N.Z.B.C. Coverage Of Soccer

Press, Issue 32345, 10 July 1970, Page 11

N.Z.B.C. Coverage Of Soccer

i Sir, —Discussion of N.Z.B.C. coverage of the World Cup ! soccer finals in Mexico illustrates the unfortunate position New Zealand is in because all our overseas soccer films and most printed matter comes from Britain. Mr Boyes, replying to Mr Garters, said: “N.Z.B.C. commentary broadcasts will be affected by the fortunes of the England team.” What more evidence is required to prove the monopoly British soccer has on our screens, on our radios, and in our newspapers. I realise that our connections with Britain and the ease of purchasing from the 8.8. C. account for this situation. 1 hope the N.Z.B.C. can screen the two semi-finals and the final in Mexico, but what is the corporation doing about extending its overseas soccer coverage to Latin American and Central European countries on a regular basis? Or is this not feasible? —Yours, etc., BRIAN O’SULLIVAN. June 16, 1970. [Mr L. Boyes, public relations officer of the N.Z.8.C., replies: “The N.Z.B.C. believes that soccer already enjoys very fair coverage on its single television channel, and that any increase of time de voted to this sport would not be welcomed by most viewers Under these circumstances effects to secure foreign films would at present be superfluous, especially as language, barriers would have to be overcome.”]