Radio Broadcast (Nov. 1925-Apr 1926)

670 RADIO BROADCAST APRIL, 1926 criticisms by radio denizens of over five hundred cities and towns. "No, there is not too much classical music," 2400 reports out of 2600 state. On the other hand, there is too much jazz, according to 1420 replies out of a total of 2534 answers. Short talks and timely speeches also appear to hold fan interest, the survey shows. Interference from various sources is noted by more than half the correspondents; only about nine per cent, of thewritersclaim they have no interference. Static is blamed by more than seventy per cent, of those having reception difficulties, and seventy-five per cent, of them admit that their local or near-by stations come in the best. This is believed partly due to the static handicap. Code reception still causes some interference; about a third of the fans reporting interference, say this form bothers them. A large number insist most of the interference is due chiefly to the fact that so many stations are crowded into the wavelengths between 300 and 200 meters. A Pennsylvania listener wished three-fourths of them would sign off for good. Some say they never try to tune-in below the wavelength of kdka. The use of a selective set and careful tuning seems to bring in lots of little fellows pretty well, and some of them offer unique programs. This fact is pointed out by another fan, who asserts he likes some of the smaller, independent stations better than the high-powered broadcasters due to their individualitys and unusual features. One correspondent, an old time listener from Cleveland, states boldly that, although some of the larger stations which frequently hook up on national programs with weaf orwjz are fine, he believes ninety per cent, of all the programs are not worth while. The ideal conditionswill only be realized, he declares, when there is but one local in a city or town, and one or two good continental chains. More broadcasting of international events, conventions and really good speakers will make for greater understanding and contentment in radio land, he adds. Many of the smaller stations, he points out, put on artists from cheap vaudeville shows, whose acts and lines of patter are often offensive and sometimes obscene. His statement that the programs handled by linked stations are usually good, is borne out by approximately eighty-five per cent, of the replies filed, which endorse this type of entertainment. A pertinent suggestion is offered by a fan who says he can't see why these chain hook-ups always work one way, that is out of New York; He would like something from Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities broadcast over a series of stations for a change, believing there is also good talent available in those cities. A feminine fan is willing to listen to dance music and jazz when there is some semblance of melody to be heard, but objects to tuneless selections which sound as if they were written for noise alone. She also makes a plea for variety, pointing out that a whole evening of classical music is boresome while a solid program of jazz is worse. The ears of careless operators of regenerative sets would certainly burn if they could read some of the caustic complaints regarding oscillating receivers. This type of set should not be manufactured, one letter protests, while another listener claims all should cooperate to suppress them or teach the owners how to handle them. Semi-technical talks on operation would help remedy this condition, he believes. Just after Christmas for about three months, one writer says he never tries to listen-in, because the kids trying to operate their cheap "radiators" make the nights hideous until they run their batteries down or break up their sets. Another fan expresses disappointment that Secretary Hoover hasn't put a stop to the use of oscillating sets, adding that it now looks as if radio was doomed to failure in this country where it should be the best in the world. An Ohio listener says he quits in disgust every night about eight when the howlers and squealers begin. " I would gladly pay a national tax on my antenna or set," this man declares, "if we could be guaranteed from the interference of these nuisances." This man seems to have spoken for a large number of listeners. Some of the suggestions for improving the programs call for humorous talks sprinkled in with miscellaneous matter, touching on the general request for novelties and variety, which of course make it harder than ever for the overworked station managers. One man wonders why practically all stations open up at almost the same hour and suggests that some start earlier, say at dinner time and carry on through