Peeni Henare
Māori Broadcasting Spokesperson

9 December 2015

Programme cut-back latest blow for Māori Television

News that beleaguered current affairs programme, Native Affairs, will only get a half hour slot next year is another slap in the face for the staff at Māori Television, says Labour’s Māori Broadcasting spokesperson, Peeni Henare.

“Cutting the format of this award-winning show from an hour to 30 minutes represents a real loss to investigative journalism in New Zealand.

“Native Affairs has been a strong advocate for our people by investigating and breaking important stories, and holding those in positions of power to account. This capacity has now been severely diminished.

“The latest move adds to an already long list of mismanagement at the broadcaster, including an exodus of high profile senior staff, political interference, blatant hypocrisy, and the spending of over $35,000 on a refit of the Chief Executive’s office.

“It sad to see the unravelling of such an important taonga, and it is time the Minster responsible for the broadcaster, Te Ururoa Flavell, began doing just that - taking some responsibility for protecting our language and people,” says Peeni Henare.

ENDS

© Scoop Media