BIAS IN BROADCASTING [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SI12,--YOU
were good enough to publish in your issue of December 6th an article from my pen entitled " Bias in Broad- casting," in the course of which I mentioned that the Luxem- bourg Radio, among other independent stations, was popular because it published betting news which was banned by the B.B.C. I find to my regret that the station publishes no betting news and I now realise that its popularity is due to its progratmnes. The B.B.C. are indeed at pains to record the name of every horse that wins a race on many an obscure course, but we must still rely upon the daily Press for that information which alone gives significance to such news. The Luxembourg Radio not only refrains from publishing betting news but has deliberately eschewed publishing lottery results or indeed any information inconsistent with the laws of this country, and I have been able to satisfy myself by personal investigation that the censorship applied to all matters is not less scrupulous than that of those who, from the recesses of Broadcasting House, decide what is or is not suited to the delicate ear of the British public.
May I conclude by an expression of regret that I should have, however unwittingly, given currency to the incorrect view that the management of Luxembourg Radio follow a policy which runs in any way counter to that either of the British Government or of the British Broadcasting Corporation ?—Your obedient servant, ARNOLD WILSON.
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