EDITORIAL NOTES.

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 13, 9 October 1931, Page 4

EDITORIAL NOTES.

JLESS than three months remain till the end of the year, when the arrangement between the Radio Broadcasting Company and the Government terminates. During the past week an irresponsible Press rumour was put into circulation to the effect that a renewal to the Company had been decided upon. This was promptly corrected by an official statement that, under pressure of the national economic crisis, Cabinet had not been able as yet to give consideration to the broadcasting situation. That can well be understood, and it is quite unnecessary, we concede, to urge the Postmaster-General, the Hon. A. Hamilton, to expedite a decision. Doubtless he is as fully seized of the requirements of the situation as others, and will approach the problem at the earliest possible moment. All parties to the broadcasting situation recognise that a delayed decision will accentuate difficulties in the New Year. From the Broadcasting Company’s point of view, obviously no plans can be formulated beyond December 31, and the service in the interval can only continue on the existing basis. Trade interests and listeners’ interests march with those of the Company in being desirous of a decision. Cabinet, charged with the major purpose of restoring the national economic equilibrium, must obviously place first things first, but broadcasting can well be regarded as a very important secondary consideration, and all parties will be glad when finality is reached, and, it is to be hoped, a basis arrived at which will enable progress for the future to be undertaken on a foundation which will be as free as possible from contact with politics. We feel that the broadened basis of organisation submitted by the Company, permitting listener participation in the shareholding and direction of the service, is a sound and workable scheme which, once adopted, will allow the service to continue indefinitely, freed from unnecessary contact with disturbing political turmoil.