TV2 begs to borrow Avalon gear

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34128, 14 April 1976, Page 4

TV2 begs to borrow Avalon gear

(By

KEN COATES)

Some of TVl’s facili-| ties at Avalon may be shared with TV2 as a result of the Government re-evaluation of broadcasting. The Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Templeton) hinted that this could happen when he spoke to about 150 Auckland TV2 staff members recently. According to the channel’s staff magazine, “Two’s Company,” the issue arose when the executve producer of drama (Bill Cole), asked if: : the Minister would consider asking the Broadcasting Council to preside over negotiations aimed at borrow- : ing some items from Avalon. “If I was to drive to Avai lon in a station waggon I ' could bring back enough equipment to keep me happy for six months.” said Mr Cole. Replied Mr Templeton:; “We have that problem very! much in mind.” From Auckland yesterday.! Mr Cole said he had been!

quite serious. He explained! that TVl’s Avalon complex! was very well equipped with! production facilities —he had felt jealous when in Wellington last week attending the Feltex awards presentation. “In Auckland for example we are short of camera pedestals, precision engineering items worth from $5OOO to $10,000.” he said. “And this means that right now I am limited in the shots I can take when filming the serial, “A Going; Concern.’ “I am short of matching! microphones, essential in a drama production when several people are speaking to each other. We were ini the ridiculous situation of! having to borrow microphones from ‘Romper Room,’ when they had finished with them.” Mr Cole described his request to the Minister as reasonable and one which had a fair chance of being granted. He had in mind a long-term arrangement for the transfer of equipment. He indicated that the ban

jn spending of overseas funds neant that TV2 could not purchase the essential production facilities it needed, out which were enjoyed by rvi. And obviously from a competitive point of view, so long as TV2 remains disadvantaged, the two-channel system will remain weighted in favour of TV], Mr Templeton in Auckland emphasised the two themes: the ability of the TV corporations to pay their way, and the desire of the Government to listen to professional broadcasters’ opinions before legislating on broadcasting. The chairman of TV2 (Mr George Fraser) said there was no reason why TV2 could not make a profit in 1977-78. “Profit is not incompatible with good television,” he added. “We have to rely on it; otherwise, we will have to go cap in hand to the Government.”