Australian Radio Commission

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 41, 22 April 1932, Page 4

Australian Radio Commission

An Expert’s Suggestions (COMMENTING on the recent decision of the Federal Cabinet to establish a commission to control broadcasting, Mr. E. T. Fisk, managing director of Amalgamated Wireless, while addressing a radio conference recently, expressed the opinion that whatever might be the constitution of the proposed broadcasting commission, the responsibilities of that commission should inelude the following :- 1. Provision of a standard orchestra ip each State under the best ayailabie conductor. 2. Periodical massing of two or more . such orchestras in each State. 8. Selection in each State of the i&st available individual talent, vocal and instrumental, with arrangements for iutercbange among the States. 4. Co-operation with choirs and choral societies for large-scale performances for broadcasting. 5. Selection and presentation of dramatie and comedy sketches suitable for broadcasting. 6. Special arrangements with churches, newspapers, lecturers, private bands and orchestras to present special features for broadcasting. 7%. Debates on subjects of general] interest and national importance, but excluding current party political issues. 8. Arrangement to -.broadcast all 7 eminent persons visiting Australia, including prominent vocal and instrumental artists, also arrangements for bringing suitable people to Australia to tour the broadcasting circuit. 9. Organising public performances in association with special broadcasts. 10. Arrangements with universities for organised extension courses at suitable hours. 11. Arrangement with State education authorities for approved broadcasts to schools. 12. Reasonable arrangements for broadcasting sporting matters. 18. Comprehensive arrangements to broadcast weather and market information particularly useful to country districts. 14. Co-operation rather than competition with the B class broadcasting services. Mr, Fisk added that the radio industry did not mind who ran the eommission so long as it was well that was the principal thing. It would be economically unsound to expect the commission to operate along the same lines as the British Broadcasting Corporation owing to the enormous differences in population. revenue, and territory, comparing Australia with England. In those circumstances it was hoped that whatever was done would be done on the right: lines.