Editorial Notes

Radio Record, Volume VI, Issue 10, 16 September 1932, Page 4

Editorial Notes

aw Wellington, Friday, September 16, 1932.

ARISING out of the questionnaire ‘comes the problem of local artists, for listeners have indicated that records are preferred. But recordings only are fair neither to New Zealand talent nor to listeners for their number is definitely limited, whereas though artists who broadcast really well are very scarce, the latter are in some way different at each broadcast. The psychological point of view enters into the question-one often feels he _is getting better value for his thirty ‘shillings by listening to flesh-and-blood artists. But the point at issue is that listeners want no half-wmeasures-the best or nothing. Comes the big question, what is the best?

baad ad "THE suggestion has been made in various quarters that the Board ¥s not endeavouring to obtain the cream of New Zealand’s talent, but is content to engage low-paid artists. Nothing is farther from the actual-state of affairs. The Board’s instructions have been "engage the best," and we believe that their staff has made every endeavour to do so, To some degree we can understand the attitude of those making the charge, for they are not taking into consideration the aptitude of the artist for broadcasting work. Microphone technique is not simple, calling as it does for not only a particular natural aptitude but, for perfection, a special training. Many artists who are locally considered to be distinctly superior to any broadcast artist fail lamentably when put to the microphone test. Every station in New Zealand has ex~ amples of this. In countries where broadcasting is more developed

special classes are held to train the broadcasting aspirant. We believe the Board has spared no pains to engage the best, and its policy of sending on tour those artists who are really outstanding is to be commended. It is expensive, but we believe listeners realise and appreciate. Fo 2 e A STATEMENT has been made, unfortunately without reference to the facts, that the radio public as a rule is not given the opportunity to hear the best artists available in the: Dominion, "On rare occasions only is an attempt made to get them to perform, the trouble being that the fees offered are not sufficiently attractive." This statement is as damaging as it is untrue. The Board does not restrict artists to a certain low fee as is popularly imagined, but separate arrangements are made according to the artist’s ability. In view of this fact, the statement is not fair, either to the artists or to the Board. . wy gt os

THE comments in the Press concerning the questionnaire are interesting. Most writers seem afraid that the Board will place too much reliance on the results and will hénceforth not use discrétion in the selection of items and the balance of programmes. One statement goes so far as to Say that it is to be hoped that the programme organisers will "read it carefully, mark it ‘contents noted,’ and put it away." It is most unlikely that the Board. will make its programmes in mathematical accordance with the results of the questionnaire, which indicates tastes and preferences in a general manner only. It isnot suggested that there should be sweeping changes made, | for with perhaps the exception of band music, the programme -balance is roughly in accordance with listeners’ preferences. This view is strengthened by the fact that 60 per cent. did not return the paper, and of this silent majority it can generally be assumed: that they are fairly satisfied with existing conditions. Regults compiled in a_ statistical form do not always reflect the true state of affairs, but, that the Board knows this, and will take it into consideration in defining future policy, may be accepted without reason gor doubt :

THE. conclusion of the general manager that the percentage of. crystal sets is apparently too low and-that valve amplifiers have not been ‘included has been challenged: . The point-is made that, because the number of crystal and valve outfits now marketed are very low, it is rating the intelligence of the amateur set builder very low indeed to make

such.an elementary blunder. Considering the: fact that some 18 months ago, when the cost of the multi-valve sets was high, there ‘were several makes of a.c. two-valve sets marketed and sold in large numbers, the conclusion of the general manager has some weight. Few of those purchasing such a receiver knew or wanted-to know that it contained a crystal detector.