BROADCASTING IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25955, 8 November 1949, Page 4

BROADCASTING IN N.Z.

POLITICAL CONTROL CRITICISED CHICAGO “TRIBUNE” ON ELECTION SPEECHES (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 MONTREAL, Nov. 6. The Chicago “Tribune,” in a leading article, criticises political control pibroadcasting, , and says New Zealand cannot do called a free count*? or • democracy. The “Tribune” ssys that the only political speech over the New Zealand stations on the eve of the forthcoming elections will be one by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser), unless a Court action by Mr Will Appleton, Mayor Qf Wellington, is successful. • “The circumstances show how liberty is menaced by Government ownership or control of radio facilities,” says the “Tribune.” “We understand that New Zealand has two radw chains, one of ~ them Government* operated, t-nd the other, known as the commercial chain, subject to Government regulations. It, too, is therefore under political control. “In the light of these conditions, it is absurd tc say that New Zealand if a free country or a democracy by any of the definitions of this much abused word. The same must be said of Britain and every other country that permits political control of radio.”