Importance of balance

Press, 23 November 1988, Page 18

Importance of balance

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

Striking a balance between being so heavy that people tune out or so wishy-washy that impact is lost is the challenge facing the senior producer of Television New Zealand’s religious unit, Mr Gil Barker.

"I am a programmemaker and not a theologian and as such I have to have a broad view of what constitutes a religious programme,” Mr Barker said. Mr Barker defines such programmes as being those showing “that which is of ultimate concern.” This definition does not necessarily mean making programmes full of religious dogma. "We want to hold up examples of people’s beliefs.” The 10-person unit, which is based in Christchurch, was established two years ago and makes about 40 hours of television a year. This includes 46 episodes of the Sunday-morning hymn programme “Praise Be,” which includes material recorded throughout New

Zealand as well as some imported from England. While “Praise Be” runs throughout most of the year, the unit also makes a series of religious programmes aimed at a younger audience and screened in the 5.05 p.m. family time slot on Sundays. Mr Barker admits he would like a better time slot and a wider programme brief to enable the unit to make more programmes aimed at an adult audience. But he stresses his aim is simply to make the best possible programmes. Making quality religious programmes in New Zealand is expensive, Mr Barker concedes.

“My experience at the unit has shown that people who hold religious beliefs are not cranks or crazies and they are definitely not dull.”

An announcement on the future structure of Television New Zealand is expected at the end of the year but Mr Barker said staff at the unit continue to plan for “business as usual.”