Radio annual (1938)

FOREIGN RADIO MARKETS • An International Digest • This official, authoritative survey of the World's radio markets is based upon latest reports compiled by the Electrical Division of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, United States Department of Commerce. ALGERIA AUSTRIA General — The general economic situation of Algeria has been very unsatisfactory for several years past. The number of radio sets in use, however, • has increased steadily and rapidly during the depression years, notwithstanding general price advances. Sets in Use — As of July 31, 1937, there are officially registered 69,700 receiving sets. It is estimated that the total number of radios in Algeria is around 75,000. Population and purchasing power considered, Algeria offers a very good market for radio sets. Sources of Supply — France is now the leading supplier of radio receivers to the Algerian market and it is estimated that around 70 percent of the sets in use here are of French origin. Holland occupies second place in the market, followed by' the United States and Germany. Tubes of the better class come principally from Holland and the United States, but on a quantity basis France is the leading supplier. It should be pointed out, however, that the predominance of France in the supply of radio merchandise to this market is a purely artificial situation, brought about through quota limitations. Tariffs and Restrictions — The quota system is controlled by a committee appointed by the American Chamber of Commerce at Paris, which committee allots to Algerian distributors quarterly a certain arbitrary percentage of the entire American radio quota for France. Intending importers must hold permits issued by the committee. Broadcasting — Radio-Algera, the only broadcasting station in Algeria, operates upon a wave length of 365 meters, with 12,500 watts antenna power. Some experimental short-wave (24.75 and 33.48 meters) broadcasting has been undertaken for the particular benefit of those Algerians residing in France and elsewhere in Europe. Advertising -Efforts have been made at various times to improve the quality and appeal of Radio-Alger's emission 1>.\ eliminating, or greatly curtailing, commercial broadcasting. However, the revenue derived from radio advertisers is badly needed and it has been decided to continue advertisements for the time being. Rates are 5 francs ($0. !(>(>) per word, with substantial reductions made for volume advertising. Regulations Radio in Algeria is under the direct control of the Department of Post, Telephone and Telegraph. Sets in Use— 69,700. Stations — 1. General — Although American participation in the market is distinctly limited because of artificial barriers, there is considerable interest in American equipment, which should result in a definite demand if and when the barriers are removed. Sources of Supply — There are very few foreign sets on the market in Austria. The importation of radio sets is subject to special permits and these usually are granted only to manufacturers for laboratory! study, or to settlers when part of household effects. Telefunken have a control of the sale of foreign radio apparatus on the basis of their patent rights. American sets are considered excellent and very inexpensive, but on account of the restrictions, importation is practically impossible. Patents — Basic radio patent rights are controlled by the Telefunken interests of Germany, which also maintain manufacturing establishments in Austria. Central Receivers — Two towns in Upper Austria, Gmunden and Vocklabruck possess a rebroadcasting system erected by a private firm, because for atmospheric reasons the hearing of the general program is very weak. Listeners pay the usual "listeners" fee of 2 schillings per month to the RAVAG and an additional small sum to the company in question and' obtain good reception. Short Wave Short wave broadcasting in Vienna is on an experimental basis. There appears to be little interest in reception of foreign short-wave broadcasts. American short-wave broadcasts are received only on the more expensive high powered sets. Advertising — No provisions are made for any sort of advertising. Transcriptions — On an average, records are used for about 1 V> hours daily. Generally light music is transcribed, principally German, English, French and Italian records are also used to a limited extent. When transcribing light music, English is more frequently used, occasionally French but seldom Italian. The possibility of supplying American transcriptions, with or without advertising, are not favorable at present. Ravag, however, would be interested in hearing from United States' firms in this matter. Regulations By a Federal law of Jan. 23, 1935, amending and revising the existing regulations, the production and trade, importation and possession of radio broadcasting transmitting and receiving apparatus, equipment and tubes requires, in addition to the usual import license, a special permit from the Telegraph Administration for 933