Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-19

land in the existence of a republic in
tense upon the intelligence of its
neople. And radio is by far the great
est instrument for the distribution OF
knowledge and dissemination of in
formation that has been yet devised
bv the ingenuity of man. And hence
The Star is fortunate in awaiting itself
of the Nationwide hook-up provided
nv the National Broadcasting Co. for
This educational and cultural program.
And it is peculiarly advantageous
that its programs are to be put on the
air in washington, for this city is the
center of the political activities OF the
Nation and. therefore, the national
forum for the discussion Of all the
questions of the day. That statement,
while true at all times, is peculiarly
so at this critical Juncture IN the Ma
TONS history, for at this very hour
Congress is engaged in discussing the
most momentous legislative problems
that have ever engaged the attention
of this country in time of peace.
THE leading public men OF the
country will in days to come be m
cluded in this program and Will dis
cuss problems of tremendous import,
problems the proper solution OF Whlch
mean so much to every citizen OF the
land This program cannot fail to IN
terpst, the people of this country from
ocean to ocean and from lakes to gull,
because it will include cabinet mem
hers Senators and Representatives.,
leading orators, thinkers and PUBLISH
ers representing every phase OF pupllC
thought and opinion, and hence VIII
prove peculiarly informative IN char-
ata1 IN
"The addresses that will be delivered
from, time to time over this hook-up
viii have a tendency to increase the
faith of our citizens in our institutions,
To restore the confidence OF our people
in our form of government and to IN
snire higher resolve to cling stead
IA stlv to the fundamental principles o!
the republic even amidst the sIress Vi
these unfortunate days.
81 felicitate The Star and congratu.
ate the public upon tbs splenoio
achievement"
Praise BY Robinson.
Senator Robinson pointed out tne
valle of radio in mass communications
and the purpose of the radio forum IN
carrying first-hand information on pun
lie issues direct to the people.
vail in our country" he said, there are a.,
bending before the Congress many sub
iects of unusual importance. 1t is de-
sirable ct all times that the best agen-
,ies available for publicity be employed
10 the end that the public be ADVISED
as fully and reliably as may be found
practicable 1t is particularly gratl1y-
ing at this time to take part in signal
zing the initiation of plans for orcad-
casting programs from the National
CAPITAL intended to be heard in almost !!
every part of the United States.
THE National Forums broadcaSting |
through the National Broad
casting Co. system are intended TO pro-
mote and accomplish most desirable
purpose Nation wide hookupS are the !
latest and sp2ediest means OF carrying !
first-hand information direct to the
people. They tend to stimulate interest,"
in public issues and measures.
80 long as broadcasting is not con-
yolled in the interests of any one party |
and equal opportunity is afforded the
of the prominent po-
litical organizations for the expression
of opinion, the most wholesome results |
may be anticipated.
with the approach of the presiden-
tial campaign, it is to be assumed that
radio will be used more generally than |
at any previous time in supplying infor-
nation as to the national problems and
issues to be determined in the election |
1t is a notable fact that there Is every |
indication the electors will reflect more
than ever before their personal views
and understanding of issues This am
happy to declare cannot embarrass re-
suits from the standpoint of the inter- |
If tho DnpoOrra+ic r,artv
Contrast Striking.
How striking is the contrast between |
the present means Of communication
and those which existed when Paul Re-
we're broadcast to his New England |
neighbors news of the approach of British |
armies. Now by mass communication
one may speak into the microphone and |
literally send his message to millions in
the twinkling of an eye. This process OF
communication is recognized as one of
the outstanding features of our day. I
am happy to participate in the inaugu-
ration Of these programs. They are
worthy in purpose and effective in
method.
The power of radio to influence pub
lie opinion is very great 1t is essential |
that it be used to the best possible adj
"lIiSAI lIlCdIlS JIldJ III lIluSU NC |
employed in quickening the agencies |
which make for better social conditions, |
and improved administration, both of |
which can be obtained in our form of |
Government in no other way than |
through increased intelligence"
Mr. Rainey called attention to some |
of the unusual and startling conditions |
confronting the country and empha-
sized how the Radio Forum. through
great Nation wide network of N. B. c. |
stations, would bring these problems |
direct to the people The text of his |
address follows:
Ladies and gentlemen Of my radio |
audience: What marvellous thing radio |
b! I do not know how many millions
of people are listening to me tonight. / |
am advised by The Washington Evening
Star that the National Radio Forum, |
which is being initiated tonight over a
coast-t coast network, is to continue at |
least throughout the present session of |
Congress and that men who are in re-
sponsible positions in the Government |
here in Washington will, in the short |
talks they make, discuss national and |
international problems.
1.-THE work is in transition period |
Legislation along new lines must be |