TV WITH C.C.

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30741, 4 May 1965, Page 10

TV WITH C.C.

often fits awkwardly into the daily news pattern. In my newspaper I don’t expect to find recipes on the racing page, and I do like a sequence of events in my TV news. Lack of time or shortage of staff seem to have blunted slightly the needle of “Compass.” This is the best factual programme we have on New Zealand TV and the talk is good when the talker is that fine interviewer, lan Johnstone.

But 1 have been concerned about a tendency to allow others to do the talking. An example was the use of speakers for and against to deal with the controversial issue of fluoridation. I would prefer “Compass” to speak with its own effective voice on national issues rather than present straight interviews or the views of others in panel discussions.

HEAVY-HANDED There has been a lot of talk in the new programme “Right of Reply.” This is another discussion series which seems to be trying to capture the atmosphere of overseas “Meet the Press” programmes. So far it has not been particularly successful. The first instalment, in which the Minister of Defence faced a panel of three questioners was heavy-handed in its treatment. Mr Eyre was allowed, to get away with far too much because the questions asked were usually too long and not particularly penetrating.

the presentation is improved “Right of Reply” may become a better programme if