Aotearoa ‘will appeal’

Press, 2 November 1987, Page 6

Aotearoa ‘will appeal’

PA Wellington Aotearoa Broadcasting is determined to go ahead with its appeal against Tel-Vid 3’s warrant for the third channel* says its chairman, Professor Whatarangi Winiata. Independent Television, United Telecast Corporation and Energy Source television withdrew their appeals against the tribunal’s decision to grant Tele-Vid 3 the warrant. The Broadcasting Cor-

poration and Aotearoa Broadcasting remain the only two appellants against the decision. An application for security for costs was made against Aotearoa Broadcasting by Tele-Vid 3. The Court reserved decision on the application. Professor Winiata said yesterday that Aotearoa had filed additional particulars on the case for the third channel. It claims that the public

interest required in the Broadcasting Act was not properly considered by the tribunal. Tele-Vid 3 offered no more than what was available at present, he said. Aotearoa also claims the tribunal failed to interpret the Treaty of Waitangi. The Waitangi Tribunal report said that broadcasting was smothering the Maori language and that the Crown had a responsibility to protect it, he said.