Evening star., 1924-10-08
COOLIDGE PUTS BAN
ON AIR MONOPOLY
Full Freedom and Control in
Interest of Public Aim
of Government.

Describing radio as one of the most
astonishing developments in the his
tory of science and as presenting one
of the greatest problems the Gov
eminent faces, President Coolidge in
a brief address today to delegates
attending the third national radio
conference gave positive assurance
that the Federal Government will
prevent any monopoly of the air.
Secretary of Commerce Herbert
Hoover had previously assured the
delegates at the second general ses-
sion of the conference at the Depart
ment of Commerce this morning that
the Government would not sanction a
monopoly Of the air. The proposal of
the Radio Corporation of America to
erect chain of superpower broad
casting stations. Mr.. Hoover said, has
resulted in deluge of kilograms from
over the Nation protesting against
any monopoly in the radio industry.
Widest Freedom Sought.
Control of the air must be re-
tanned for the public and this control
will be closely guarded by the gov
ernment of the people," the President
declared. while we retain the fun
damental rights in the hands of the
people to the control of these chan
nels we should maintain the widest
degree of freedom in their use" he
said
The President told his callers that
the goal desired is one that will af-
ford an opportunity for every one to
have access to radio communication
without limitation. In order to Sc
cure this, he pointed out, il is neces-
sary that there be rules and regula-
tions, otherwise there would be such
confusion that there never would be
any certainty of service
The Presidents address was made
from the south portico of the White
House to his callers assembled in
the rear grounds.
Almost Incredible Progress, -
His address in full follows:
Your conference has been sum-
moned by Secretary Hoover to advise
with him on the problems involving
the relationship of the Government
to one of the most astonishing devel-
opments in the history of SCIENCE. 1t
seems almost incredible that within
SO short period as four years it has
been made possible to communicate lie
simultaneously with practically the
whole population of the United
States.
In it's broad aspects radio is a new
agency brought by science to our
people which may, if properly safe
guarded, become one of the greatest
of our blessings. 1t should render
possible more complete understand
ing of our national problems. 1t
should bring to the fireside large con-
tributions toward entertainment and
education. With all its great possi-
bilities, it is accompanied by most
intricate technology and a most in
tricate relationship to the Govern
ment.
Against Any Monopoly.
1.-The administration. through Sec
retary Hoover. has from the begin
ming insisted that no monopoly should
be allowed to arise and that. to pre-
vent it the control of the channels
through the ether should remain as
much in the hands of the Govern
ment, and therefore of the people, as
the control Of navigation upon our
waters; that while we retain the
fundamental rights in the hands of
the people to the control of these
channels we should maintain the
widest degree of freedom in their
use.
What is required to meet this stu
alton is an orderly process by which
ICOnfinnod On Do0a