TVNZ uses charter to squash competition

The Government's TVNZ charter has returned to bite it on the bum yet again, says National's Broadcasting spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu.

"Secret plans for a new taxpayer-funded television channel is yet another power play from TVNZ using the Government's socialist charter as an excuse to engage in anti-competitive practices. At the same time, they have the check to seek even more money form the taxpayer," says Ms te Heuheu.

"TVNZ is out of control and is using the Charter as a means to do what it likes. The Government has created a monster that's consuming an ever-growing amount of taxpayer dollars while stomping on any potential competitors for advertising dollars.

"TVNZ's decision to walk away from two and a half years of negotiations with Mai TV and say it's going to use the channel to broadcast Parliament to fulfil it's obligations under the charter is a complete sham.

"The lack of public consultation is an outrage, they seem to think that money grows on trees. "It's obvious that TVNZ want to squash the competition for advertising dollars while seeking yet another multi-million dollar subsidy.

"TVNZ can't have it both ways, National will not allow it to operate from a privileged position and thumb it's nose at the taxpayer".

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