What Do the Listening Public Want?

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 30, 6 February 1931, Page 5

What Do the Listening Public Want?

Music Teachers’ Association and — Higher Standards Company Willing to Co-operate

"WE, as teachers of music, should do all we can to raise the terribly and abominably low standard of the radio work of New Zealand," was the pronouncement of Mr. John Bishop, of Wellington, at the annual meeting of the Music Teachers’ Association, at Christchurch, last week. He suggested that they should protest to the Government and perhaps make some suggestions for programmes.

* This opened a discussion, and the whole subject of radio programmes was considered. There were some of the delegates who protested against the standard that was maintained, while others were of the opinion that the company was making a strong effort to cater for all classes. It was suggested that more qualified artists, though fewer in number, should be employed. Against this it was argued that the public which generally wanted lighter music, seriously objected to a few good artists. Variety was much in demand, and if artists appeared too regularly there were complaints. One music teacher well known in Christchurch circles stated: that she and her company had not been wanted because they did nothing but Grand Opera. ‘This was not the fault of the company, but the ever pressing -demands of the listeners for the lighter forms of music. , During the discussion it was mentioned that the R.B.C. paid over a large sum to the musical bodies of Christchurch, and in doing this were definitely aiding these associations, lt

was not the company’s fault that the standard of the broadcasts was not higher. Mr. Bishop here pointed out that he had been appalled sometimes by what he had heard, because even the "tosh" had been badly done. A strong bedy such as their own should bring some weight to bear and have improvements effected. All were not in complete agreement, however, and it was further pointed out that the company were doing 2 great deal to raise the standard of public taste, though they were having a difficult fight. The discussion resulted in a resolution being passed that the Company be urged to consult the Association with regard to improving the programmes, N reply, Mr. A. R. Harris, general manager of the R.B.C., remarked that those who criticised the programmes quite evidently had only a grandstand view of the service. All the programmes were arranged to suit the greatest numbers, and though musicians might not find them to their liking, there were many who would strongly object were the programmes that would suit them broadcast. It was an easy matter to condemn a service without giving concrete examples. Was the listening set employed by Mr. Bishop of the type that would reproduce all the music as it was broadcast? Did Mr. Bishop listen regularly? The company endeavoured to make available per medium of the service as many public functions as _ possible, though in many of these instances the technical difficulties were great, and if the trangmissions were faulty it was despite every precaution on the part of the company to ensure their success. The case of studio performers was different, and adjustments that kept them in line with the latest broadcasting practice were constantly made. "The greatest care also ig exercised in the engaging of talent, and only those capable of a high standard are accepted for broadcast on the programmes organised by the company’s staff," he added. "If some of the items broadcast by these artists do not appear up to standard, then it does not necessarily follow that it is the fault of the artists. "Every care is taken to see that ms are periees when

leaving the station, but such transmissions cannot be coloured and traced to their destination." Some of the apparatus on which the transmissions were received was econsiderably out of date and inefficient. With regard to the engagement of fewer and more highly paid artists, the company was partly in agreement, and utilized some of the most qualified talent available. As a result of this, it was severely criticised for presenting the same singers, although it realised that in doing this the standard of performance was higher and the variety of programmes greater. It was not practicable from the point of view of daily programmes to employ even the same good talent regularly, and the public resented the ‘frequent broadcast of the same performers. Consideration had also to be given the provision of additional talent by co-operating with the young musicians, as only by an all-round cooperation could it be hoped to improve the position in respect to a greater, variety and higher standard. "We shall be only too pleased to co-operate with the association," added Mr. Harris. "In fact, we have for a number of years now been endeavouring to interest the music teachers in the broadcast service. It must be borne in mind, however, that the broadcast service is not entirely one of music, as there are other sections that must be given equal consideration. "It is now some time since the Broadcasting Company inaugurated musical and dramatic committees at each of its four stations, such committees consisting of outside authorities on musical and dramatic art. These com» mittees are invited to make suggestions, and a great deal of good werk has been done. On these committees we have invited representation from the Professional Musicians’ Asseciation, and, in fact, have representatives at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, Wellingon being the only centre which has not availed itself of the company’s offer of co-operation.