Programme cots next

Press, 16 August 1988, Page 8

Programme cots next

PA Wellington Radio New Zealand is planning cuts to programming on National Radio and the Concert programme as a follow-up to its Project Aurora costcutting review. The director-general, Ms Beverly Wakem, yesterday announced 70 people would lose their jobs as part of a bid to reduce costs by $10.07 million.

The corporation would look at ways to save a further $1.28 million, she said. Attempts would be made to redeploy staff rather than make them redundant.

A corporation spokesman confirmed yesterday that production changes, including some cuts were likely for both National Radio and the Concert programme. The assistant directorgeneral, Ms Carolyn Lane, said Radio New Zealand would move out of expensive inner-city accommodation in a follow-up to Project Aurora. The corporation would

make a capital gain by selling some of its buildings and taking on lease arrangements for property. Further costsavings would be made by managers at individual Radio New Zealand stations.

As examples of this, she said the corporation would sell three surplus grand pianos at stations in Whangarei, Rotorua and Gisborne.

Programme changes, including some cuts, were likely for National Radio. Ms Lane said Project Aurora cost-cutting meant it was less likely there would be more cuts after an announcement later this month on the restructuring of broadcasting, expected to split the corporation into two Stateowned enterprises, one for radio and one for television. National Radio’s manager, Mr Errol Pike, declined to discuss planned changes to the national programme until these had been discussed fully with production staff.