Radio News and Notes

Regulation of Broadcasting Fall Radio Shows and Offerings

WHEN Congress adjourned without taking definite action on the regulation of broadcasting stations it was almost inevitable some confusion would result at least temporarily.

With only 89 wave-bands available for over 500 broadcasting stations, and with 600 applications pending for additional licenses, a good many feared that chaotic conditions generally would follow.

But several things have served to avert this, one factor being good judgment on the part of both present and prospective broadcasters.

They realized that, legislation or no legislation, the American public demands good service and fair play. With exceptions here and there they perceived that promiscuous assumption of wave-lengths would undoubtedly result in impairment of radio reception and loss of public good-will.

As a body they have shown a commendable disposition to retain this good-will, and the National Broadcast Association is doing everything in its power to prevent confusion. Also the Radio Manufacturers Association as well as organized bodies of radio owners and the public press at large.

Definite assurance has already been given that one of the very first things to be done by Congress this Fall when it convenes, will be the enacting of measures to regulate broadcasting to the best interests of all concerned. The radio regulations existing at present were enacted in 1912, long before modern broadcasting became a matter of such intimate concern to millions.

Radio owners meantime are assured good reception of even finer broadcasting programs this Fall than ever before. The wealth of

entertainment available is too great to be seriously impaired by any temporary conflict of wave-lengths among a comparatively few stations.

As for the 600 new applications pending when Congress adjourned, comparatively few came from broadcasters equipped for operation. And until thus equipped no license can be issued.

It is not likely, therefore, that new comers in great number will add to any present congestion of air channels pending something definite in legislation. Broadcasting requires too great an outlay and its sources of revenue are too uncertain to be undertaken under other than assured conditions.

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Elaborate preparations are under way for various radio exhibitions this Fall beginning with the mammoth Radio World’s Fair in New York, September 13 to 18.

In degree of public interest they are certain to surpass all previous exhibitions and mark the opening of the biggest radio year in history. Not because of revolutionary innovations, but simply because radio has become a vital part in the life of millions of families, who look to it for amusement, entertainment and educational benefits.

All over the country dealers are showing the latest refinements and improvements in receiving sets which have now reached so high a degree of dependability combined with ease of operation and attractiveness of design.

The advent of the Fall season finds the manufacturing end of the radio business in a more stabilized condition than ever before, and well prepared to meet the requirements of the most exacting.