Solution Expected from Australian Negotiations

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 21, 4 December 1931, Page 2

Solution Expected from Australian Negotiations

(From

our special Australian correspondent.

HE broadcasting world of Aus#v>)| tralia is seething with interest as the result of an order from the principal manufacturers of gramophone records in the Commonwealth that no longer may the broadcasters use their records. Although every radio station has: received official intimation to this effect, the order has not been enforced-in-deed no step has been taken so far to enforce it-pending the broadcasters having an opportunity to consider the position and endeavour to come to some amicable arrangement with the makers of the records. Case For Record Manufacturers. THE special. correspondent of the "Radio Record" sought an explanation of the position from the leaders of the gramophone industry. Myr. John Ritchie, general manager in Australia of the Gramophone Company, makers of His Master’s Voice productions, and Mr. W. A. Donner, managing director of Columbia Gramophone (Australia) Ltd., explained. their position jointly. They pointed out that for the past few years His Master’s Voice, Columbia and Parlophone records have been used without restriction by the broadcasting companies of both Australia and New Zealand. As it was thus possible for anyone to hear their records over the air without payment, many persons had ceased to buy records. The result was that the companies which manufactured them had -been very severely hit. As a consequence of the slackness of trade arising from these facts, the record manufacturers had been compelled to dispense with the services of many of their employees.

Messrs. Ritchie and Donner said it would be difficult to state just how many persons had suffered through he broadcasting ‘of records. The record making industry had many and wide ramifications and had become firmly established, but now its very existence was threatened. Their action, they stated, was intended in no spirit of antagonism to the broadcasting companies; it was designed purely in a spirit of self-defence for the preservation of what had become a very important industry. When the line of action determinted upon became effective, it would be possible, they expected, to find emnloyment for many whose services had been dispensed with. Broadcasters Alarmed. HIS announcement spread consterna- , tion among the managers of the broadcasting stations. In addition to the eight A class stations and the two relay stations which receive their support from the license fees of listeners, there are in Australia about 40 B class stations in actual operation, the latter being dependent upon advertising for their support. A few of these use flesh and blood artists-stations like 2GB and 2KY Sydney, and38DB Melbourne-but practically all the rest have relied entirely upon recorded music to make up the backbone of their programmes. This is largely true even of the other B sta-

Sydney, November 26. tions mentioned. 2UW, Sydney, has built up perhaps the highest reputation in Australia, entirely on its programmes of records. Plans of the B Stations. VARYING attitudes were adopted by broadcasting companies. The management of the A stations, confident no doubt that their position in the world of music would help them to make an arrangement which would be acceptable to both parties, said but little. They concede the justice ofthe manufacturers’ position, but Wish zo escape as lightly as possible. They have opened up negotiations with the manufacturers and these are proceeding. As for the B class broadcasters, some said it would simply mean the closing of their stations.. They pointed out that records made up. their programmes, therefore take away the records and there would be nothing left. Others adopted a defiant attitude and said they would continue to broadcast, and the record makers could do whatever they liked. Others again, notably 2GB, said they had enough records in stock to last ther: for three years. At the end of that time-vwell, no doubt many things could happen in three years. B Stations in Conference. \A T the present moment the exeeutiveh of the Federation of Australian Broadcasting Stations (which comprises practically all the B class companies) is meeting in Melbourne to consider the position. This week they each received formal notice that the broadcasting of His Master’s Voice, Columbia, Zonophone, Parlophone and Regal Records was: now prohibited. However, as the letters of the manufacturers implied that the prohibition was not intended to be the final word on the matter, and that they would be prepared to consider terms upon which they would agree to the records being used, the B class companies hope that a mutually satisfactory arrangement may be made. The secretary of the B Olass Federation (Mr. G. L, Chilvers) stated today that the federation was prepgred to co-operate in any reasonable ‘"way with the record-makers if it could be shown that the broadcasting actually interfered with their business. The federation, however, had serious doubts as to the legality of the prohibition, and it had therefore suggested a conference or a friendly appeal’ to the: courts to determine the rights of both parties, There the position rests at the moment. In the meanwhile some: light was shed. on the ideas of the manufacturers this week by the arrival in Melbourne from DPngland of Mr. W. Manson, formerly general manager of the Gramophone Company, and now ny’ member of the executive -of the com: pany in England. Mr. Manson saidvit . was not essential that an absolute veto be imposed. In England the broadcasters showed deference to the wishes of the manufacturers, and he -Hoped that an agreement would, be reached which would end the present deadlock.