Evening star., 1935-06-15
Radio Survey Offers
Basis for Checking Up
On Values for Children
Institute of Audible Arts Is Assisted by
Child Study Association in Estimates
of Programs.

Guilty the program tries to correct that
the whole procedure lays itself open
to serious question.
"a. GOOD TASTE: On this oues-
tion we may find it more diff1cult to
fix specific standards, yet certainly we
recognize and may reject low COM
edy, coarse voices. extensively loud
noises and unworthy behavior.
-. TRUTHFULNESS: We may
legitimately demand truthfulness and
sincerity In programs where either the
background or the story itself pur-
ports to convey information Sketches
based on historical, geographical or
scientific material must be authentic
and accurate. But we cannot apply
this criterion in the same way to
programs that are frankly imaginative.
The border line between realism and
phantasy is a radio problem. Phantasy
may easily become too realistic drama
tiZed on the air-too realistic. that is,
for young children whose fairly tales
must be kept in the realm OF pure
make believe. Older children. as
rule, already have enough discrimina-
ton to stand more dramatic and real
istlc imaginary adventure.
"a. ATTITUDES AND SENTI-
MENT: Closely related to reliability
is the question of the sentiment which
program manifestS or cultivates.
Here, too, it is impossible to set up
hard and fast standards, but we can
certainly demand genuineness and in
nYlfY1inf1S m
the air. children should at least have
an opportunity to hear both sides. In
programs designed for amusement the
subtle arts of propaganda have no
place. There is serious question wheth-
er some of the methods used to teach
children ideas are effective, and
whether many things which seem bad
for them actually have the i'll effects
some parents fear. Programs por-
traying gun play are a case in point.
Many parents realize that boys de-
sire to play Indian is natural
way of living through-and outliving
the primitive in every human being.
and yet these same parents may object
to any program in which shot is
fired. But such adventures-provided
they meet other criteria-may serve
as one. way of letting the child live
vicariously through this phase of his
development. At least this is still such
an open question that we must be
wary of condemning programs on the
grounds that they will make children
militaristic or lawless
IS. LANGUAGE AND QUALITY:
Criticisms Of slang, bad grammar, vul-
gariSms and poor diction may properly
be directed against announcers or
speakers, but they are pointleSs when
directed against performer speaking
in character If a special dialect
or turn of speech is in keeping and
adds to the total effect. there seems
little reason for condemning it. More
important than the minutia of die
ton is the question of quality in the
whole program. We do have a right
to expect certain standards in writ
ing. dramatic presentation. acting and
incidental music.
"6. ADVERTISING: The adver-
t1stng policy is factor TO be con-
sidered in evaluating any program.
Does 1t make an unwarranted emo
tfonal appeal? - will die unless YOU
send in so many wrappers 1t is un-
wise or untrue? Only children's med
icines are good for you. Tell your
parents to give yoC - (Such un-
justifiable statements as those quoted
have been reported by parentsD Com
petitive pressure often seems to tempt
radio advertisers to these and other
unscund devices in which the best in
terests of children are forgotten"
IL you wish advice on your individual
problems, write to Betsy
CaswelI, in care of The Star, incIosing
stamped, self-addressed envelope for
reply.