15 February 2006

Public Broadcasting Beats Reality TV

New Zealand First supports the call for TVNZ to model itself more on the BBC than the E! Channel, and has long been concerned that our television reflects American society more than our own.

“New Zealand First has long argued that that a modern democracy such as New Zealand needs to be served by a publicly owned and operated television and radio network,” said Broadcasting spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“It’s imperative that we have at least one television channel with clear aims that include promoting New Zealand’s unique qualities.

“The Broadcasting Minister’s argument that current levels of commercialism are needed to fund local programmes is a hollow one, and easily solved. The drive for advertising revenue can be fulfilled by TV2, leaving TV One to serve a public broadcasting role.

“New Zealanders have been insulted with dross TV that’s pumped full of advertising for far too long. It’s no wonder that people are switching off in droves because they feel ripped off.

“The TVNZ experiment has clearly failed. It’s time to move on and create a state broadcasting system that New Zealanders can be proud of and want to watch,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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