Viewers’ views

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33655, 3 October 1974, Page 4

Viewers’ views

“NATIONWIDE” It would appear that Mr Fraser considers that the democratic principle of , free speech overrides the necessity for courtesy. He might, perhaps, benefit from a subjective study of the restraint exercised by the Shah of Iran in the face of Mr Fraser's provocative questioning in their televised interview. The freedom of expression which allows Mr Fraser to occupy his privileged position demands a high degree of discretion; without any limits, this freedom is readily extended to gross invasions of privacy, to question the Shah on matters such as his possible assassination, the contents of his will and the torture of prisoners in Iran was not merely irrelevant in the context of the interview but highly indiscreet. My concern is not so much with the irrelevance of the questions and their possible consequences as with the unforgivable discourtesy shown to an honoured guest. — N. J. C. ROBERTSONGLASGOW, Te Anau.

In my time as a viewer 1 have seen the N.Z.B.C. make many blunders and commit much idiocy. One of the most irritating decisions which has been arrived at, somehow, was to screen “The Strauss Family” in the early afternoon. Why could it not change places with “The Borderers?" The latter programme immeasurably inferior in acting, authenticity and quality — is on in prime viewing time. Why? When will the N.Z.B.C. admit its crass error of judgment and rectify the situation? — PAUL R. BUSHNELL.