N.Z.B.C. ROW

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33790, 12 March 1975, Page 7

N.Z.B.C. ROW

Opposition call (N.Z. Press Association) • WELLINGTON. The Opposition spokesman ion broadcasting, Mr H. J. ! Walker, the member of Par- ■ liament for Papanui, says ■ that the Minister of Broadr casting (Mr Douglas) is re- ’ sponsible for the motion of , no confidence by N.Z.B.C. journalists yesterday in the three new broadcasting cor.lporations. “The break-up of the highly successful N.Z.B.C. on ’ (the anvil of doctrinaire social- • i ist p'olicy was against the! proven facts, experience and !! advice of experts in television I , and radio fields,” said Mr; j i Walker. ,i “I can well understand the! (discontent and uncertainty: .; among staff who have been; ■ileft entirely in the dark until! ■' the eleventh hour. j! “Only an insensitive Minis-: ■ i ter would allow things to de-: teriorate to this stage,” hel said. Mr Walker criticised the i increasing of licence fees, ad- ! vertising charges, directors-1 ;• general, staff, and the spend-: ing of pubilc money in flying equipment from Britain at ai 'time of economic crisis. i “In addition, the viewing; and listening public who must I ; i meet the cost of Labour’s j I incompetence and muddlement in broadcasting are be-; ing ignored completely,” he i said. i He called on the Minister, to postpone the restructuring! and seek expert advice on: broadcasting.