Radio in Norway

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 26, 9 January 1931, Page 11

Radio in Norway

Transmissions for Fishing-Boats |

( HE advent of radio programmes in Norway has done much to enliven the rather dull and dreary lives of the small farmers and independent landowners. These people, during a short summer, draw a precatious livelihood from .the soil and devote the winter months to fishing in the numerous fjords, which cut into the land and reach for many miles up the ‘submerged valleys dominated by ranges of mountains. In many instances these almost inpassable natural barriers cut off the inhabitants from what might otherwise be neighbouring village However, ‘through the enterprise of the Norwegian broadcasting companies, these ‘lonely hamlets are now kept in constant ‘touch with the outside worid, even when the heavy winter snowfalis prevent any possible journeying to a more flourishing centre, in closer communication with the capital and its brighter life. Considerable use in Norway also has been made of broadcast telephony for the benefit of that country’s large fishing fleet. Indeed, as far back as 1895, experiments were carried out with a

view to providing an efficient wireless service of weather forecasts, storm warnings and the transmission of news bulletins of interest to craft on the high seas. Later, in view of its great advantages, the service was extended to include other stations on the coast, and to-day from several coastal radio stations transmissions are effected at reguiar periods. Thus the masters of trawlers, smacks, and motor-cutters on the more distant fishing grounds may obtain all information in respect of probable weather conditions, market reports and any items of information which may assist them in their daily work. Whereas the installation of radia telegraphy apparatus would have been in most instances a difficult.one, most units of Norway’s fishing fleet, however small, are equipped with simple valve receivers which permit the reception of these useful land transmissions at comparatively great distances. In the same manner, these small "sets" also give entertainment to the erews in their leisure hours and keep them in touch with happenings on the mainland during their long cruises.