Change Proposed To “Heed Govt Policy”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31837, 15 November 1968, Page 20

Change Proposed To “Heed Govt Policy”

(New Zealand Press Association > WELLINGTON, November 14. A change in the law which requires the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation to heed Government policy is proposed in the Statutes Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.

Whereas present law requires the N.Z.B.C. to comply with “the general policy of the Government,” the proposed new law demands compliance with “the general policy of the Government in relation to the functions and powers of the corporation.” The amendment has no connection with current allegations of Government interference and is similar to wording being inserted in the Broadcasting Authority Bill. The N.Z.B.C. will still have to comply with any special directions given in writing by the Minister of Broadcasting and the Minister will still have to table the directions in Parliament. Broadcasting Corporation Act A proposed change in the wording of the Broadcasting

Corporation Act appeared to make the N.Z.B.C. more independent, said Professor J. L. Roberts, professor of political science and public administration at Victoria University, last evening. It appeared the Government would be excluded from giving directions on programming, he said. “I warmly approve this move, which will apparently increase the independence of the corporation,” Professor Roberts said. “One could say it is a step in the right direction and a move towards the Labour Party’s position of an entirely independent corporation. “It will be nearer the original intention of the act,” Professor Roberts said.

Maori Sails From Wellington.—The inter-island steamer Maori sailed from Wellington yesterday after being delayed 24 hours by a seamen’s strike over a proposed pen-sion-scheme claim.—P.A.