• A LISTENERS' ASSOCIATION
[To the Editor of the Seel•suTosi.i Sin,—There has been much disquiet of tate amonga intelligent listeners in regard to the governance and certain trends of policy of the B.B.C. We listeners are, I imagine, one of the greatest bodies of " consumers " in the land, yet. although practically all similar bodies of people have organizations to protect their interests, there is no Listeners' Association: 1When an important public issue is raised individual listeners can (and apparently do in large numbers) write to the B.B.C. itself or to the organs controlled by it, the Radio Timis Mid The Listener, but neither of these means is an effective substi- tute for the continuous vigilance and influence which could be exercised by a fully representative and independent associat
A certain body of listeners, those organized in discussion groups, with their leaders, have lately had an opportunity in conference of expressing their views freely and have taken full advantage of it, with results both interesting and. I am sure, very helpful to the B.B.C. and to those who have given talks. This valuable movement, which is steadily growing, has been actively fostered by the and its members would furor an admirable nucleus for a larger• association.
The suggested Listeners' Association would not be in any sense hostile to the B.B.C. ; quite the reverse in fact. The chief function of such an association would be to strengthen the hands of governors, director-general and staff in pursuing a progressive policy, and to support them in resisting :my reactionary influence that might be brought to bear upon them. To do this effectively, it would need above all numbers, mid I suggest that the subscription should be a nominal one of, say, a shilling or so, that everyone might be included.
All these public utility corporations which we are forming are experimental social institutions. They present to us the problem of effective control in the public interest without political influence or bureaucratic tendencies. One means of doing this is to form a strong independent and voluntary organization of " consumers," which could give free and effective expression to public opinion. It is a Pity that such an organization is not available for another great medium of popular culture, the cinema—but that is mother story•. -
Previous page
