Alternative Programmes and Dull Dinners

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 41, 19 April 1935, Page 50

Alternative Programmes and Dull Dinners

To the Editor Sir,-Because I am not blessed with a a broadcast receiving set which will give me more than local reception, I feel justified in raising a tiny voice, to which owners of larger sets needn’t listen. The point is that I understood the function of the alternative stations was to provide a programme each night which would be to a large extent in contrast to the type of broadcast from the main station, This contrast is in most cases provided, but two or three times a week the idea seems to slip a bit. I am not ofe who can sit down to an evening of dance music and allegedly funny items any more than to two solid hours of symphony or ballad music-not counting the dreary daily dinner sessions from both stations, But now .and then it happens that the types of programme from the main station and the alternative station are too much alike. This should be a nice, easy little job for the new board to start off with, before they tackle the bigger things for which they are being paid. Talking of dinner sessions reminds me of another little point. I have an awful confession to make: I am not temperamental or hyper-sensitive; in fact, I am ‘often accused of being thick-skinned But IT must admit that most dinner session music is a challenge to a conscientious alimentary system. There is so much ub- ; melodious, piping, hum-drum, cheerless { musi¢ broadcast between 6 o’clock and 8 o’clock each evening that out of respect for digestive organs which are much more yaluable than such dull musical

efforts, I frequently switch off until the meal is over, and well on the way to being assimilated, Lunch musie is entitled to much the same tribute sometimes. However, I’m philosophical about it. 1 cannot choose my stations 4g much as 1 desire, but I’m thankful for having a great deal of the entertainment which was denied me before JI became a humble owner. Nevertheless, I’m glad that I can turn the set off as easily as I switch it on.

--iL am, etc,,

KERNELS

Kilbirnie,