Doubt raised on 1982 date for FM radio

Press, 4 August 1981, Page 3

Doubt raised on 1982 date for FM radio

PA Auckland New Zealand is unlikely to hear FM radio before 1983. in spite of an assurance from the Minister of Broadcasting (Mr Cooper) at the National Party conference in Wellington yesterday.

Mr Cooper said that the Government hoped to authorise the Broadcasting Tribunal to call for licence applications before the end of this year, and he expected its introduction by early next year.

Applause greeted his statement, which he made in response to a question from a conference 'delegate.

But FM sources in Auckland yesterday said that it would probably be a year after approval was given before any stereo radio stations could be set up. Hopeful FM broadcasters were “delighted” with Mr

Cooper's "positive statement" but most doubted if his timing was correct. If authorisation were given late this year it would be next February before the tribunal could hear licence applications, they said. That hearing could take a month, followed by a wait of several more months for a decision.

Unsuccessful applicants would then be likely to appeal to the High Court, causing several more months delay.

Once the licence-holders had finally been decided it would take between four and six more months to set up the stations. At least five different groups are likely to be vying for the one or two expected licences in the Auckland area.

Mr , Copper said that the

Broadcasting Tribunal was now conducting a series of hearings. He expected it to report to him at the end of this .month.

Mr Cooper also told the conference that private enterprise should take over one of the State-run television channels. Personally he felt that New Zealand should not have a third channel.

“We have got to move the private sector gradually into one of the existing channels." he said.

There should be complementary television with programming working “in a reasonable manner."

Mr Cooper said that the Broadcasting Corporation had allowed a tender to go out and was evaluating advice for 31 hours of private sector television time in the morning seven days a week.