Evening star., 1933-01-22

"HAT the radio, properly used,
can be made powerful force
for nationalism, Is recognized
i by the German government in
announcing its new program for
the reform Of Reich broadcasting serv-
Ices under its recently inaugurated sys-
tenn Of governmental control and op-
Grafton
Cardinal principles under which all
German radio stations must operate
have been set forth after prolonged ne
gotiations between the Reich, two of
whose ministers nominate the State
commissioners, and the Federal States,
which exercise q form of local or re-
gional control. Chief among these
principles are that broadcasting shall
seek to encourage q national feeling,
that 1t shall strive to maintain and
cement the natural classifcations of
society, that 1t shall respect Christian
ity and that 1t shall disseminate Ger
man culture.
Light Music Wanted.
While the Reich plan leaves room
for recreation and entertainment, 1t is
questioned whether enough time is to
be allowed for the lighter types Of pro-
grams such as constitute the greater
part Of the broadcasts in American,
and even in British broadcasting
A recent survey of listeners tastes by
the Berlin branch Of the Association OF
German Radio Dealers revealed that
more light music would be welcomed
and that the public is opposed to the
use Of radio rs political instrument
according to O report to the United
States Department of Commerce from
c. w. Gray, vice consul at Berlin
While one of the aims OF the new
radio organization Is to ban "propa-
ganda for and combating of political
parties" the plan nevertheless gives
authority to the commissioner appoint
ed by the minister Of the interior to
utilize the Deutschlandsender, the pow
erful station at Koenigwusterhausen
whenever he deems necessary.
The Berlin survey showed that class
ical music was appreciated, but that few
classical programs were wanted Ger
man fans expressed the belief that toe
much political talk was being broad
cast, though they asked that interest
ing sessions Of the Reichstag be broad
cast, possibly from records. They asked
also for more sporting news by capable
announcers.
Favor Cultural Programs.
The Reich system aims 70 place en-
phasis on educational and cultural
programs. 1t demands that only the
purest German be spoken at all times
and that good music be pre-eminent. A
comprehensive schedule of school
broadcasts is outlined, and broadcast
ing Is required "to acquaint listeners
with the achievements Of other ma
tions which would be valuable to Ger
many"
A strict censorship Of broadcastine
obviously Is to be maintained. While
emphasis is to be placed on national
ism, no utterances which might offend
other nations are permitted.
While the German government pro-
ceeds with this rather idealistic pro-
gram, the proposed reorganization OF
French broadcasting has again been
Indefinitely postponed, due to the fall
OF Premier Herriot over the war debt
situation, The former premier's cabi-
net had made some moves to impose q
new radio tax to provide revenues to
put Frances radio house in order. This
aroused storm Of protest, although II
Is generally agreed that the present
French system Of both governmental
and private station operation Is far
from satisfactory.