Heads expect smooth change

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 6

Heads expect smooth change

PA Wellington The chairmen of the new television and radio Stateowned enterprises anticipate a smooth transition to privatisation and few difficulties meeting the December 1 deadline.

: The Minister of Broadcasting, Mr Prebble, announced on Thursday evening the appointments of Mr Brian Corban to Television New Zealand, Ltd, and Mr Richard Rowley to Radio New Zealand. Mr Corban said TVNZ would be free to exploit the new deregulated environment and could be relied upon to maintain local production. He said the Government’s decision to hold TV3 to local production levels specified by the Broadcasting Tribunal was fair because TV3 was an “unproven broadcaster in a very competitive market.”

Mr Corban, at present the deputy chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation, said he wanted to make sure TVNZ was the best channel in that market. Mr Rowley, an Oamaru lawyer and chairman of the Chambers of Commerce, said his priority would be to capitalise on RNZ’s commercial opportunities. He said his commitment to public service broadcasting was matched by business experience. "I have a good idea of the New Zealand economy and the importance of making a profit.”

Mr Rowley said future Government interest in changing broadcasting was likely and more RNZ budget cuts could occur. “We have proven over the years that by having some commercial input you don’t have to give away all public service elements of broadcasting.” Mr Rowley said good management of RNZ’s commercial stations would be important and RNZ would have to clearly distinguish between profitable and noncommercial services to ensure funding from the proposed Broadcasting Commission.