Editorial Notes

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 42, 29 April 1932, Page 4

Editorial Notes

L Wellington, Friday, April 29, 1932

THE fact that the licenses of "B" class stations have been extended, not for twelve months, but only to the end of June, indicates that the field is being left clear for the Broadcasting Board to determine its plans for the future development of the broadcasting service in the Dominion. As is well known, the Coverage Commission is at work securing data from all districts regarding reception and coverage. The report of that Commission witl necessarily largely determine events, for the Commission is required to make recommendations for the progressive development of the service in the future. It will then be for the Board to determine how far it will adopt those recommendations and the rate at which it will develop them. * bo * [N the meantime the future of the . *B" class stations is uncertain. It will be remembered that applications were made to the Board on behalf of certain interests for a subsidy. ‘That question was deferred pending fuller inquiry into the question of coverage. The short-term license now given "B" class stations indicates that the whole matter is in the melting-pot. The "B" class stations divide into two main classes: First, those which seek a certain amount of revenue from sponsored programmes; anc, secondly, those which do not care greatly whether they receive revenue from that source or not. It is an open secret that, since the application for subsidy from the Board was deferred, certain ‘‘B" stations have actively developed the sponsored programme as a feature of their business. This, it is understood, has led to certain pressure from anterested quarters, and, it is believed, warning not to overstep the mark. This seems to be a case where overdevelopment might have far-reach-ing consequences. Those "B" stations which do not concern themselves much with sponsored programmes are mainly situate in country districts.

UNTIL the Coverage Commission summarises its information and presents its considered recommendations, it is impossible to assess the bearing of its proposals upon the future of the broadcasting service. All that can really be stated now is that the "B" station system, as it has been allowed to develop, is entitled to a certain amount of consideration in respect of the service it has given. A definite volume of gratitude is, we believe, felt by many listeners for the service of certain "B" stations. These services have covered two main fields. In the cities, services alternative to those provided by the main YA stations have been given with a considerable degree of acceptability to city listeners. In the country dcistricts, local stations in many instances have helped their areas by providing radio where reception of

the main stations was not good. To those enthusiasts the gratitude of both listeners and the trade is due. * " * IN view of the economic difficulties of the times and the necessity for concentrating the funds of listeners upon the progressive development of the main stations, we would not be at all surprised to find the Board’s decision to be that it is unable to subsidise any "B" stations. If the Board finds that it is able to extend some subsidies, so much the better ; but, looking at the question all round and having regard ‘to the financial obligations of the Board, we can envisage the possibility that the Board will feel its duty to be concentration and not diffuston. * * * JN the event of no subsidy at all being available, decision wil! still have to be reached upon the terms on which the "B" stations will be allowed to continue operations. Some of the existing stations — exceeding thirty in num-ber-imay be deemed to be superfluous in relation to the Board’s scheme. It may, however, we think, be assumed that none will be definitely closed down without

effort being made to at least maintain the existing standard of service, The whole question is a knotty one, to the final decision upon which many factors will contribute. Until the essential evidence is available, the problems arising can only be mentioned. We feel, however, that we will be expressing the view of many listeners in saying that, so far as it is possible in line with finance and developmental plans, sympathetic consideration to the claims of the "B" stations will be welcomed by their public. Just how big their public is is a matter upon which the questionnaire now nearing completion is likely to throw an illuminating beam. Analysis of

the questionnaire, with its indications of the popularity cf various stations and the districts served, will prove a useful supplement to the report of the Coverage Commission.

A Concert by | The Aeolian Orchestra And assisting artists will be relayed from the Lewis Eady Hall By 1YA, on May 5.