Policy reversal denied by TV1

Press, 19 June 1979, Page 2

Policy reversal denied by TV1

PA Wellingtonj II The producer of TVl'sh “Dateline Monday,” Mr Billri Earl, has disputed a claim); that the channel’s decision to 11 screen parts of the banned: Corso film last evening waSjl s "complete reversal” of TV11; policy. The documentary. “A Fair) I Deal.” was refused screen-p Ing by TV I beause of diffi) Cutties in balancing the pro-1; gramme. ( < Corso’s general seretary ’ (Mr T. Truell) said last week ; that the film was the victim u of “political censorship" be- II cause it pointed to inequali- s ties in this country as well asu overseas. i 1

But an “extensively reedited” version of the film •was used by TVI last evenring on “Dateline Monday” in a discussion on poverty in | this country, said Mr Earl. In its new form it was “no (longer the same film.” he 'said. He said it had been modified without consultation | with Corso or the producers. The film was followed by ia discussion between Mr Truell, the Minister of Social 'Welfare and Health (Mr Gait), and the member of Parliament for Lyttelton (Mrs Ann] IHercus). who. in her maiden, (speech, to Parliament, spokej lof widespread poverty in New Zealand.