Only one TV channel will show Games

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32587, 22 April 1971, Page 14

Only one TV channel will show Games

Two simultaneous radio coverages can be expected in New Zealand of the 1974 Commonwealth Games, but concession rights will almost certainly be given to only one television channel.

This was stated by the news media chairman (Mr Reeves Harris) when the full Games organising committee received letters at its meeting last night from Associated Network Group and Radio Hauraki. The letter from Associated Network Group said that the organisation believed it was a strong contender for a warrant to operate a second television channel in New Zealand. If proposals at present befor the Broadcasting Authority -were approved, tiie group would be operating well before 1974 and would be interested in' obtaining rights to telecast Games events, said the letter, which was signed on behalf of the group by Gordon Dryden.

COLOUR FILMS The group listed its interests as follows: — 1. Direct and delayed telecasts in New Zealand, either exclusively or in a pool with the N.Z.B.C. 2. Exclusive rights to distribute Games material overseas, both by satellite or by air-freighted film and videotape and which “naturally would be in colour.” 3. The rights to produce the official Games film and preferably the exclusive rights to distribute it. Radio Hauraki’s letter simply stated that as part of the station’s community service policy, it hoped to do live broadcasts of Games events, and sought the committee’s approval so advance arrangements could be made. "LITTLE PRESUMPTIOUS” Mr Harris said there would be no problem in providing simultaneous radio cover, but there were several good reasons why television rights could not be duplicated. He added that the group appeared to be a little presumptions in suggesting that it would be fully operative by 1974 as it had not cleared the first hurdle yet of getting a licence.

The publicity chairman (Mr D. G. Sanders) said no answer could be given until the authority had made its decision, but if the group should be successful the committee would have a stronger bargaining hand in its letting of the television concession.

It was decided to pass both letters on to Mr Harris’s committee for consideration at a later date. Consultants.—The firm of Campbell, Hamann and Partners was appointed consulting engineers to consider, advise and effect the organising committee’s plans for the development of Lancaster Park as a major track and field stadium. Official airline.—The general vice-chairman (Mr N. B. Ullrich) reported that a special committee appointed to investigate the appointment of an official overseas Games airline had invited representatives of Air New Zealand to meet it N.A.C. has already been appointed the official domestic airline. Shooting venue.—A recommendation from the

sports committee on the venues for the shooting events was approved. They are the Army range at West ■ Melton (rifle), the Harewood range (smallbore and pistol), and the. Christchurch Gun Club, Yaldhurst, if shotgun events are included. First meeting.— The new Mayor of Timaru (Mr S. R. Bennett), who through his office is a vice-president of I the Games organisation, > attended his first organising ! committee meeting and he ■ was accompanied by I Timaru’s Deputy Mayor (Mr t W. Greenwood). Mr Bennett said Timaru was right behind - the Games and the organis- - ing committee could count s on South Canterbury giving 5 every possible assistance. 1 New member.— Mr N. R. 5 Searell, who is chairman of 5 the Ifund-raising committee,

which in the past has been under the wing of the financecommittee, was installed as a full member of the organising committee. APPOINTMENTS The following recentlyappointed committees were approved. Main stadium.—Messrs J. O. Hauersley (cnairmau), J. K. Christensen (Secretary), S. Hose, u. W. MacKenzie, D. Gee, G. F. cggleton, 11. J. Alexander, D. Forces, L. A. Mahoney, W. V. Cowles, A. R. Taylor, A. W. Kyle and P. Wells. Transport.—Messrs L. K. Laugesen (chairman), W. J. Alnger (secretary), J. L. Gordon, A. T. F. Beere, D. F. Blackmore, J. F. FardeU, T. D. Moynihan, Superintendent A. Goldsmith, and Major N. C. McPherson. Additions made to committeer were:— Village.—The Rev. E. A. John, ston, Mr F. S. Blogg (representing Waimairt County Council). Traffic.—Mr E. S. Palliser. Legal.—Mr J. Rundle.