TECHNICAL.
42. Within the period under review, the average number of outside broadcast programmes increased steadily up to an average of 35 for the last three months, the total for the year being 344.
Disc recordings totalled 533 items, and the wire recorder provided
a total of 131 hours of programme time.
Planning of the technical lay-out of the new studios in Electra House was expedited and an approximately final scheme arrived at by September. However, the uncertainty of equipment deliveries from U.K. forced sweeping improvisations to be adopted in order to effect a physical transfer of the operational functions by the date agreed upon- 1st April, 1951. Nevertheless, one new 6-A Console with its auxiliary equipment was received and duly installed in the new European Con- tinuity Suite; this, together with the improvisations mentioned, made it possible to close down the Gloucester Studios and to operate in Electra Hause, without programme interruption, at the end of March, 1951.
THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING AND THE PROGRAMME SECRETARY'S REPORT TO THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
43. In November, the Programme Secretary was invited by the Colonial Secretary to prepare a report on Broadcasting: a survey of the existing organization with suggestions for expansion and general improve- ment. Submission of the report coincided with the arrival in the Colony of the Deputy Director of the BBC's Overseas Services-Mr. J. B. Clark. Mr. Clark intimated his agreement with the general terms of the Report. Broadly speaking, a case was made out for the provision of more funds and staff for Radio Hong Kong to permit of increased hours of broad- casting. In January, 1951, a conference on the future of Broadcasting, was called by His Excellency the Governor. At that time it was decided that, in view of clouds which had appeared on the financial horizon, only limited improvements and extension could be undertaken. Plans are now being prepared to put these decisions into effect.
CHANGE OF CONTROL.
44. As from 1st April 1951, Broadcasting has been placed under the control of the Public Relations Officer. At a special meeting held on 6th March, the Broadcast Advisory Committee, which was considered in some respects to have become a little unwieldy, was dissolved by the then Chairman, Mr. L. C. Saville, Postmaster General, On behalf of the
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