Broadcasting cuts strongly criticised

Press, 22 August 1979, Page 5

Broadcasting cuts strongly criticised

PA Ashburton Broadcasting cuts to performances by New Zealand artists have been condemned at the annual conference of the Southern Regional Arts Council in Ashburton. The conference passed a resolution saying it was “appalled by the cuts which the broadcasting system has chosen to make in broadcasting performances by local artists including choirs, orchestras, singers, actors, writers and instrumentalists.” It called on the Broadcasting Corporation and the Government to reconsider its decision and said that “any cuts made necessary by the Governemnt’s refusal to allow an increased licence fee be made in areas which do not reduce the involvement of New Zealand artists.” Presenting the recommendation, the chairman of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society (Mr P. Barton) said his choir was one on the casualties in the battle between the Government and the corporation. The choir was now re-

duced to two broadcasts a year. “We have already had to cancel one of next year’s concerts and for one of them we may be forced to use other accompaniment,” he said. Mr Barton said this would apply to the Christchurch Harmonic Society, the Auckland Choral Society and the Orpheus Choir in Wellington.