The Minister of Broadcasting, Marian Hobbs, has dismissed claims by National's broadcasting spokesperson, Katherine Rich, that she no longer has responsibility for Maori broadcasting issues.

"In a futile attempt to score political points all Ms Rich has achieved is an own goal," Marian Hobbs said.

"In early July, I was reported on Mana News as having formally announced that responsibility for parts of Maori broadcasting were to be transferred to Te Puni Kokiri but that I was committed to ensuring that Maori language and Maori programmes in English are broadcast to all New Zealanders.

"Katherine Rich was subsequently reported by Mana as acknowledging the necessity of such a move and agreeing with separation 'if it is an issue of allowing greater focus for Maori broadcasting'.

"Ms Rich should reflect on National's poor record in government on all forms of public service broadcasting before issuing any more fatuous statements."

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