N.Z.B.C. To ‘Take Steps’ Against Competitors

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32068, 16 August 1969, Page 1

N.Z.B.C. To ‘Take Steps’ Against Competitors

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 15. The New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation would take all necessary steps to oppose the establishment of additional radio stations where it considered they were unnecessary or were likely to have a detrimental effect on its finances or development, the chairman (Major-General W. S. McKinnon) said today.

He was commenting on the N.Z.B.C.’s annual report, which was tabled In Parliament this morning. The report showed that while the corporation had a loss on its radio activities, it finished the March financial year with a surplus as a result of television licence fees and television advertising. Major - General McKinnon said the N.Z.B.C. was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the existing radio service and also continue the substantial contribution which the corporation made to cultural activities throughout the country. “The corporation recently adopted as its principal objective the maintenance of broadcasting services in the

best public interest and resolved to act 'without fear or favour’ to merit confidence as

an independent organisation within its statutory limitations,” he said. The net revenue of the N.Z.B.C. for the March financial year was $20,685,018,

an increase of $1,109,004 over the previous financial year. Net revenue from advertising and from “The Listener” also increased, from $10,701,045 last year to $11,339,989. Additional television licences accounted for $349,964 of the increase, and radio licences and miscellaneous revenue rose by $160,260. Television and radio advertising—partly offset by a decrease of $40,164 in concert proceeds—accounted for the remainder. Operating and programming expenditure was $15,536,409, a net increase of $1,126,938. This increase was made up of purchase of programmes ($371,214), and general operating and programming costs ($804,379), less a decrease in expenditure on N.Z.B.C. Symphony Orchestra and concert activities ($48,655).