Stop Press

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 44, 13 May 1932, Page 4

Stop Press

ee Programme Innovation

THE principle of the "Stop Press" column in the newspapers-which permits of the publication of important news received after the pages of the paper have been made up and are actually in the course of being printed-is to be applied to the programmes of the YA stations. As is well known, broadcast programmes are prepared weeks in adyance, and as a consequence it frequently happens that, in the time between the preparation and the presenting of the programmes, items which would be welcomed by listeners cannot be taken advantage of. It is to mect this contingency-perhaps a visiting artist who would perform, or a notable personage who would give a talk, new recordings just to hand, or perhaps some topical happening-that a space of fifteen minutes is being allowed on programmes. ‘This period is being reseryed at 9 o’clock every evening, except on such evenings when there is already an outstanding regular attraction,, such as au international talk or "surprise item." This innovation will allow of greater elasticity in the programnies, and listenerg will be intrigued each evening 1s they wait till 9 oclock to see what this Pandora’s box has in store for them. The mystery ‘surrounding the "surprise item" at 2YA creates the greatest interest every three weeks, and, in a minor degree, the nightly unallotted quarter of an hour will he endowed with al] the elements of surprise.