Radio annual (1938)

General — Authoritative estimates of the number of wired homes approximate 90 per cent of the total homes, owing largely to the intensive development of a national electrical system. On June 30, 1937, the total number of receiving licenses outstanding was 1,026,372. This represents a steady increase from 1926, when the number was 242,559, or approximately one-fourth of the present total. The Swedish set manufacturers, as well as the principal European producers selling on the Swedish market, have their own marketing organizations and sell directly to retailers. Most of the rather limited American radio set business is also done through representatives who act as retailers. Market for Sets — A well-informed trade source estimates that sales of sets during 1936 were between 150,000 and 175,000. While some concerns now entrenched in the market will do everything possible to hamper sales of American sets, others would like to see this business expand and to further connections with reliable manufacturers in the United States. Signs have continued that the obstacles which have stood in the way of the expansion of this business have been decreasing. The American sets which are now found here are, to a noticeable extent, the smaller and cheaper models. The most popular sizes in this market are of 5 and 6-tubes (including the rectifier). Sources of Supply — The Philips is the only one of the leading European suppliers which has been holding its own as regards set sales in Sweden. Marconi sales have declined and Telefunken is disappearing from the set market. The Hungarian manufacturer of Orion sets has increased his business lately, it is stated. The trade also express the belief that American sales of sets in this market in 1936 increased to approximately 750,000 to 800,000 crowns worth of sets (estimated at about 500,000 crowns in 1935). The trade estimates that the American share in Swedish imports of radio apparatus and parts is made up roughly of 750,000 to 800,000 crowns worth of sets and the rest is split up among tubes, small parts, and loud speakers. Patents — The principal factor in the present marketing situation is the local patent pool, which has thus far served as a means of keeping down American competition, and has fought Swedish outsiders, or independents, such as Luxor and Centrum. The previous patent pool, called Patentkonsortiet for Rundradio, formed in 1931 and fairly successful in collecting royalties from users of the patents, was dissolved on August 1, 1934, and soon succeeded by Konsortiet for Rundradiopatent. It collects royalties to the amount of 4 per cent on the gross value of each set, without tubes, alike from manufacturers and importers. Its minimum fee is 7.50 crowns for each set. The pool situation described has undoubtedly and obviously restricted the development of the Swedish market for American radio products, as can be seen from the records, but the position has undergone some amelioration in the past year, especially by reason of the fact that one Swedish firm, importing in quantity from the I'nited States, was sued and won the suit in the court of first instance. The case is still pending in the higher courts. Tariffs and Trade Restrictions — The Swedish customs tariff provides a basic duty of 10 per cent ad valorem plus an additional duty of 10 per cent, making a total of 20 per cent ad valorem applicable to assembled radio sets, loud speakers and parts. Tubes are only subject to the basic duty of 10 per cent ad valorem. No other restrictions are applied. Short Wave — There are two short wave broadcasting transmitters in Sweden, both at the Motala station. European stations are regularly and quite satisfactorily received. Reception from the United .States is had, but it is not generally very satisfactory without large sets and outside the larger cities. The demand in Sweden is for all-wave sets. Advertising by Radio — None. Transcriptions — Steel band (electro-magnetic) transcriptions of interviews with prominent personages, local color interviews and records of important events are employed by Radiotjanst No advertising transcriptions are permitted. Phonograph records (turntable speed — 78 r.p.m.) are only used for musical programs. Regulations — The monopoly stations are owned by the Royal Telegraph Board, a division of the Government, which has supervisory control over all broadcasting. Sets in Use— 1,026,372. Stations — 33. © SWITZERLAND General — The situation for American radios on the Swiss market at present is decidedly unfavorable. American products are faced with the formidable competition of domestic and certain foreign makes. Advertising — Commercial advertising is prohibited. Radio propaganda is confined for the most part to talks in German and other languages intended to attract tourists to the numerous Swiss mountain resorts. Radio License Fees — The right to issue licenses and collect fees for the operation of receiving sets is reserved to the Federal Government. The fee at present is 15 francs per annum, or approximately 4 centimes per day. Radio Sets in Use — The number of licensed radios in Switzerland corresponds to 10 per cent of the population as compared with 16.5 per cent in Great Britain, and 17.1 in Denmark. Telephone Broadcasting — On the whole, radio reception is not satisfactory in Switzerland, owing to much static and atmospheric disturbances. To overcome this difficulty "wired" wireless was introduced in 1931. This system makes it possible for telephone subscribers to receive radio programs through an ordinary telephone wire. The charge is 36 francs per year. Radio-Rediffusion — Radio-Rediffusion, operated by a private company, is another form of "wired" wireless. This type of transmission also requires only an amplifier and loudspeaker. The lee for this form of radio reception is 15 francs per annum plus a weekly rental charge for the equipment of 1.20 francs. Declining Sales of U. S. Radios -American radios were among the first on the Swiss market and for several years enjoyed a leading position in this country. As a result of various adverse factors, however, salts have been steadily declining. According to leading radio dealers, one of the principal reasons for the decline in sales is that the reputation of American radios has been impaired as a result of imports of large quantities of old and obsolete models. American sets are regarded as being superior to European and domestic makes for short-wave reception. However, interest in short-waves for 957