Katherine Rich MP National Party Broadcasting Spokeswoman

30 June 2003

TVNZ boss must end culture of cronyism

The National Party is congratulating broadcaster Bill Ralston on his appointment at TVNZ and urging him to put an end to the culture of cronyism that's come to light in the wake of Labour's charter.

"I hope that Bill's previously balanced view of politics signals a new era at the state-run broadcaster," says National Party Broadcasting spokeswoman Katherine Rich.

"Anyone who's seen former Alliance MP Pam Corkery's show can see for themselves that she makes no effort to hide her political colours.

"The public should also be very nervous about the new programme involving Labour media consultant Brian Edwards, who is himself a failed Labour candidate in the Miramar seat," says Mrs Rich.

"Our suspicions have been further fuelled by a recent memo leaked by the National Party, where TVNZ bosses made specific mention of the way Helen Clark had been described as 'our' Prime Minister.

"TV 3 is under no illusion about the broadcaster's objectivity, making the point that they're 'not state cheerleaders'.

"I accept that New Zealand is a small country with a limited pool of broadcasting talent, but the good reputation of TVNZ is at stake, unless the political cronyism is stopped," says Mrs Rich. Ends

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