After Midnight

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 26, 8 January 1932, Page 28

After Midnight

Board Control [MMEDIATELY after the chimes at midnight, when the Broadcasting Company’s control ended, a statement was read by the announcers on behalf of the Radio Board. This message appears elsewhere. A further statement was made by the Postmaster-General and read at 9 p.m. on January 1, 1982, at the four YA stations. : "At midnight last night the owner ship of the four YA stations passed from the Radio Broadcasting Com: pany to the Post and Telegraph Department in accordance with an agreement made some years ago. The Post and Telegraph Department is buying the stations from the company and when the transaction is completed Will hand them over to the Board established under the Broadcasting Act of last year. From to-day the Broadcasting Board will be operating the stations, and, as provided by Act of Parliament, it will be the duty of the board to improve and extend the service until the whole of New Zealand is adequately covered with as good a broadcasting service as can be provided with the funds available,

"T desire to take this opportunity of expressing the Government’s appreciation of the service given to the listeners by the company during the past six years. Prior to the formation of the Radio Broadcasting Company other groups had earried = on broadcasting, but without much — success, and it was not until the YA stations came into existence that a regular service was given. The Radio Broadcasting Company pioneered the service in New Zealand, and even if their service did not meet with the approval of all. at least it must be acknowledged that the service to-day is organised. on a very satisfactory basis. "In conclusion, I would ask for the new board the sympathetic co-operation of all listeners. A happy New Year to you all." Seized of Its Responsibilities, FURTHER statement was made by the board:-"The board desires to inform listeners that it is fully seized of its responsibilities and that it will do its utmost to fulfil its funetions in a manner satisfactory to licensees, It will endeavour to proceed along pro-

gressive lines with the idea of providing the best possible service and alWays with the idea of building up a broadcasting service that will be a credit to the Dominion. It will be appreciated that the board has not yet had an opportunity of investigating details and that it is not possible at this juncture to touch on policy matters. The board believes that the organisation taken over from the Radio Broadcasting Company is an efficient one; and it is not proposed to disturb it meanwhile. . "So far as programmes are concerned, while a few minor changes have been made, the board has concentrated

on ensuring that a smooth service will be afforded throughout January. An advisory council to the board has yet to be appointed and, until the advice of that body is available, no noteworthy changes will be made. "The members of the board extend to listeners their best wishes for 1932, and express the hope that. as time goes on, the board’s efforts in the interests of broadcasting will meet with the approbation of licensees."