Labour Broadcasting Spokesperson and Wellington Central candidate Marian Hobbs says Act Leader Richard Prebble has once
again disputed comments made by his Arts and Culture spokesperson Donna Awatere Huata - this time to do with National
Radio.
On the television show Backch@t recently Mrs Awatere Huata confirmed that Act would sell National Radio. She said:
"There is no reason for state radio, none at all. 20 million down the drain every year. Why should 90% of the population
subsidise the listening habits of 10% of the population?"
However yesterday morning, Act Leader Richard Prebble told Kim Hill yesterday that Radio New Zealand would survive under
Act saying his Wellington Central voters love the station.
"This smacks of Richard Prebble trying to dictate Act's policies based on what may help him in Wellington Central. He
did the same with arts policy after Mrs Awatere Huata said there was no need for government funding for the arts.
"Personally, I have no faith in his commitment to National Radio. Policy made on the hoof like that can just as easily
be changed after the election. I'm inclined to believe that Donna Awatere Huata's assessment of Act's stance on National
Radio is closer to the truth than that of Richard Prebble. It certainly fits more in line with Rodney Hide's 'sell all'
attitude.
"Labour supports National Radio but recognises that an increase in funding will be required to enable Radio New Zealand
to meets its charter requirements.