Evening star., 1936-12-13
SARNOFF PRAISES
U.S.BROADCAST|NG
System Free of Censorship
and Bureaucracy, Closing
J Session Is Told.

With q plea for preservation of the
American system of broacaSting-a
system free of censorship and bu-
resucracy-David Sarroff. president
Of /, the Radio Corp. of America,
brought to q close yesterday the first
National Conference on Educational
Broadcssting at the Mayfower Hotel.
Sarnoff described the broadcasting
systems in Europe where information
Is controlled "by the phobias Of
dictatorship" and declared: Broad
casting can neither be free nor demo-
cratic where censorship is rampant
and bureaucracy sits enthroned at the
microphone. There, public interest.
convenience and necessity are de-
termined for and not by the public"
The American system of broadcast
ing, Sarnof pointed out, has made
possible Nationwide facilities capable
of delivering programs to every person
in the county, it has induced the
people of the Nation to equip them
selves with nearly 30,000,000 radio
receiving sets and has provided more
and finer programs than are available
to any other people on earth.
Vital Public Interest.
Educators and broadcaSters have
vital interest in preserving the Amer
lean system Of broadcasting," he de-
elared. IT emphasize this because If
. real solution of the problems under
consideration is to be obtained a solid
foundation is necessary. Within the
framework Of the American system OF
broadcasting there can be no real
disagreement between educators and
broadcasters as to an improved use
Of this great force in the best in
terests Of our people"
Picturing radio as vital force IN
the education Of the Nation. Sarnof
said the advent of television will open
new fields for its use. Even now, he
explained, broadcasters are searching
continuously for program material that
bears the stamp Of creative thinking
and public interest.
I'VE do not necessarily think OF
such material as either 'highbrow' or
1owbrow,' educational or non-educa-
tional," he said. What we seek is
material of authentic interest to any
kair sized section of the public"
Sarnoff mentioned number of spe-
eial educational programs now being
broadcast by the National Broadcast
ing Co., and explained that others
which bring drama, literature, science,
news and history have educational
merit. The special educational pro-
grams included the American Edu-
cation Forum, "The World IS Yours"
sYour HEALTH" the Parent-Teacher
program, the University Of Chicago
Round Table and Americas Town
Meeting Of the Air.
Music and Culture.
In the field of musical and cul-
tural effort, Sarno mentioned as out
standing the Metropolitan Opera
hroadcasts. The financial contribu-
tions made by his organization to the
Metropolitan, he said, have helped to
save for our Nation the worlds most
famous institution of grand opera
For three hours every Saturday after
noon throughout the coming season
opera will be broadcast under the spon-
sorsi1ip Of the Radio Corporation of
America"
DR.. william Mather Lewis, presi-
dent Of Lafayette College and for
nler president Of George Washington
University, who also spoke at the
closing session, described radio as "an
instrument Of first importance in the
wide field Of general education. The
growth Of its influence" he said, "is
amazing"
In the field of international UNDER
standing, he declared, radio has pro-
Eded more effective service than have
numerous peace societies.
by acquainting one nation with the
ideals, the cultural accomplishments,
the intellectual pursuits of the Others"
Or. Lewis said, "ties of sympathetic
understanding and friendship are
formed There are no national boun-
daries to great music, art and litera-
ture. The radio is one of the effec-
tive means Of carrying this goodwill |
enterprise around the world"
Universal Appeal Necessary.
Dr.. Lewis also declared that school
0ficials must not expect too much
time on the radio, commercial or
otherwise, until they can develop a |
radio technique and type Of subject |
matter which has universal appeal.
Unfortunately, he said, many teachers |
have not made the most Of interesting
elements in their class room work,
but when the proper technique is de-
veloped "they will find ready well
come in most broadcasting stations"
A prediction was made by DR.. Lewis
that some day radio would revolution
ize what is now "a most discouraging
educational situation" When that
day comes, he said, some outstanding
teaeher will speak from central point
70 pupils all over the country, while
the local teacher with the proper
printed material in hand will supply
the necessary personal touch.
This plan, which has already been
tried in the field Of music" he de-
clared. Twill make for higher edu-
cational standards than are now pos
sible."
The conference was attended by
more than 300 delegates from all Sec
tions Of the country and many for
eian countries.