Adverse Conditions Prevent Rebroadcast of Race for America Cup

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 10, 19 September 1930, Page 3

Adverse Conditions Prevent Rebroadcast of Race for America Cup

[HERE are many. better hours to commence broadcasting than threethirty in the morning. Nevertheless, all New Zealand stations went on the air at this time Sunday morning’ last to attempt to rebroadcast the description ‘of ‘the first of the series of five races for the America Cup.

dinormous -interest is being taken in all parts of the world in these races, in which Sir Thomas Lipton hopes with his yacht "Shamrock V" to wrest the coverted trophy from the present holders. This is the sixth attempt that Sir Thomas, who is now 80 years of age, has made in the last 30 years. The cup became the possession of the United States 79 years ago, and many

attempts have been made to regain it. This year they are seeking to hold the prize by the "Wnterprise." The race is over a course of thirty miles, and it will be covered in different manners during five, days. The cup passes to the winner of three of these races, Extensive preparations have been made in the United States in order that a running commentary on the race might be broadcast. Observers are being located on destroyers, dirigibles, and aeroplanes, and the announcer's descriptions are being relayed throughout the whole network of stations covering the North American Continent. Short-wave broadcasts are being made from Boundbrook, Pittsburg,’ and Schenectady. In New Zealand the results of the races are keenly awaited, but the time is rather unfortunate for quick dissemination of the results. On the New | Zealand clock the race is run between 8.30 and 7.30 a.m. This is a particularly bad time for the reception of the American stations, which are rarely, heard at any strength in the mornings. It is not surprising then that all the stations were unsuccessful when they attempted to rebroadcast the descriptions, which could not even be heard. © Private operators were likewise unsuccessful, and in this connection it is interesting to note that our short-wave correspondent, Mr. Sellens, who, it is generally conceded, will get anything. if it can be had, was unable to pick up any of the stations participating. The attempt was a commendable one, but it illustrated the point that further efforts will be wasted. Bven under the difficulties, the Broadcasting Company have made arrangements to apprise listeners of the result as soon as stations go on the air. The results are known in New Zealand too late for the morning papers, and as the stations commence their afternoon session just as the first editions of the city papers are out, country and suburban listeners will have the results as soon aS any one. The Broadcasting Company has had to make special arrangements to make this possible for they do not have access to the Press Association messages, by which the news normally reaches this country.