T.V. licence lee review

Press, 21 December 1978, Page 20

T.V. licence lee review

NZPA Wellington A thorough review of broadcasting’s finances for the next financial year will start in February, according to the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Templeton). This would take full account of the need for a review of television licence fees. There had been no increase in the fees for four years, he said. Mr Templeton was commenting on yesterday’s report of the financial prob-

lerns of TV2, which is budgeting to lose $6.4M in the year to March 31, before the licence fees are taken into account. These will give the channel a surplus of $1.25M, compared with SB.SM for TVI. Mr Templeton said he was satisfied with the economic performance of the broadcasting system, which had budgeted for a surplus this financial year. “We knew TV2 would have trouble with its finances, given the way the

system worked,” he said. The over-all profitability of the system would be looked at in the coming financial and policy review', which would be in line with the National Pary manifesto to bring about greater efficiencies and co-ordination in television, Mr Templeton said. “I believe that television’s financial problems can be tidied up quite well, and that TV2 will gradually come up to parity with TVI, he said.