The Radio Year

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 25, 3 January 1930, Page 7

The Radio Year

A Candid Criticism "HERD is a feeling of satisfaction," _ says the radio editor of the Auckland "Star," in reviewing the year’s achievements, and as an intro-. duction to a candid criticism of the work of the R.B.C. :- No AS the year 1929 draws to a close one is inclined to look back upon radio achievement throughout the Dominion during the past twelve months. Generally there is a feeling of satisfaction in the retrospect, for New Zealand broadcasting during the year has made considerable progress — in many avenues, even though it has failed to teach heights comparable. with those attained in Britain and Australia. "Our programmes certainly have im-proved-and there wus urgent need of improvement, The result has been reflected in a steady increase of licenses, which have now topped the 50,000. mark, and, what is more important, promise to stay well above that mark. Programmes, however, are still lucking in that finish and "balance"? which are essential to thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. There is frequent evidence of want of sufficient rehearsal and careful programme building, features upon which the Broadcasting Company might well concentrate much attention during the coming year. "The undertaking of long-distance relays has been the most outstanding success of 1929. All four stations have undertaken this work, and have done most .creditably under initial difficulties which had to be faced. Next year should see big extensions of relay programmes, and there will be a general wish for regular exchanges between Aucklund and Wellington. HTN sports features the broadcasting of running accounts of wrestling contests .was the most noteworthy development. In Aucklarid these accounts were most popular through the special capability of the announcer, but other centres were not so fortunate with their man at the microphone, and the descriptions suffered in consequence. "There is still very general disappointment at the continuation of the system of announcing items withou: supplying the names of artists. This is unfair both to the artists and to the general public, and is a special handicap to those who, lying on beds of sickness, still like to listen-in to the nightly radio programmes. It passes the writer’s comprehension how the Broadcasting Company can justify their present procedure. . When a concert is relayed, the name of every artist comes over the air, yet when per- formers appear before the studio micrcphone they do so unheralded except in cold print. Does any, other country adopt this method? Let us hope that the New Year will bring a needed. change. "As the ‘small fry’-our cheerful little stations 1ZB and 1ZQ-listeners . should ‘be grateful for many a delight-: ful programme of.records., These smal! : stations have done good service without monetary reward for it in the form. of license revenue, and they are to be

congratulated upon the success ‘they have achieved. r _ ."The new year dawns with big hopes of radio progress. Revenue should now be assured, and broadeasting ought to be on a sound financial basis, Naturally we shall clamour for extended hours and better programmes, even while we express gratitude for past extensions, especially in the form of the dinner music sessions, which have given broadcasting a big lift in popularity. We look forward to fucreased relay facilities, provided with regularity, and in fact to a host of minor improvements which the Broadcasting Company indicates are under consideration. The hope of all listeners is that projected improvements will materialise, and that right soon,"