Peter Neil to leave N.Z.B.C.

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33803, 27 March 1975, Page 4

Peter Neil to leave N.Z.B.C.

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KEN COATES

The Christchurch news reader and a noutuer Peter Xeil has resigned from X.Z.B.C. after 11 veal- with the coiporat . • He will in future work outside broadcasting

Reluctant to discuss events which led up to his resignation. he says he did not want "I suppose it is a case where the work for which I am best suited is unavailable in Christchurch." he said. It seemed his employers <.<msidered there was no further use for him A South African who now considers himself a New Zea lander, Peter Neil read th< television news on CHTV3 for M-veral vears before the days of network bulletins.

He also spent a xeai ■ihe early local IV p r ,.. gramme. "Town and \i .nd’ and did some interviewing ~s well as fronting He IS opposed to the h t rt \ v emphasis on network hinadcasting As Peter Neil s. nroadcastmg means giving 4 service to the publii aid t > be most effective, a broadvaster should be “with and of the people." He considers Christchunh will be less well served hv network ami nation.i broadicasting. than by local inv Ive. Iment There was a need U lie (concerned with people on a local level, he said. “This is why private radio and the local television programme. irrespective of its name, have been so successful." he said. The B B.C had tried the national approach, but had found it necessary to return to regional television. I he people of Christi hutch matter to Peter Neil and he says: “In turn thev have been verv good to me “Ms son happens to be in hosiptal at present, and many people have expressed their concern and goodwill," he Commercial radio is not his field. Peter admits, and he maintains that radio has to be careful to remember that it is not the technology alone that makes for good communication with people. He also considers that job designations in broadcasting are too restrictive. Experts in the field of news and current, affairs are needed, he says, but there should be a broad ening in scope because all were essentially communicators. Peter Neil is one of a number of older and experienced broadcasters for whom there seems to have been little provision made by the planners of the broadcasting restructuring.