Sports results only likely

Press, 8 February 1985, Page 1

Sports results only likely

PA Auckland Coverage by radio of big sport events may have to be confined to reporting of results if a ban by technicians continues, said the editor of Radio New Zealand sports, Mr Ron Findlay, yesterday. The ban would affect planned Jive coverage of the third cricket test against Pakistan at Dunedin, bowls, racing, and trotting, he said. Technicians on radio and

television outside broadcasts began their action at 9 a.m. yesterday. The president of the Public Service Association, Mr Colin Hicks, said the technicians had also imposed an overtime ban which might have an effect where maintenance was needed to keep obsolete equipment working. The P.S.A. is pressing for a 20 per cent pay margin on behalf of the 400 corporation technicians. The claim was lodged before the start

of the wage freeze in June, 1982. Mr Hicks said the corporation’s response had been a “nil offer.” American television viewers are the first victims of industrial action by the technicians. An A.B.C. news team in New Zealand following the A.N.Z.U.S.-nuclear ship row has been unable to send material back to the United States. TVNZ hopes to screen a “reduced” “Sport On One”

programme tomorrow instead of ali-day cricket coverage. “Sport On One” will run from about 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature show-jumping, Five Nations rugby, and possibly edited highlights of Wednesday’s one-day cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan. On Sunday aftenioon, TVNZ will probably screen a mixture of children’s and documentary programmes, and the movie, “Mr Roberts.”