Seeking Solution To TV Problem

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30856, 15 September 1965, Page 1

Seeking Solution To TV Problem

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, September 14

The transfer of television transmission to the new station on the Sugarloaf hill had resulted in a changed reception pattern which unfortunately had been more severe than expected, but the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation was aware of its obligations to viewers and was seeking a practical solution, the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Scott) told Parliament today.

Mr N. E. Kirk (Opp., Lyttelton) had asked if the Minister was aware that as a result of the change-over, televiewers at Sumner, Heathcote, Lyttelton and other areas who previously had had good reception now received little, if any. Mr Kirk asked Mr Scott to agree that: “Since this situation has arisen out of an act of the Broadcasting Corporation, the corporation has an obligation to take such remedial action as is necessary to restore satisfactory reception.” After Mr Scott had replied, Mr Kirk asked if the corporation accepted the responsibility of restoring good reception.

Mr Scott: At present the transmitter is working at 50

kilowatts. When it starts operation at 100 kilowatts it is hoped the difficulty will disappear. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake): The trouble will disappear, that is—not the picture.

Mr Kirk: Does the corporation accept that it is its responsibility to restore the viewing in these areas? Mr Scott: I would like to say that the corporation is doing all it can in this matter.