Broadcasting in Australia

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 30, 5 February 1932, Page 15

Broadcasting in Australia

a System May Be Altered Soman little time before the Scullin Government retired and submitted itself to the decision of electors in Australia, it was announced that the adoption of a system of broadcasting control similar to that of the British Broad--easting Corporation was eontemplated. The present company’s tenure of office ires in June next, and it was planned that legislation should be introduced for a board to take over at that time. The decision of the electors, however, removed the Scullin Government from office, so that the new Government headed by the Hon. J. A. Lyons requires to formulate its own policy for the future control of broadcasting. The issue is naturally exciting a: certain smount of interest in circles connected with broadcasting, and a number of deputations have been placing their views before members of the Federal Cabinet. Last week in Melbourne a strong deputation from independent Victorian organisations and leading citizens presented to the Postmaster-General, Mr. Fenton, a strong case for the British system of broadcasting control, namely, the appointment of an independent board of persons of culture and standing to administer the national broadeasting service, The educational. value of broadcasting as a medium for the development of culture and public opinion was emphasised, together with the strong need for the controlling authority to be free from sectional or politieal bias. In replying to the representations made, the Postmaster-General stated that no policy had yet been decided upon by the Ministry. A careful investigation of the many features of the service, however, was proceeding. An early decision would be reached, and he believed that the Ministry would evolve a form of contro} thas would result in a definite improvement of the service.