Radio Times/1923/12/21/Wireless In Every Home



HE record of 1923 is in many respects a remarkable one. Future historians concerned with the development of social and political institutions will certainly regard this year as a crucial one in European affairs. In scientific development they find that great steps were made, and particularly the progress of wireless telephony will be acknowledged as remarkable.

A Postmaster-General, whilst he of necessity is deeply engaged in day-to-day problems connected with his work, is sometimes rewarded by association with new ideas, discoveries, and inventions remarkable in themselves, and potent for good or for evil. Happily, my tenure of office' as Postmaster-General was marked by close contact with a development of scientific knowledge, and the practical application of it that has brought and will continuo to bring, great happiness into a vast number of British homes.

When I first became associated with broadcasting, and the individuals responsible for the organization of the service that made it possible. the atmosphere surrounding it was charged with difficulty and even some danger. The Committee appointed to inquire into the troubles which existed, after earnest and strenuous work. presented me with a Report, which, I think, enabled me to settle the troubles of the industry. This settlement I can look back on without misgiving—perhaps even with some satisfaction.

As the investigations of this Committee were pursued, I became deeply impressed with the magnitude of the work undertaken by the British Broadcasting Company. The rapidity and yet sureness with which it built its organization, and the far-sighted policy by which it was inspired, convinced not only myself, but every member of the Committee, that the public had got now and powerful friends in those responsible for the managerial, engineering and programme departments working together with remarkable smoothness to add a new interest to the lives of the people.

It is impossible to foretell the social effects that broadcasting is likely to have in the course of years. The steam-engine made many strange and abiding changes in the lives, habits and thoughts of the community. Before its advent, social intercourse between large numbers of people separated by great distances was practically impossible. Their lives, therefore, and their interests, were narrow and circumscribed. Nowadays, it is a cowmen thing for even the poorest people to have friends, and a knowledge of the country, hundreds of miles from home.

Similarly, before the formation of the British Broadcasting Company, the intellectual life of large masses of people was determined largely by the district in which they lived. Thousands who had the capacity to appreciate the finest music were unable, through living in places where it was rarely heard, to develop that interest.

Now that is all changed.

Broadcasting is absolutely democratic, and offers facilities for enjoyment equally to the poor, as to those more fortunately placed. The Highland crofter, the Lancashire weaver, the Welsh miner, and the Cornish fisherman can now bear in his own home the sweetest singers, the finest symphony concerts, and the ever-popular music of famous bands. Not only so, but he is enabled to hear the speeches of distinguished statesmen whose words and actions influence his life. To him, also, is sent, through the magic of telephony, the learned words of eminent scientists, critics and those who have a good story to tell. Not only to this section of the community are these sent, but to every section, or any individual, possessing the necessary receiving apparatus. Whilst it is impossible to judge what the effects of this will be, it seems clear that in linking together the village, the town, and the city in this manner, a tremendous influence for good is established.

Simultaneous broadcasting will prove a powerful factor in this respect, enabling, as it does, the same programme to be received in practically every part of the country.

I watched with great interest the experiments conducted by the engineers of the British Broadcasting Company, in conjunction with the broadcasting stations in America. Their attempts to develop wireless communication indicate another phase of achievement that is likely to open up new wonders in the future.

I have said that my ideal is to see a wireless receiving apparatus in every horns in the country, and I believe that eventually this will he reached. The development of British programmes will undoubtedly induce greater and still greater numbers of people to possess receiving sets in order that they can share the pleasure that their neighbours get from listening.

I am glad to have been associated with its development, and I am sure that the New Year will prove that my belief in its virile future is well-founded. I compliment the B.B.C. on their pioneer work accomplished in the face of many and great difficulties. It is a record of which any British organization may well be proud.