Musicians Critical Of N.Z.B.C. Payments

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 14

Musicians Critical Of N.Z.B.C. Payments

(New Zealand Press Association J

AUCKLAND, July 12.

It was a scandal that the Broadcasting Corporation used only 15 per cent local talent for its programmes while last year declaring a profit of about s33m, the secretary of the Auckland Musicians’ Union (Mr N. V. McGough) said tonight.

Mr McGough said that the N.Z.B.C. was committing a serious breach of faith and duty in its attitude toward New Zealand performing artists, musicians, actors and singers. “The corporation spends hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas on imported programme material at a time of serious economic problems,” he said. “The corporation continues to pay rates for national broadcasting rights that are less than the artist would receive for the same work in anv good hotel or restaurant. “The N.Z.B.C. records live performances repeatedly while the artists receive no extra payment at all, or some insulting figure like 82 or $4. Arts Council “While the N.Z.B.C. makes such a huge profit the arts council in New Zealand is begging for an income of only one seventh of that amount,” said Mr McGough. “Our ballet, opera, orchestral and other such services are struggling for their very existence. “New Zealand would be one of the very few Western countries today without a guaranteed minimum of local talent on its State-controlled radio-television services. “As a result, the N.ZB.C.’s attitude seems to be: ‘You’re lucky to have any work.’ !

“When is the Government going to have enough courage to write in to the Act a minimum of New Zealand artist content, thereby creating work for New Zealand people, cutting down on this large overseas expenditure, and keeping this money in circulation?” Official Replies The director of sound broadcasting in the N.Z.B.C. (Mr L. R Sceats) said tonight that in general he was extraordinarily surprised at the comments made by Mr McGough

I He was also astonished by • the remarks about the claim i of small fees paid by . the corI poration. “I can’t quote any figures I here at home but it is beyond s my comprehension that such a . statement can be made. i “The fees we pay to musicians are in advance of award rates. We are the biggest em- . ployer of musicians in New Zealand on a regular basis,” i said Mr Sceats. “This the first outburst of ■ its kind. It has taken me completely by surprise.”