This subject is a new one in Tempo, and it is hardly necessary to add that it has forced its way into these pages by reason of the BBC's Third Programme. For the benefit of our growing body of overseas readers it should be explained that the new programme, which is on the air daily from 6 p.m. to midnight, is devoted exclusively to serious music, drama, and talks, and is avowedly directed to the more intelligent members of the community. There are no news bulletins, and the clock hardly counts—single items lasting from one to three hours are a normal occurrence, and there is no “fading out” when a programme over-runs its allotted time.