Kedgley calls for Kiwi Christmas content

Green MP Sue Kedgley is calling for a "Kiwi Content Day" to replace the annual dose of snow, cartoons and aging UK crooners served up by Television New Zealand on Christmas Day.

"While it is pleasing that no advertising is scheduled to play on Christmas Day, the selection of programming leaves a lot to be desired," said Ms Kedgley, the Green Broadcasting spokesperson.

"The radio industry has voluntarily adopted quotas for New Zealand music, which is bringing visibility and success for local artists. It's time for television to demonstrate that it is serious about its Charter, and significantly increase the number of New Zealand-made shows.

"One day a year would be a good start, and Christmas Day, when advertising revenue isn't a priority, would be the perfect start."

Ms Kedgley noted that Television One is screening two concerts by overseas musicians.

"Without disparaging the appeal of Elton John and Tom Jones, wouldn't it be good to see the likes of Bic Runga or Dave Dobbyn on our public broadcaster?"

Television 2 is screening a selection of 'specials' - one featuring the Muppets, another Richie Rich and the third Mickey Mouse.

"Wouldn't it be great if our children could see other New Zealand children on their television screens on Christmas Day, instead of American cartoon characters?

"New Zealand television desperately needs to foster and encourage local productions if its programming is to be relevant to viewers. After all, the majority of foreign-produced Christmas idealise a 'white Christmas' - while New Zealanders are more familiar with the beach or the barbeque.

"Is one day a year too much to ask? Come on broadcasters, you've obviously given up on 2003 but let's make Christmas 2004 something we can be proud of."

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