Engage One Celebrity or Many Local Artists?

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 19, 16 November 1934, Page 6

Engage One Celebrity or Many Local Artists?

To the Editor. . Sir,-It is with regret that, the announcement in last week’s "Radio Record," that the editor had no idea of the character of forthcoming programme revisions, met my eye I agree whole-heartedly with many of the criticisms of the Broadcasting: Board over minor programme matters ; but I:think no one could deny that it is very obvious that the board is making a sincere and successful effort from day to day to fulfil its very difficult task of pleasing its many listeners. None. the less, it would, in my opinion, have been preferable for the board to submit its proposals to the public, through the medium of your columns or in some other way, inorder that they might have had some guidance from the criticisms which are so sure a sign of public interest. There are some alterations: that I hope will find a place. Local talent may heed encouragement, but it should not be encouraged at the expense of listeners’ sensitivity.. Some few of our artists ‘will bear comparison with the front ranks of other countries; but they are not the majority. An effort is made to see that only good local artists are put over the air. Would it not be bet-

ter to close down almost entirely on local talent in order to spend the money on an occasional star of the first water, a visiting world-famed celebrity? That would give country listeners a treat which is right out of reach at present. There are many who do not approve of canned music and monologues. J myself prefer English as she is spoken ‘rather than any variety of twanged colonial .patois, but that only shows how tastes differ, Talks are another bone of contention. Let us forget our isolation and become oblivious of professors and lecturers who have long since ceased to lives Why not get ourselves in touch with the outside world by listening to our own citizens when they return.from travels abroad? Why not buy up Blattnerphones of talks de-livered-in Bnglish-in England? I suppose all this seems very critical. It is impossible not to be in discussing something which has come to. mean 2 good deal in our everyday life. ButI at least give the board credit for the best of good faith and the most amazing improvement in the programmes during the last few years. I only suggest that open discussion might. strengthen the hand of the powers that be. Even the National Budget stands criticism and amendment: before it ‘becomes law.-I am, ete., _ >

CUTHBERT K.

KORK

Wellington.