TV producer quits N.Z.B.C.

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33649, 26 September 1974, Page 2

TV producer quits N.Z.B.C.

(New Zealand Press Association) itiiK WELLINGTON, September 25. One of New Zealand’s leading current affairs broadcaster, David Exel, has resigned from the N.Z.B.C. because of dissatisfaction.

Only five hours later he said he wished he had been able to stay in the N.Z.B.C. “I took the decision because of a lack of planning and commitment within the N.Z.8.C.,” he said. “However, I would like to have stayed with the corporation, and would have done so if I had seen evidence of a genuine commitment to the sort of programming philosophy that is needed.” Mr Exel has no other job to go to, although since his resignation became public today he has received several offers. In his letter of resignation to the N.Z.B.C. he said he was leaving because of the organisation’s lack of planning and commitment. However, he said today that he was also “dismayed” at the situation, both in radio and television. “In both media current affairs has been run down to an abysmal state, staff morale

is low, and unless swift and decisive action is taken, it will be years before this area, of programming recovers,” he said. “I am not prepared to remain in the organisation and watch current affairs programmes go from bad to worse, and I am pessimistic about the realistic chances of the organisation providing the ‘swift and decisive’ action that is required.” Mr Exel is executive current affairs producer in the N.Z.B.C.’s central region. He is also president of the Current Affairs Broadcasters’ Society. "Through that organisation, we have attempted continuously to jog the N.Z.B.C. into a more responsible attitude toward programmes and staff. However, we must have not been sufficiently successful to give me grounds for optimism in the near future — I hope I am proved wrong,” he said.