P.M. hints at TV2 demise

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34104, 17 March 1976, Page 1

P.M. hints at TV2 demise

<S' 7 Pres# Association) WELLINGTON. March 16. The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) today mentioned TV2 as a Government project which it might be possible to stop at the end of a particular stage ot development.

' He made the reference in | a speech to the Wellington I Chamber of Commerce when I emphasising the need to curtail Government spending in the present economic circumstances.

“There is always a tendency in State spending to set up an operation on the basis of some agreed criteria and then, having set it up, let it go merrily on its way for ever regardless of whether in fact it is worth while." Mr Muldoon said projects were being .scrutinised with this in mind “Projects that are partly completed in the main are continuing although in some cases it may be possible to stop them at the end of a particular stage. “TV2 comes to mind as a possibility. Although 1 am well aw'are that the moment 1 mention anything in that area every television journalist in New Zealand stalls hopping up and down like a demented hen. “It is quite remarkable to me how people whose training supposedly enables them j to assess facts in dispassionate and unbiased manners be i come hysterical when their own affairs are involved. “If politicians reacted that | way every time someone rei ferred to them in derogatory I terms we would all have I ulcers in a year.” j Another message from Wellington quotes the presiIdent of the Public Service (Association (Mr Jim Turneri las saying that the P.S.A. will

have continuing consultation

I with the Government over 1 any planned restructuring of > broadcasting. After an hour-long meeting 1 with the Minister of Broad- - casting (Mr Templeton) Mr : Turner told reporters that he - was concerned for the inter--1 ests of the staff of all three ! broadcasting corporations The meeting had been - sought to enable the P.S.A to , outline its views, and Mr Templeton had promised con- . tinuing consultation. Asked about further atj tacks by Mr Muldoon on television journalists, Mr Turner "I said: “I don’t think any ; journalist should be beyond ’ and above criticism so long as it’s clear, rational and con- • structive.” 1 He said he did not think , the Prime Minister’s description of television journalists 1 as “demented hens” fitted that category.