Radio In Russia

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 45, 22 May 1931, Page 19

Radio In Russia

Extensive Plans REPORT recently issued by the United States Department of Commerce states that by 1932 Soviet Russia plans to place in operation twenty-two additional stations of 100 kilowatts power, as well as 133 smaller-powered stations. The total cost of construction has been placed at approximately £10,000,000. The report estimates that there are now 2,764,000 receiving sets among the Russian population. Of these, 2,100,000 are in rural districts. Russian progress in wireless development may be judged from the fact that in 1929 there were only 400,000 receiving sets in use. The industry is working to capacity and unable to cope with the demand from all parts of the country for receiving sets. The Soviet Government is doing its utmost to stimulate the industry, both froin the standpoint of station installations and the manufacture of receiving sets. According to the current report, 1,800,000 sets will be produced in 1931, which would then give one set to every thirty-five of the population. Popular interest in wireless is fostered by the formation of civic radio clubs, the best known being "The Friends of Radio," with 300,000 members. Magazines and pamphlets containing information and programmes are distributed to all persons interested. Hitherto little information has been available, but the report just released by the Department of Commerce shows that an intensive development of the wireless industry and broadcasting activities is an important part in the Five Year Plan, now being pushed to completion.