Competition Widened One Listener's Knowledge

Radio Record, Volume VII, Issue 15, 20 October 1933, Page 16

Competition Widened One Listener's Knowledge

To the Editor. Sir.-I have found that the research work which I did in compiling the programmes in the various sections of your model programme competition’ has ¢onsiderably widened my musical knowledge and helped me to appreciate works of which I had previously only a "nodding acquaintance." I feel sure that other competitors, whether they were prizewinners or not, will have benefited in a similar manner. Of this I am confident-that if all those who, from time to time, rush into print to complain about programmes that are

broadcast from our YA stations had tried their hand at some of ‘these competitions, they would have received their quietus. The programme organiser’s life is not all jam. His job is to devise new entertainment day in and day out, and day by day he sees his work of hours vanish, literally, into thin air in as many minutes, The wonder is that he can find time to be cheerful when he is respon~ sible for turning out nearly 4000 transmitter hours of entertainment every year and has to satisfy the varying moods and tastes of thousands of listeners. There are approximately 100,000 licensed re-~ ceiving sets, but although they pay the same piper, they should understand that they can’t all call the same tune. Intelligent, informed, impartial, and responsible criticism is of immense assistance and is no doubt welcomed, but far too many of such comments one sees in the papers are stamped with personal prejudice or just plain ignorance. Criticism of programmes is far too frequently determined by the inability to conceive that other people’s tastes and opinions do not necessarily coincide with that of the critic. Wad some of these critics the least knowledge of the amount of thought and research that go into the compiling of a single programme, they would hesitate before rushing into print and displaying their lack of understanding. If your programme competition did nothing else than help listeners to appreciate this point, it will have been of benefit to broadcasting. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and-occasional mild bouts of indigestion notwithstanding-the programmes provided by the YA stations are equal to any Overseas programme, when the resources of the respective authorities are taken into consideration. Wishing the "Radio Record" the sue-

cess it well deserves.-I am, eic.,

J.

D.

Hataitai, Wellington.