of those concerned with public power. Modern life has produced tremendous interests. In the nature: of things those handling huge blic utilities are given enormous power. Responsibility: for the of that power is colossal. It is, therefore, we take it, the definite duty of the State to protect the public in its inalienable rights to knowledge, education, and access to those things of cultural value. There has just been consummated the huge amalgamation of the cable and radio interests-one of the most tremendous organisations ever conceived, and presented with a power for good in the facilitation of means of communication that is incalculable. That power must be. exercised in the interests of the public. Equally the public interest must be the predominant interest in the control of broadcasting. Whether the objective is attained by private enterprise under public control, or by a directly controlled State organisation, the end must be the same -the highest good to the public.