Avon’s appeal delays FM

Press, 7 August 1985, Page 9

Avon’s appeal delays FM

Radio Avon was using “delaying tactics” slow the introduction of FM in Christchurch by appealing against the Broadcasting Tribunal’s FM decision, an industry source said yesterday. , It is believed that Avon s appeal against last month s decision will delay FM in Christchurch by six months or more beyond the six months needed to set up the stations. The tribunal granted FM warrants to Canterbury FM Broadcasting, Ltd, and to Radio New Zeatandls 3ZM, and it rejected two other anaUcMts, Radio Avon and FM *

Avon has since lodged an appeal to the High Court, although Mainland FM, backed by Radio Hawke’s Bay, will not appeal. A director of Canterbury FM, Mr Rob McKay, said that Avon’s action was intended to delay the introduction of FM. “It is perceived to be a delaying tactic, which I don’t think is in the interests of Christchurch listeners,” he said. Avon had not been prepared to commit itself fully to FM at the tribunal hearing in October last year, as it had wanted to retain its AM. station as well. to tWve

their cake and eat it. But Avon now has a lot to gain once 3ZM moves to FM, particularly from car listeners. There is room in Christchurch for two AM and two FM stations.” Radio Avon’s newly elected chairman, Mr Robert Stewart, denied that the appeal was a delaying tactic. Avon was firmly committed to FM, he said. “We made the effort to get an FM warrant. We did not get one, and we are now going through the due processes to get one,” Mr Stewart said. Before an appeal date can be set, the Broadcasting Tribunal has to transcribe

taped evidence from the five davs of the hearing in Christchurch last year. This is expected to take between two and four months. The High Court will then set an appeal date which could be some weeks after the date of application, depending on the number of other fixtures it has. Spokesmen from Canterbury FM and 3ZM said yesterday that some preparatory work would be done towards setting up their stations, although they could not be installed for some months after the appeal outcome. Mr McKay said that Canterbury FM, which is

backed by the Christchurch Press Company, Ltd, and Metropolitan FM in Auckland, could not place equipment orders until the appeal had been decided. The station manager of 3ZM, Mr John Crawford, said that 3ZM had its transmitter and studio equipment ready to install but would have to await the appeal outcome. “We had hoped to get started by the New Year. I will be extremely disappointed if it is delayed several months.” Mr Crawford said there was some feeling against Radio Avon for “holding up proceedings” on FM. y