28 August 2006

News Head Calls For Changes To Parliament Rules

TV3’s Director of News and Current Affairs has said it is time for the rules relating to the filming of Parliament to change.

Mark Jennings was reacting to the decision from the Speaker of the House to ban 3 News from filming in the debating chamber for three days commencing tomorrow (Tuesday, August 29).

The ban follows 3 News showing images of New Zealand First MP Ron Mark making rude gestures in the House.

“The rules are arcane. We were only showing what would have been observed by members of the public if they had been sitting in the public gallery on that day,” said Mr Jennings.

“It is time the rules were changed to be more in line with the democracy we cherish in New Zealand.

“Politicians behaving badly is a news story, and the public have a right to see what is really going on in the debating Chamber.

“We will accept our punishment and get on with our job, but it is time politicians took responsibility for their behaviour and stopped shooting the messenger,” Mr Jennings said.

ENDS

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