Katherine Rich National Broadcasting Spokesperson

14 August 2001

All talk no action Hobbs

Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs is so into talkfests the substantial issues in her portfolio are passing her by, National's Broadcasting Spokesperson Katherine Rich said today.

"After 20 months it's time the Minister got on with the real issues in broadcasting instead of proposing yet another industry talkfest where again she will ignore the wishes of broadcasters.

"Rather than spending taxpayers money preaching about what New Zealanders should watch and listen to, she should turn her attention to substantial issues affecting the broadcasting industry. Issues like licence tenure and renewal, digital television and allocation of the 101 - 108 spectrum. These are the big issues that only she as Minister can solve.

"Instead she has tried to use key issues as bargaining chips to secure agreement with commercial radio broadcasters about the Government's plan for a youth radio network.

"The music code announced today will amount to a radio version of the TV charter. There will be worthy discussions and furrowed brows but the resulting 'code' will amount to little more than a toothless wish list that gathers dust," Katherine Rich said.

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