TV2 NOT IN THE RACE

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 4

TV2 NOT IN THE RACE

(By

KEN COATES)

Television Two will not try to compete with TVl’s comprehensive election night coverage. This was made clear yesterday by TV2’s head of news (Bruce Crossan) in Auckland.

The second channel will confine itself to providing a results service only during the evening. The main problem facing TV2 is a lack of microwave links between centres. All facilities, including the Auck-land-Wellington link, will be required by TVI for its “Election ’75” programme. “This means that TV2’s election night coverage will be conditioned by the limitations on facilities,” said Mr Crossan. “It is a nuisance, but this is the reality of the situation."

He said special telephone circuits would be installed with Radio New Zealand's Broadcasting House in Wellington. As results came to hand, they would be injected into a light entertainment programme. EASY VIEWING

“The ordinary Saturday night programme will probably be replaced by an easyviewing package which will have to be pre-recorded.” Mr

Crossan added. “Viewers would not appreciate being constantly interrupted during a drama with progress results. “Because we will have no link with Auckland that night, either to Christchurch or Wellington, TV2 will virtually be running its own election coverage in three centres with the results service provided by Radio New Zealand.”

He said the results would be speeded by utilising a

computer system in communicating them.

Television One will call on all its current affairs reporters and frontmen, and comment will be provided by Professor John Roberts, of Victoria University. The anchorman will be lan Johnstone, and Dougal Stevenson will read results as they come to hand. “Seven Days” reporter lan Fraser will carry out studio interviews, and political correspondent Fred Cockram will present reaction stories.

“Today at One” presenter Sharon Crosbie will be based in Wellington, and “Tonight at Nine” reporter Lindsay Perigo will be in Auckland. Gillian Woodward will be in Christchurch and Spencer Jolly in Dunedin.

Asked whether TV2 will make a bid to present authoritative comment and reaction, Mr Crossan said he had no plans to go beyond a results service. “Comment will be provided comprehensively elsewhere,” he said.