C.R.U. Official On Rugby Broadcasts

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 36, 15 March 1935, Page 51

C.R.U. Official On Rugby Broadcasts

Yo the Editor. Sir,-If a straw ballot. were taken throughout New Zealand from Rugby administrators on the question of broadcasting, a striking diversity would be noticed in the views obtained. Some unions have certain objections tv broadcasting, while others are very favourable, and _ others again, accept without complaint a conditions of things they, perhaps, deem to be inevitable. Two facts are generally accepted without demur. Firstly the radio offers unique opportunities for educating the great mass of the people in the niceties of the Rugby game, and secondly the game. lends itself’ admirably to the descriptive powers of a good broad-caster-so much so, that many a dull game has been credited with merits that were actually lacking. This results if an army of listeners eager to tune in when a match is on the air and brings us to the burning question--Do people stop away that would otherwise go ‘to the game, if it were not broadcast? ' A strong body of opinion inclines to the belief that many keen Rugby patrons have been . kept away by the lure of the spoken voice, and state that if there is any slight reason why they should stay away, such as indifferent weather, a bit of. gardening or something of the like, they make up their minds readily, knowing that they will get the next best thing-a description of the game-over the air. North Otago’s complaint is typical of the attitude of some of the minor unions where the standard of football and the nearness _to Metropolitan centfes may be the reason of the falling away in public patronage, but they are probably correctly stating the position as it affects themselves. As to country football generally the keen people still support their own football. When North Otago say they have no objection to the broadcasting of test matches they disclose an attitude which ‘is universal-that is, an acknowledgment of a demand that must be satisfied. In the smaller centres it is held that golf and not radio keeps the potential spectator away from the side line, but whatever the reason it is a safe bet that if Rugby of the best brand is on tap, there will be plenty of people to see it.--I am, etc.,

J. K.

MOLONEY

Vice-president, Canterbury Rugby Union. Christchurch.