In common with most other countries, New Zealand has shared in the rapid development of broadcasting which is one of the great scientific advances of this century. Although they were far removed from overseas centres of research, New Zealand experimenters soon appreciated the possibilities of the new medium, and by the early twenties much pioneer work was already under way. Today, we can see four distinct periods in the development of broadcasting in this country – first, the amateur experimental period, 1921–25; second, the early development of a national radio service under the Radio Broadcasting Co. of New Zealand Ltd., 1925–31; third, a relatively brief period of public control under the New Zealand Broadcasting Board, 1932–35; and fourth, the long period of development as a Government Department – the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, 1936–62. Each period contributed its share in development but long-standing inability to evolve the most appropriate form of control was shown in 1962 when, by the Broadcasting Corporation Act 1961, New Zealand reverted to public control with the establishment of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation.