BCNZ backing of Maori TV opposed

Press, 12 August 1985, Page 4

BCNZ backing of Maori TV opposed

PA Wellington National should revoke the licence of any Broadcasting Corporation-backed Maori third television channel, says the Opposition spokesman on broadcasting, Mr Jim Gerard.

He said yesterday that he and his party were totally committed to private enterprise control of the third channel, hearings for which start this week in Auckland.

He was commenting on news that the BCNZ was considering backing the Maori Council’s bid for control of the third channel with its applicant, Aotearoa Broadcasting Systems, Ltd. The BCNZ has already voted to support the Aotearoa bid in principle and its chief executive, Mr lan Cross, is investigating how much money the BCNZ should put behind the Maori proposal. Aotearoa wants $25 million from the BCNZ in its first year and $2B million for the second and $3l for the third years. Mr Gerard said he was totally opposed to the corporation’s extending its in-

fluence to cover the third channel.

“It’s a move to squeeze out private enterprise. I’m somewhat alarmed at the direction we seem to be now proceeding,” he said.

He was not opposed to cultural support for Maoris through television but was sure there were better ways and better options. On the possible success of a BCNZ-backed Maori channel bid, he said: “I would be doing my utmost to persuade my colleagues to revoke it.”

The Minister of Broadcasting, Mr Hunt, said he was astonished at Mr Gerard’s comments. Both he and his National Government predecessor, Dr Shearer, gave the third channel decision to the tribunal to decide.

Whoever was granted the warrant must be given the warrant and the decision of a semi-judicial body must not be interfered with, Mr Hunt said. He said he knew the BCNZ had some interest in the Maori bid but he did not know the extent. However,

he expected the tribunal would look at all applications carefully. Mr Hugh Rennie, the BCNZ chairman, said the corporation did not come up with the proposal for backing Aotearoa—the Aotearoa people did. There was no secret about it.

The extent of BCNZ support depended on negotiations with Aotearoa and a BCNZ board decision late this month, Mr Rennie said. Mr Don Hutchings of Impact TV, Ltd, a private contender for the channel, said the BCNZ was not doing anything underhand in supporting the Maori bid. “It’s probably the most obvious move it has ever undertaken,” he said. The BCNZ did not want competition and, after 25 years, had “suddenly discovered the Maori.” Mr Bill Earl of Southern Cross TV, Ltd, another private contender, said he would delay comment until the BCNZ’s position was absolutely' clear. Matters raised by BCNZ backing for a Maori channel were for the Broadcasting Tribunal, he said.