EDITORIAL NOTES.

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 45, 22 May 1931, Page 4

EDITORIAL NOTES.

(SONGRATULATIONS may be extended to the Wellington Rugby "Union upon its decision to permit of its matches being broadcast this season by 2YA. By this decision the Rugby Union will maintain the prestige of the national game in the Capital City and its environs, and confer a distinct benefit upon invalid and country listeners. There is no doubt as to the popularity of football broadcasts, and the decision to meet the public wishes in this matter iS a wise one. ‘The arrangement effected on both sides fully meets the position, ALTHOUGH the official opening of the private station which has been erected in Wellington has been postponed from May 14 to 21, the station has been operating for the past few days. Its operation has brought home to listeners who use crystal sets and unselective valve sets certain disabilities which will have. to be rectified hy them before they can enjoy radio in the future as in the past. From the technical point of view the position created is that, because both 2YA and the new station are using relatively high power, and are close together, listeners with non-selective sets are bound to he troubled with interference. The position created is that crystal users with sets of old design will in all probability have to scrap their old apparatus. A design of crystal set, however, is possible which can separate the two transmissions. A description of such a crystal set which, on results so far secured, it is believed will give the necessary separation, is printed elsewhere in this issue. Those using non‘selective sets will be compelled to install a wave-trap. The material for the construction of an ideal wave-trap is, we understand, unfortunately not on the local market at the moment, although supplies are en route. In those circumstances a certain amount of inconvenience is likely to be caused set-owners in that category, although less efficient "traps" are possible,

BECAUSE of the technical difficulties indicated in the foregoing the trend of radio in America, where numerous stations operat relatively close ‘together, has been for the elimination of the crystal set and the low-powered non-selective set, and concentration of sales effort upon the relatively high-powered make with a high degree of selectivity. This imposes a certain amount of extra cost upon listeners who have been relying upon the class of apparatus now rendered unsuitable. : B CLASS stations are now operating in each of the four centres, Wellington being the last to witness this development. We have on previous occasions expressed our views on this situation. We believe that the best interests of listeners will be served by concentration upon, one main national service, building up over a period the necessary relay and distributive points in provincial centres. For the sake of alternative programmes and more speedy coverage, the Government authorities have permitted the development of a number of privatelyowned stations at different points. The Postmaster-General has expressed himself as being definitely averse to the institution of radio advertising of either a direct or sponsored character. We commend his: declarations on that point, and trust that the regulations thereupon will be adequately administered. The danger inherent in the creation of a B class system is that demand may ultimately be made, either for a share of listeners’ revenue, or the right to secure advertising revenue at the cost of artistry. Tither of those developments, we believe firmly, would do ultimate damage to the interests of listeners; but, given suitable guarantees against those possibilities, listeners may in the meantime welcome and enjoy any extra service made available from B class sources. :