The Board's Problems

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 48, 10 June 1932, Page 5

The Board's Problems

Improvements Discussed "TN\HERE are many things the Broadcasting Board has to consider, and, of course, it takes a little time to get going properly. We know that in certain parts the people are getting very poor service, but we are doing our best to rectify it; everything cannot be accomplished at once." These observations were made last week to a reporter of the Christchurch "Sun" by Mr. L. R. C. Macfarlane, a member of the board, who was questioned regarding its activities. Mr. Macfarlane said the board was very pleased at the way listeners were re-registering, and, considering the poor year that has been experienced, the applications were coming in very well. This did not apply to Christchurch to such an extent as it did to some other however, although they were eoming in here remarkably well. Dunedin was well ahead of Christchurchsomething like 50 per cent. "The question of morning sessions is one that will have to be considered when we get into our stride," added Mr. Macfarlane. He had heard that some women listeners would appreciate it, but pointed out that anybody with a decent set could listen in to Wellington, which was the only station to broadcast a morning session. From _ inquiries made it had been found that most of the listeners in New Zealand could "get" Wellington, and it was only in a few isolated places, where conditions for reception are not good, that people eould not pick up programmes from that station. "In any case, most of us are at work while the morning sessions are on," added Mr. Macfarlane, who also mentioned the extra expense that would be entailed. Questioned ag to the attitude of the board with regard to B stations, he said that was a policy question, and he could not say anything. The board realised that people in certain parts were getting very poor service, and it was doing its best to rectify it. As the result of the questionnaire distributed, the board had receieved thousands of letters, so it could not be said that it was not in fairly close touch with listeners. The board had not taken any steps to reduce the large number of unlicensed sets, said by dealers and others to be operating. That vas the work of the peal Department, and the only action the. board could take would be to tell the officers of that department to "pustle along and get on with their job." Unlicensed listeners were running a big risk, for they did not know when an inspector was going to pay them a visit.