Radio and TV Evaluation By Ethel McCundless cvision programmes by the Women's In- stitutes has just been completed Seven provinces took part including Ontario. Prince Edward Island. Nova Scotia. Quebec. Saskatche- wan and Alberta. According to Mrs. George Wilson. Public Reâ€" lations Officer. Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada. who compiled the reports from the provâ€" inces. television has replaced radio as the centre of entertainment in 90% of the homes reached by this survey. Reports indicate that an average of six hours a day is spent viewing television. It behooves us, therefore. as members of an edu- cational organization to be concerned with the programmes being presented to our Canadian listeners and viewers. stated Mrs. Wilson. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and private stations are to be commended for their effort to present programmes of interest. Their coâ€"opera- tion with the Women's Institutes all across Can- ada is highly valued. Reports show that while television is more popular for entertainment. radio still has a defâ€" inite place in the home. It is turned on first thing in the morning for the news and weather and during the working hours the homemakers enjoy the musical programmes. There are areas in Canada that still do not have television and here radio is a friend of the country woman. Women's Institute members across Canada think along the same lines at the members of On- tario. Less crime and violence. especially in the programmes during children‘s viewing hours, were requested and "commercials toned down.†Moth- ers were unanimous in complaining about “child persuader" advertising (appeals to children for enâ€" closed gifts or premiums). Women's programmes. religious programmes and those on agricultural topics were, on the whole, highly rated; and in general, news coverage was commended. A va- riety of tastes was recorded in entertainment but all approved of programmes providing an outlet for talented young Canadians Country “hick†impersonations were found objectionable, also simulated accents. 90% of the homes surveyed have television and many homes have one or more radios. ONTARIO INSTITUTES’ TELEVISION EVALUATION The "Don Messer Jubilee Programmes" from Halifax over the CBC network rate 100% as the most popular programme of entertainment. Many requests were received for a one-hour programme for this show. Again 100% reports ask for less violence and shooting to kill, less Westerns, cowboys and crime. especially during the older children‘s hours of listening. A few report some cowboy show are liked by boys and they can take them in their stride, but parents ask for less killing and law- 3- NATIONAL evaluation of Radio and Telâ€" 14 lcssness. Roy Rogers†show was cited as a 1: example for a western show. Children’s Programmes The Children's Programmes seem to fit in - Well with the pre-school and kindergarten The “Teddy Forman Nursery School" on CBC network rates high. This programme fni minutes should be increased to half an i according to many reports. “Romper Room local stations with local pre-school children [Ll‘ part received many fine comments. “Lem: i to Beaver" is seen by many. but not much K ment. “Lassie†is a favourite with the Childl'c' most of the channels. but parents object to emotional build-up. which is so quickly rest»: i and leaves many children visibly moved i shaken. “Dennis the Menace“ is liked by the i dren. but here again parents say that Dennis . not think as a child and the humour is i natural. “Father Knows Best" and the “D‘- Thomas Show" rate highly with the young older children. Captain Kangaroo (U.S.A.i r in for much support. “Chez Helen" CBC ceived many fine comments. Disneyland and nior Magazine are well liked by the older t drcn. Disneyland apparently is not being sh- in some parts of Ontario that have receive before and they ask for its return. Cartoons to have quite a following and there seems is, little objection to them except in the case Pop-Eye, because the English used on this i gramme is Very bad. Parents ask how they ‘ teach young children to speak good English v.‘ many of the children’s programmes use ‘ grammar. A few reports. especially from Institutes ll had discussed the evaluation in their brancl said children should be allowed to see both ii- of life, but that parents should be willintl interpret the meanings to their children. Parri should also divert the children‘s interest to so thing else such as reading or outdoor play “i a programme scheduled is not the right onr their opinion. Women‘s Shows “Open House" CBC network. seems to be : favourite. Women would like to see the time - this increased from one half hour to one hal- It happens to be the only women’s show receih via TV in Northern Ontario. according to of?“ This show has a very high rating. Local statioi ShOWing Women’s programmes receive commt dation; the commentators know what the wonu want and they cater to them. Intewiews nu: local people are arranged, cooking and houst hold hints usually given each day. and this i what the women enjoy. Wingham gets grit? praise; Kitchener, London and Barrie. il'l lb“ order. Women‘s Institute members who VN‘ Kitchener enjoy the tour of the TV station J» HOME AND COUNTRY