N.Z.B.C. seeks channel ‘now'

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32737, 14 October 1971, Page 2

N.Z.B.C. seeks channel ‘now '

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 13. The Broadcasting Corporation sees a public preference for a second channel now, one that would give a “truly alternative programme” and one that'would be advertisement free, according to its chairman (MajorGeneral W. S. McKinnon).

“I think we could claim to be best placed to provide that sort of programme,” he said today. He was speaking after a meeting between the Cabinetcaucus committee on television and representatives of the N.Z.B.C. Last week the committee met the Associated Network Group which is interested in the establishment of a private enterprise televisioh channel. NO “BULLDOZING”

The Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Walker), said that the meeting had been informative and helpful but there were still a lot of matters to be considered. However, the Government would not be “bulldozed” into making a decision on a second channel.

General McKinnon said that the Broadcasting Authority’s report on television had been discussed in detail and the N.Z.B.C.’s capacity to act quickly to implement those recommendations concerning it, particularly the translation of the existing channel to colour outlined.

“We emphasised to the Government the very large investment which the public has in the present channel and we said we had an obligation to protect that interest and to develop it.” The N.Z.B.C had promised to discuss a proposal for the current affairs and news programmes to be supplied from outside in the event of being given the second channel. There had been no discussion of a suggested N.Z.B.C. private enterprise joint ownership of the second channel.