THE PUBLIC VERDICT.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 14, 18 October 1929, Page 6

THE PUBLIC VERDICT.

THE fact that in the twelve months between August 31, 1928, and August 31, 1929, the number of licensed listeners in New Zealand increased by 22 per cent. will, we think, come somewhat as a surprise to most people, This gain has been proceeding steadily month by month, without any particular flare of trumpets: It is in itself the most satisfactory tribute possible to the general average service given by the four stations, and the increasing efficiency of radio equipment and its influence in winning a greater following of the public for radio. It is to the credit of Dunedin that it shows the greatest percentage increase, and now stands at the 4000-mark. With the opening of the new station there this week, a further advance will certainly be inaugurated. Auckland, too, will be certain to show an increase, ‘on account of the admirable exhibition about to be staged in the Town Hall. Wellington, however, still leads the field, and has by now well passed the 20,000-mark with its registered listeners. THIS gain is very satisfactory indeed, and maintenance of the radio ~~ service will certainly lift the 50,000 figure before the end of the year. This is very gratifying, and indicates that radio has now reached a point of definite stability as a community service. Probably the most marked feature of operations in the past few months has been the extension:of service to provincial areas. A large number of relays of special concerts, organised in provincial towns, have been undertaken,-and have been the means of bringing before the radio audience of the Dominion much talent hitherto unknown. These functions have .also driven home to the immediate populations concerned the important influence of radio as a social amenity, and have certainly contributed to the inspiration of more interest in theprovincial areas. That field is capable of still further exploitation as a preliminary to the policy of the future, involving the establishing of relay stations, in order to give the necessary standard reception | at all times. (CONGRATULATIONS may be extended to Dunedin upon its elevation to equal rank with Auckland and Christchurch in radio power. This advancement will be of marked interest to the whole Dominion, in that the special musical talent of the southern city will now be available more efficiently than before to northern listeners.

We anticipate that the opening ceremony being held on the 16th will be of a memorable character, and will be the occasion for an interesting review of the radio position. That aspect will be dealt: with in our next issue. — PAYLIGHT saving time became effective from Sunday last, and will play a small part in relation to radio. It will have the effect of giving those who specially desire the Australian stations a better opportunity of hearing them, as following on the closing-down of the New Zealand stations, it will be possible for them to switch to their favourite trans-Tasman source. In New Zealand itself the longer hours of daylight will have an -éffect upon. distant. reception. The lesson of past seasons, however, shows that year by year the seasonal nature of radio bécomes less and less. Even though in summer time the same long hours are not devoted to listening as in "the winter, radio is required for the occasions when listening 4 desired. It is expected by the radio trade that the seasonal of radio will be less marked this summer than ever before. It is higtily desirable that this should be so. .