THE SERVICE CARRIES ON.

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 3, 31 July 1931, Page 4

THE SERVICE CARRIES ON.

PARLIAMENT and the politicians, by protracted delay in finalising the broadcast isstie, are offering substantial proof every day of the inadvisability of broadcasting being mixed up with politics. There is general unanimity on this point right throughout the community, yet through the dilatoriness of the Government the very position which everybody wishes to avoid is being created. It is now over a year since the Postmaster-General gave an indication of his policy, with the promise that legislation would be introduced this session for _ finalisation of the scheme. Announcements made by the Minister since then indicate the complete abandonment of his first proposal. Nothing has yet been submitted to take its place, and a mere policy of drift seems to obtain at the moment. THIS uncertainty is certainly not in the best interests of those primarily concerned. Radio is now an essential part of civilised life. It is serving an increasingly important function day by day, and the needs of the service, and the importance of satisfying the wants of the ever-enlarging circle of listeners, merit the establishment of a clear-cut definite policy to permit of progressive expansion. The position as it obtains at present imposes definite difficulties upon the Broadcasting Company. In spite of the uncertainty of the future, however, the service is carrying on its way unperturbed. More than that, no opportunity is being lost to give listeners extra service. The initiative shown by 2YA in describing an important fire in Wellington recently was commendable. Similarly, for the sake of Southland Rugby enthusiasts a relay of the Southland-Wellington Ranfurly Shield match was given Invercargill residents by the necessary co-operation of other stations, including the Invercargill "B" station. No fewer than four "B" stations are now being served with regular programmes weekly from YA stations. These distributive points are Hamilton, Palmerston North, Masterton and Invercargill. This service is proving so attractive to local listeners in those areas that arrangements are in hand for an expansion of the service. Applications for the extension

of these facilities to Greymouth and Napier could not be granted by . the Post and Telegraph Department because of technical difficulties. on "THIS feature emphasises the opportunity lost by the non-acceptance of the complete relay scheme submitted to the Government some two and a half years ago. The proposal then was that suitable relay stations at strategic points should be established for connection with the YA service. Had that progressive scheme been initiated then, it is certain that the total of listeners to-day would be infinitely larger than it is. In the circumstances as they exist at the moment, the Broadcasting Company and the "B" class stations concerned are to be congratulated upon the degree of co-operation that is obtaining. TO-DAY’S situation is definitely unsatisfactory to listeners, as a few months only remain till expiry of the existing contract. If that contract is to be continued, possibly no great harm is being done by the delay, although naturally plans for expansion must be suspended until finality is achieved. On the other hand if, as the Minister has indicated, a change is to be made, then definite harm is being done .by the political dilatoriness being shown, because it will restrict the tthe of preparation for the new service taking over. The one outstanding lesson in the situation is the inadvisability of politicians playing any part in a broadcasting service, as by that means opening is presented for intrigue and procrastination. Listeners whose funds maintain the service require primarily musical programmes and news adequate to their needs. That service can be improved only by progressive enlargement of the circle of listeners. That involves in turn a progressive reticulation of the countryside regardless of political factors. Parliament will be rendering its best service to listeners by dealing with this matter definitely at the earliest possible moment and in such a way as to permit of sound and satisfactory development for the future unhampered by political factors.