Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-02-09

that nationally organised inter-con-
nection for important national events
is an inevitable development and is
one Of the most serious missions of
the radio. 1t does not follow. as
some have assumed, that this would
displace local programs for such
events do not take place at the same
time each day nor do we usually ex-
pect them except political conven-
tions) to last more than an hour.
The payment Of artists for broadcast
ing has already begun, and 1t Is my
present anticipation that 1t IL only a
question Of time until stations will
Join together in groups and bear mu.
tually the cost of inter-connection for
national programs and events Of Inn
portance, thus effecting somewhat the
same organization which our news
papers maintain through the press
associations.
A msapprehension which l would
like at this time to correct is that any
suggestion has been made by mo or
the Department of Commerce that
there should be tax on the sale OF
radio material for the provision OF a
national program. Such proposals
were discussed at the recent Radio
Conference but were abandoned and
at the present moment it seems evil
dent that from the vast Increase in
broadcasting stations. there is no need
for a direct or indirect charge upon
listeners in order to secure service.
The broadcasting stations deserve
the appreciation of the public for their
efforts to serve the listener. for the
~ spo ohoraNtnr
their programs and the maintenance
of q very high moral standard.
No monopoly In Radio
There is no monopoly in radio
broadca sting or any sign Of 1t. There
are only four or five concerns In the
entire United States which own or
operate more than one station, and of
the total of 500 stations in action not
more than four belong to any one or
them.
Legislation
Some misunderstanding seems to
have arisen. due to failure OF many
people to read the White Bill and the
recommendation which 1 made to Con-
Gress for the postponement of legis-
lation for the control Of radio until
next session. The law of 1912 secures
to the Government the fundamental
control of radio, for it retains In its
possession the channels through the
air. just as effectively as It does the
channels of navigation upon our riv-
ers. There can be no monopoly UNI
less the Government deliberately
gives monopoly, and that would be
parallel to the giving Of exclusive
right Of navigation upon one of our
rivers.
The proposed legislation heretofore
formulated was based upon our
knowledge Of the development of the
art now nearly two years old. That
legislation proposed to give very ex-
tensive authorities to the Secretary
of Commerce. his discretion being
practically unlimited and very much
broader than anything which l pre-
pared as a temporary measure. There
are some things, such as the assign
ment of wave lengths and Limitation
Of power use. which are absolutely
necessary for the external conduct OF
radio. My recommendation for 1mme-
date legislation was narrowed DOWN
to this field, leaving the bigger issues
CT regulation until we have enlarged
knowledge of the art and of the
problems with which we are now con-
fronted. These milder proposals were
in the direction Of reducing depart
mental authority, not increasing 1t.
Nor has the department ever proposed
the control of programs. as has been
said, but on the contrary has consist
emily opposed 1t. The character Oh
the matter sent out must be lett 10
the stations themselves and they. IN
turn, must be governed by the wishes
Of their listeners. The public will un-
cuestionably turn to the station from
which it gets the most worth while
material, and in any event. interfer-
ence by the Government in the char-
acter of programs would inevitably
mean censorship. 1t would become
the negation Of the fundamentals OF
free speech and free dissemination Of
information.
The whole art, both from the point
of view Of it's expansion. the number
OF stations, character of the programs
purposes Of the broadcasters, the
scientific development going on In in
creased use Of power and in improved
instruments and, therefore, better and
wider radius Of reception to the listen
ers. together with the complex social
and legal problems involved is in
state of complete fux. and 1t Is my
feeling that our ideas as to the char
acter OF Legislative regulation should
he clarified within another year. In
the meantime the fine cooperation OF
the industry is preventing any, In
fraction of public interest and the free
competitive development of the art is
bringing fine results In public service.