The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-09-15
HOPES 7 D
VEEDOIJT
UNFIT
Secretary Says Broadcasters
Must, Prove Worth-U. S.
Plans Survey
Nv ROBERT s. THORNRURGH

by ROBERT 8. THORNRURGH
Radio sbroadcastIng stations may
be barred from the air unless they
offer a real public service TO the
listeners, Department of Commerce
officials announced today.
In the view of Secretary Of Conn
merce Hoover stations should estab-
lish real usefulness to the listener
IL they are to be granted licenses
20 operate.
probably would be one of. che out.
the national radio conference 10
be called soon.
Must Prove Service
Actual. public service must be
demonstrated" Hoover said.
''All available wave lengths are
occupied with 500 stations on the
air. Stations are required 20 divide
time, those offering real service
as well as those who are NOT giving
programs Of such high order"
Officials balieve that the radio
tangle has gone beyond voluntary
regulation. Legislation must be
employed If the listeners are to
be afforded satisfactory service.
More than 100 new stations are
clAmoring for licenses and under
the present law the department
may be require to grant wave aIlot-
ments forcing existing broadcasters
to further divide their time.
Necessity for U. 8. Control
I'VE have operated three years
s5N1Ha tiki
be found without Government re-
strictions,' Hoover said.
Widening Of the wave bands and
opening up Of lower wave lengths
IS suggested. We had hoped that
the number OF stations might de-
crease, but these proposals and
hopes seem to yield no results.
The national convention will be
called as soon as We D. Terrell,
chief radio inspector, returns from
the international telegraphers gath.
ering in Europe. Hoover announced.
With special appropriation Of
4125,00O virtually assured Secretary
OF Commerce Hoover Is laying plans
for q comprehensive radio survey
which officials believe will greatly
improve reception. over the jumbIed
confusion OF last winter.
CONGRESS- will be asSed to sanction
the radio investigation which last
year had the backing OF President
Coolidge, Budget Director II. N. Lord
and the Senate. The House killed
the appropriation because Of a mis-.
understanding.
Inquiry to Be Wide
The Governments radio survey
viii extend to all sections of the
country.
Officials. experts and scientists
It the Bureau Of Standards, CO.
operating with a number of big
universities, radio stations and fifty
laboratories, expect to make the
most elaborate inquiry. into the
why's and ifs of radio that has
ever been undertaken.
Scientists believe that fading,
static and other natural disturb
ances that seriously interfere with
the entertainment of radio fans
eventually can be eliminated.
Man-made interference, such as
that between stations, leaking power
lines, electrical plants and electric
sally-driven machines. while a simple
problem. likewise presents a diff
cult aspect.
Hundreds of complaints as 20
interference caused by unlicensed
stations. by broadcasters operating
off their wave lengths, by expert
menting amateurs and code sta
lions operated by criminals are re-
ceiVed by the department monthly.
Forces Are Inadequate
Officials explained that because
of Inadequate forces these COM
plants cannot be traced down.
placing a great hardship on the nil
lions Of listeners.in.
The number of Illegal stations
operated by the criminal element is
believed to be large.
The rum running fraternity has
made wide use of radio. A number
of stations are believed to operate
on the Eastern seaboard which keen