ITV offers deal to A.B.S. on new warrant

Press, 12 June 1986, Page 6

ITV offers deal to A.B.S. on new warrant

PA Auckland Impact Television has offered help to Aotearoa Broadcasting Systems, another applicant for a third channel warrant In its proposals, ITV will assist A.B.S. with Maori coverage on television, as well as financially. Last month the Broadcasting Corporation withdrew financial support for A.B.S. As part of the present tribunal hearings, ITV suggested A.B.S. obtain a warrant to broadcast Maori programmes on ITV, with the further object of broadcasting no fewer than 15 per cent Maori programmes on all television channels. ITV said it would support an A.B.S. application

for a programme warrant; undertake, and accept as a condition of its warrants, to broadcast not less than 5 per cent Maori programmes; and ensure a Maori dimension was properly reflected in its staffing and programming. In the event of obtainiig equivalent Government support, ITV says it will pay $2 million to assist the establishment of A.B.S. production facilities. ITV production facilities and equipment have also been offered to A. 8.5., in producing Maori programmes to be screened on ITV. Under the proposals A.B.S. will be a 20 per cent shareholder in ITV.