TV man backed

Press, 11 June 1982, Page 4

TV man backed

PA Wellington The chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation. Mr lan Cross, has backed the television interviewer. lan Fraser, in the row over an interview with the British Defence Secretary, Mr John Nott. Mr Cross has told the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Cooper) that in his opinion the line of questioning of the British Minister did not justify the criticism offered by Mr Cooper of the interview" by Mr Fraser. Mr Cross said that first, the responsibility for editing and the inclusion of the interview in the “Eyewitness” programme was with the programme and not Mr Fraser.

Second, Mr Cross said that although the interview was slightly repetitious, the item was quite newsworthy and it was the corporation’s view that it did not provide a basis for the constructions Mr Cooper placed upon it. Mr Cooper reacted to Mr Cross’s reply by saying that it was no more than a wishywashy absolution of the board and the people associated with the "Eyewitness” interview. He said the “concession" that the interview was slightly repetitious was the unders'talement of the year. The reply consolidated his opinion that "the comfort of a protective arm had once again been thrown round the staff by a benevolent chairman."