Hon Georgina te Heuheu National Party Broadcasting Spokeswoman
4 August 2006
Labour in fantasyland over local content
National Party Broadcasting spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu says Labour is starring in its own fantasy show if it thinks
the TVNZ charter is working.
She is commenting on the results of the latest NZ On Air local content report, which show that TVNZ's first-run local
content has declined.
"If TVNZ is going to accept or explain away the decline in local programming, and Parliament is unable to properly
scrutinise its activities, then there is no point having a charter.
"National has always said the charter is a doomed concept and these figures are further proof of that.
"National believes the charter money, which is disappearing down a black hole at TVNZ, should be freed up and made
contestable through NZ On Air.
"Under National's model, taxpayers could be assured of getting the best value for money out of their broadcasting
dollar. It would also allow far greater diversity of programming because talented producers and directors who don't work
for TVNZ would have a better chance of getting their ideas on air."
ENDS