M.P. criticises FM move

Press, 27 February 1981, Page 5

M.P. criticises FM move

PA Wellington The Government has been accused of “paralysis by analysis” in its dealing with the introduction of FM radio. The Opposition spokesman on broadcasting, Mr J. J. Terris, said the proposal to have the matter studied by the Broadcasting Tribunal represented more procrastination on the issue. The matter was fully studied by a committee set up in 1975 which considered the matter for several years, he said.

“That report presented the Government with two options. These were either to introduce FM radio on a costly and slow paced network basis, or on a local community basis. “Unable as it often is to make a decision, the Government has instead opted for yet another inquiry. “The Labour Party believes that FM radio should be introduced now and on a local community basis,” Mr Terris said. The Broadcasting Tribunal will advise the Government on the timing of the in-

troduction of FM radio under a direction from the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Cooper) which has been publicly gazetted. Under the direction, the tribunal is also to recommend whether FM service should be commercial or non-commercial. It will also consider whether holders of warrants to run FM stations should pay fees or levies for the right to broadcast. The procedures for dealing with applications to run the stations will also be examined.