Editorial Notes

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 45, 20 May 1932, Page 4

Editorial Notes

, Wellington, Friday, May 20, 1933

~’ HE question submitted by our contributor "Spark" to readers as to the necessity of "B" class stations provoked response from readers that possesses some points of interest. The winning letter, and those of the more outstanding contributors, are given in another column, and doubtless will be read with attention. One somewhat surprising feature in connection with this inquiry was the relatively small numerical response by listeners. We do not know whether this means that the readers of the "Radio Record" are so financially sound as to make 2 guinea prize insignificant in its appeal, or whether it will warrant the interpretation that there is not that volume of support for "B" elass stations that has been thought. Le) s ¢ {HE view taken by the winner and the majority of contributors is that in the present circumstances, and until clarification of the New Zealand Broadcasting Board’s policy on the report of the Coverage Commission, the "B" class stations are necessary from the point of view of listeners. The winner makes a fundamental point . when he. indicates that those "B" class stations which are essential to adequate coverage of the country should be coordinated with the "YA" service. and in effect become "A" stations. The policy of the "Radio Record" always has been that in the fundamental interests of listeners there was room in the Dominion only for one major co-ordinated and unified service, supported by the fees of listeners. While we have neve! agreed with the policy which has allowed so great a number of "B" class stations to grow up in this country, we do feel sympathy with those "B" stations in the situation in which they now find themselves, and which may be accentuated in the future. We foresaw that inevitably, as the "B" class stations

gave a service which was appreciated, and as their operators found the burden of maintaining them grow, appeals would be made to the central service for a share of the moneys provided by listeners. We foresaw equally that, if that central fund was to be divided among 2 growing number of units, then the general efficiency of the service would be impaired. It was from that angle, and not from any antagonism to. the "B" stations in themselves, that we consistently issued warnings of the dangerous situation in which "B" class stations might eventually find themselves. Unquestionably listeners have derived benefit from the gratuitous

service given them by the "B" class stations. In rural areas in particular they have rendered a service. In the cities they have provided a service of a luxury character in that it was alternative to the service given by the "YA" stations-i.e., in relation to the main afternoon and even: ing hours. In cases they have give: morning sessions whici are a distinct advantage to trading interests. ™ % a AS indicated, the response in support of "B" class stations did not reach the volume we expecte:l. and we are wondering whither the final analysis of the questionnaire inaugurated by the Broadcasting Board will provide a parallel, and reveal that over the whole number of listeners the percentage habitually preferring "}3" stations is smal}. In certain areas the support accorded popular "B" stations may be definitely big, and it is perhaps in those areas that the Board must first concentrate to effect either coordination with the existing "B's" or provide an adequate direct "A" station coverage. The outstanding radio event now is the report of the Coverage Commission, for upon its recommendations will the future of broadcasting definitely be built.