Television ‘bias’

Press, 26 August 1977, Page 12

Television ‘bias’

Sir. — I see the “hardy annual” of political bias on television is once again being given an airing by correspondents. The fact that this accusation on the integrity of our professional broadcasters is unsupported by any evidence, does not deter your correspondents from attempting scare tactics, possibly in the belief that they will be as successful as similar tactics practised by the National Party in its 1975 campaign. I find it interesting that Laboursupporting readers of your excellent newspaper do not constantly bewail the proNational sentiments often evident in your editorial column: is there a moral here somewhere? — Yours, etc., R. L. PLUCK. Tai Tapu. August 24, 1977.

Sir, — I, too, was disappointed with one aspect of the “Dateline Mondav" programme on abortion.

Through no fault of the chairman, the S.P.U.CA.L.R.A.N.Z. section dealt inadequately with the shortcomings of the panel system. The panels are designed to impose a minority viewpoint on a majority. Thus clauses 14. 15 and 43 of the proposed legislation provide that the panels be directly and solely answerable to the Minister. A woman (and her family) who suffers through the negligence or malpractice of these panels is deliberately denied any form of appeal or redress. She cannot sue for damages before a jury of ordinary citizens. The panels are to be insulated from public opinion. They need never even see th-' woman whose fate they decide in secret. This bill is an instrument of oppression and would enable the State to be used as a tool of the Catholic hierarchy. — Yours, etc.,

ALAN L. WILKINSON. August 25, 1977.