Thursday 15th Jun 2000
Penny Webster
Media Release -- Other
Today’s Budget Broadcasting allocations will reveal if TVNZ is to become a fiscal basketcase, said ACT Broadcasting
spokesman Penny Webster. “The benchmark for Marion Hobbs’ Ministerial performance will be the future she assures TVNZ.
If local culture is as important as Ms Hobbs believes it should be unambiguously reflected in the budget. “The book
value assigned to TVNZ will be the key indicator. When Marion Hobbs decided to pull the plug on digital television many
commentators speculated TVNZ’s value would plummet. The extent of this slump will signal the real cost to taxpayers of
Government’s technophobia. “The explosion in New Zealand’s television market has seen technological revolutions aplenty.
Sky television now offers six Asian entertainment channels, a new music channel and announced this week that Internet on
your television will be a reality in six months. “The only other viable option is to downgrade to a Public Service
announcements system, though this will also require immediate action to safeguard taxpayer investment. “Decisive action
is needed from Marion Hobbs now, continued flip-flops will guarantee TVNZ’s demise ,” said Penny Webster.
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.