Dunne fears Radio New Zealand cutbacks will lower broadcasting standards

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne is concerned that funding cutbacks to Radio New Zealand will lead to a further decline in broadcasting standards.

He says Radio New Zealand has traditionally been a leader in preserving high standards of language, diction and overall presentation in its broadcasts, and he would be extremely concerned if the current funding crisis led to any reduction in those.

“The last thing I want to see is the Radio New Zealand network become just like the commercial stations – already on many of them the language spoken is barely recognisable as English,” said Mr Dunne.

“Nor would I want to see Radio New Zealand go the way of Television New Zealand, which now runs lowest common denominator television across the board.”

“We all know the pervasive influence of media on daily life – when the electronic media is debased to pandering to the lowest common denominator to survive, it simply contributes to the overall dumbing down of society.”

Mr Dunne acknowledges that in today’s economic environment, “everyone has to tighten their belt a little.”

“In Radio New Zealand’s case, however, that should not be at the expense of its role as the benchmark of quality broadcasting standards.”

“For example, I already understand that financial restrictions will prevent Radio New Zealand from entering programmes in this year’s broadcasting awards, which of itself will immediately lead to a lowering of broadcasting standards,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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