Financial Assistance Sought from Radio Board

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 31, 12 February 1932, Page 5

Financial Assistance Sought from Radio Board

Siatement by Board wet wee * Difficulties Outlined mpua New Zealand Broadcasting Board concluded its second meeting on the evening of the 4th instant. It is understood that many importart matters were discussed and dealt with. ° Considerable attention was given to the "B" station question, which it will be generally conceded is a vexed ove and one not capable of hurried settlement. The chairman of the board, Mr. H. D. Vickery, in the course of an interview with a representative of this paper, stuted that many "B" stations had applied for assistance and some appeared to think that their applications should be granted forthwith. The board, however, was in the peculiar position of not being able to budget, even approximately, for the year 1982. This is due to the fact that the board has not the remotest idea of the amount it will*be required to pay to the Postmaster-Gen-eral for the assets of the Broadcasting Company. Just so soon as an approximation of this amount can be ascertained the board can set about the preparation of a rough budget. It will be apparent to listeners that the "B" station question is a most important one. It is not only the larger stations in the four centres affording alternative services that have to be considered. There are a number of small stations in other places rendering the only available service to listeners in their respective localities. These, in the opinion of many, are entitled to first consideration. It is admitted that most "B" stations are rendering service in varying degrees, but it has to be remembered that most of them were established primarily as commercial undertakings. The board’s duty is to utilise the revenue derived from listeners’ fees to the best possible advantage. It does not intend to dissipate any of the listeners’ money by entering into commitments without full and careful inquiry and a survey of the position. The board instigated inquiries immediately on appointment, but the information yet available is insufficient to warrant a definite line of action being indicated. Within a month; however, it is expected that the preliminary inquiries will be completed, and the board will then be in a position to consider what attitude it should adopt towards "B" stations. The larger question of permanent coverage has to be investigated by experts, and this work naturally will occupy some months. The "B" station question and the coverage problem are by no means the only important matters being dealt with by the board, but at this juncture it is perhaps undesirable to mention others. Listeners can rest assured that

the board is doing its utmost to promote and conserve their interests. FrOLLOWING upon the foregoing statement being made in the Press, statements were issued by Stations 2ZW and 3ZC suggesting curtailment of their services was inevitable.