“N.z. Listener” (Press, 19 June 1972)

In a letter to the editor published on 19 June 1972, a correspondent named Jim Abelson critiques the cultural journal “Listener,” responding to a previous comment by I. Trew regarding the readership of such publications. Abelson posits that the number of individuals purchasing cultural journals is not indicative of intelligence or intellect. He acknowledges that “Listener” features accomplished writers but asserts that it primarily caters to a narrow demographic aligned with the Katherine Mansfield school of thought, characterised by a form of elitism and pseudo-liberal viewpoints. Abelson argues that the magazine's focus on topics like homosexual law reform and marijuana legalisation limits its appeal. He describes its audience as a small, self-indulgent group engaged in activities such as wine snobbery, contract bridge, and crossword puzzles, while more common pastimes like boating, knitting, and collecting stamps or coins are overlooked. Furthermore, he expresses a pessimistic view on the sustainability of cultural journals, suggesting that despite their potential quality, their circulation is likely to remain small without broader appeal. Abelson proposes that if advance television programme listings were made available to Sunday and other newspapers—currently the exclusive domain of certain licence holders—the “Listener” would similarly face decline, joining the ranks of other recently discontinued weeklies. Abelson's letter reflects a critique of cultural exclusivity in media and suggests that without a wider cultural relevance, such publications may struggle to survive.

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