Monday 11 Nov 2002
Deborah Coddington
Press Releases -- Broadcasting

The Maori Television Service should take note of the demise of Wellington Television, ACT Broadcasting Spokesman Deborah Coddington said today.

"Bureaucrats and politicians who maintain the rules that kneecapped the regional service are also in charge of Maori broadcasting.

"Wellington Television has failed to attract advertisers and continue broadcasting because of the restrictions of its "non-commercial" licence and its second-rate UHF frequency. It has never been given a chance.

"Maori Television head Derek Fox has an incredibly difficult job if he hopes to save his service from the same fate. That Labour Ministers are trying to force him to use a second-rate UHF frequency is a very ominous sign.

"I find it extraordinary that politicians like failed Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs and equally inept Steve Maharey wax lyrical about high-brow, high-quality media, yet legislate the life out of the industry to the point that businesses have no chance of competing or surviving.

"The closure of Wellington Television is a sad indictment on the interventionist politicians who stick their noses into every industry.

"Given Derek Fox has already made a stand against these politicians by declaring he will not accept a second-rate UHF frequency, he should watch his back," Miss Coddington said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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