Radio Reviewing

The versatile press adapts itself to almost everything. Along came the radio, and there sprang into existence radio supplements and radio programs. But until recently, although radio had developed into one of the larger amusements of the nation, there had developed no seasoned attempt at radio criticism.

The New York Tribune took this omission to heart. It set up last week a department called Last Night on the Radio, conducted by "Pioneer." He does not tell how to wind a deduction, or how to make a radio set out of a hair pin, a toothbrush and the spare parts of three Fords. Neither does he merely recite "today's program," although a program appears with his department. But in a series of short paragraphs he criticizes the manner and the substance of the programs on which he listened in the night before:

"Lieutenant Hinton's talk about the NC4 flight was not altogether interesting for those of us who are favored with good memories. This brave young man evidently was conscious of this fact himself if WJZ was not. 'News while news is newsy' is our motto here at the Trib.

"That set of Corean automobile rules read off to us from WEAF was interesting. For those who detuned: 'Ring your horn,' 'speed slowly.'

"For Chopin we are thankful. For Felian Garzia (WJZ) to play his compositions for us we are also thankful. We have been listening in for three long years and it is saying a lot when we place this program on our long-to-be-remembered list. WJZ, isn't there some way of giving Mr. Garzia a key to the studio?"

There is a long way to go from Pioneer's paragraphing to a school of radio criticism. But then, his name is Pioneer. The Tribune professed to be very well pleased with the reception of its innovation.