Tracey Martin MP

Spokesperson on Broadcasting

24 OCTOBER 2014

Come Clean on Agenda for TVNZ

Prime Minister John Key must state today whether the government is prettying up Television New Zealand for sale now or in the future, says New Zealand First.

“Mr Key told New Zealand that no more state assets would be sold, claiming there was no more value in any that had not been sold,” says Deputy Leader and Broadcasting spokesperson Tracey Martin.

“It appears the outsourcing of Maori and Pacific programmes from TVNZ could be a move to cut costs so TVNZ can make money and look good on the sales block.

“It is deplorable that our state broadcaster’s focus should be pushed towards profit at any cost.

“TVNZ is being moved away from providing objective news and programmes that keep New Zealand well informed and entertained and away from programmes that reflect our culture.

“This move by TVNZ smacks of a privatisation agenda, and fits the track record of National.

“Before the election the National government did not speak clearly and loudly to the electorate about its intention to sell billions of dollars of state houses. Suddenly, after being re-elected the first item on its agenda is a sell-off of state houses.

“Let’s have more honesty and more debate around such significant decisions.”

ENDS

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