TELEVISION CONTROL

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29232, 16 June 1960, Page 15

TELEVISION CONTROL

State Monopoly Opposed

. “A democratic corporation direction and progressive development” of television would be favoured by Social Credit, the leader of the organisation’s political league •Mr P. H. Matthews) said at a public meeting in Christchurch last evening. “If the price New Zealand is to pay is for another State monopoly, it is far too high, and if it is to be used as a brain washing tool we would be far better off without it,” he said. The corporation would consist of nominees of the people, organisational interests including the radio industry, and the Government, and would operate under a charter, Mr Matthews said. The corporation would be charged, as a first responsibility, with ensuring freedom of speech and expression for the people over this medium.

“Social Credit is opposed to both State monopoly, as exists at present, and private monopoly, in the people’s television and radio systems,” he saidMr Matthews said the proposed corporation would also direct existing broadcasting systems on similar lines, would completely overhaul it and ensure that “the indifferent standard of service at present evident in many respects and particularly in several country areas is improved to a satisfactory standard.”

Mr Matthews said Social Credit realised that television and radio broadcasting were public services paid for by the public, and that the people should control and use them as “their democratic channels for freedom of speech and expression.” Election Broadcasting

At General Election time “the ex-Govemment” should not have the privilege of determining the extent to which the people's radio services were used for political broadcasts. Mr Matthews said. “The extent, order, and all policy in this connexion should be determined by a committee fairly representative of all contesting political organisations and independent candidates. “Social Credit will at the appropriate time, take steps to ensure the formation of such a committee,” Mr Matthews said.