asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if it is his intention to continue the broadcast of sponsored programmes from Athlone, Dublin and Cork; if any complaints have been received from listeners-in as to the time permitted for this form of entertainment; if he is aware that serious injury is being caused to the newspapers and printing industry by this form of advertising; and if there are any compensating advantages to the State in the way of extra employment by reason of the introduction of sponsored programmes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broadcasting of Sponsored Programmes.
Mr. Boland
It is intended to continue the broadcast of sponsored programmes from Athlone, Dublin and Cork. No complaints have been received from listeners as to the time permitted for this form of entertainment, which is not, so far as I am aware, proving injurious to newspapers or printing interests. Sponsored programmes produce an appreciable amount of revenue and have also resulted in extra employment being given in the broadcasting stations.
I would like to ask the Minister if sufficient evidence be forthcoming that persons directly affected by the matters raised in this question —those concerned in the printing and newspaper industry—are affected, will he give serious consideration to the matter?
Mr. Boland
I should like to have any definite complaints sent in and they will be considered. I am not promising that we shall drop the sponsored programmes.
If evidence is forthcoming from the Irish Master Printers' Association and the Irish Newspapers Association will the Minister give due consideration to the representations of these responsible bodies?
Mr. Boland
Certainly I will give due consideration, but I am not making any promise to drop the sponsored programmes.
If sufficient evidence is forthcoming will the Minister be prepared to drop those so-called entertainments, the sponsored programmes?
Mr. Boland
I am prepared to do what the Deputy asked, that is to give due consideration to any definite complaints made.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he say if he has received any complaints from the advertisers as to the quality of the radiation from the Athlone Station?
That is a different question.
Arising out of the reference to sponsored programmes, I should like to ask if it is true that since the termination of the contract with Athlone Publicity, Limited, no single Irish artist has been employed on a sponsored programme?
The question does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper or out of the Minister's reply.
Mr. Boland
Deputy Dillon asked about the quality. I have not heard any complaints from advertisers, but I have from listeners.
Not from advertisers?
Mr. Boland
They have not come to me personally. They may have come to the office. If the Deputy wants a definite answer, if he puts down a question I will get it for him.