Charter TV Costs Taxpayers Millions
ACT New Zealand Broadcasting Spokesman Deborah Coddington today labelled TVNZ's disappointing dividend announcement of
$7.8 million as another blow to Labour's politically correct Charter.
"It was only three years ago that the Government announced a $30 million dividend. Today's announcement is bad news for
this neo-socialist Government," Miss Coddington said.
"Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey must front up and explain to New Zealand taxpayers' why the return on their
investment has dropped around 70 percent, to $7.2 million. In reality, that money is just a portion of the $12 million
of taxpayers' money given to TVNZ when the charter nonsense reared its politically correct head.
"Charter Television has proven to be a major turn off for viewers. Shows like `Face to Face' and `Edwards at Large'
have failed to capture the imagination of viewers - who have voted with their TV remotes. The result has been a steady
decline in TVNZ's value.
"Labour must get its mucky hands out of TVNZ and let it get on with the business of providing New Zealanders with
quality TV - free of political interference and PC nonsense. If New Zealanders want to save public broadcasting they
should send Mr Maharey a clear message that TVNZ should not become state radio with pictures," Miss Coddington said.