University, Not Broadcasting

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30668, 6 February 1965, Page 1

University, Not Broadcasting

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, February 5.

Dr. F. J. Llewellyn has informed the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Scott) he does not wish to be considered for reappointment as chairman of the New Zealand Broadcasting Commission when his three-year term expires on March 31.

His stated reason is that “the rising tempo of university development, including particularly the establishment of a medical school at Auckland,” made it necessary for him to devote his whole energies to the work of the University Grants Committee, of which he is also chairman.

The Broadcasting Act of 1961, which set up the corporation, provided for r a governing board of three members. The chairman’s term was defined as three years from the coming into force of the legislation on April 1, 1962.

The other two members were to retire at the end of the first one and two years respectively, but could be reappointed. This has occurred in the cases of Messrs J. A. Stenberg and A. R. Harris, who have . respectively two and one year to go before further consideration.

The act gave the corporation wide powers, but it was required by a specific clause to comply, in the exercise of its powers and functions under the act, with the general policy of the Government, and with any general or special directions given in writing by the minister, pursuant to government policy. It was also required to have regard to any directions by the Minister in respect to capital expenditure generally, and not to undertake capital expenditure exceeding £25,000 for any particular purpose without his consent. Another requirement was that before May 1 each financial year the corporation was to submit for the Minis-

ter’s approval a programme of capital works proposed to be undertaken that financial year.

On November 10, 1964, Dr. Llewellyn said the corporation was prepared to proceed when the Government finally made its decision concerning a second television channel. Its procrastination in deciding on the corporation’s second channel proposals made in March that year was becoming serious. Dr. Llewellyn said the corporation’s objectives were the provision of a television

programme available to everyone in New Zealand, to be followed by a second chan-

nel. The corporation’s proposal for the introduction of a second channel had been made because permanent transmitter buildings and masts then under construction had provision for the additional equipment.

He then emphasised that the corporation was not asking for extra finance. Mr Scott replied that the Government had deferred consideration of a second channel in the meantime, but had agreed in principle to an acceleration of the corporation’s plan to extend a primary service to all parts of the country.