NAEB Newsletter (August 9, 1934)

2 , to bo supplied gratis to cooperating stations* Federal funds night be found since this is properly a phase of adult education. Private philanthropy vri.ll probably be hard to find at present* "2. A governing board to outline policies and direct operations* This might well be the National Committee on Education by Radio, or the College Broadcast Association itself* If the control is left to a federal commission already created the movement will tend to become too political in its tone and objectives for use in a university station which represents all the people* This Trould be especially true in the northern states* n 3* The establishment of a central office in Washington equipped for the making of master records and duplicates. This office should be in charge of a man who is familiar with the technique of broadcasting and who also could make effective contacts with government officials and with scientists and organise and carry forward the program as outlined by the Board. Portable equipment should be provided for making records at university centers and other points outside of Washington. Estimated cost, salary $3000 plus $500 travelling expense, with secretaiy and mailing clerk at $900 and office rent at $600, Cost of material, postage, etc. to be borne by cooperating stations. "I recently recommended the purchase of recording equipment by the TVA as they have no funds available for operating a transmitter at present but might reach a large audience through radio stations which should be glad to obtain the material they have to offer, I have gone into the whole problem of recording somewhat carefully and will be glad to assist you in any way possible. Let me know what progress you make." From C. A. TAYLOR, NEW YORK STATE COLLEGES OF /AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS: W I an much interested in your circular of July 20, relative to electrical transcriptions of government activities for radio broadcast. I am afraid I have no definite suggestions to make as to the material required. We could use such transcriptions frequently on our station at Cornell University, and would be glad to have then. I think the transcriptions should be dramatized in some way and be natters of general interest, and tell the story of the wonderful reconstruction work that is ©Ding on in this country under Federal direction. We would not be interested in such transcriptions if they were piopogandist speeches. We have plenty of speeches and plenty of propoganda already available through other sources. "If I can be of further help along the lines of your circular, please let me know." From GARLAND POWELL, THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA: "Your nemorandun cf July 20 regarding the use of electrical transcriptions by governmental agencies for broadcasting purposes at hand, "After going over this bulletin I con readily see that most of these depart¬ ment heads must be informed in some way as to the usefulness of such an idea* Lite most department heads, they have little comprehension of the value of sel¬ ling their activities to the people, and the people have little idea of what their activities are, if any* 1*11 venture to soy that one in a hundred people knows what the Department of Commerce does or what constitutes the Department of Interior and its many activities. The American people are woefully ignorant of the func¬ tions of govexnront. I believe that in presenting propositions of this nature to the various branches of government you will have to be very exacting in the information you desire and the tine they should take up, namely, 14 minutes each period. For instance, take the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, people would be interested in what they are doing and hov; they are doing it, but little interested in a lot of dry facts and figures* The Bureau of Standards has enough scientific matters that come under them to give a thousand broadcasts of 14 minutes each, and very interesting ones, too* Then take your independent officers