20 February 2001

HOBBS LACKS CONFIDENCE IN TVNZ MANAGEMENT

Broadcasting Minister Marion Hobbs has no confidence in TVNZ's senior management, according to United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne.

He bases his comments on an answer given by Ms Hobbs to a question in Parliament this afternoon.

Mr Dunne had asked:

"Is the Minister certain that she enjoys the full support and confidence of TVNZ's Board and senior management for her {television} Charter; if so, on what evidence does she base that certainty?"

Ms Hobbs replied:

"I am certain I have the full confidence of the TVNZ Board."

Mr Dunne says the Minister's omission of any reference to TVNZ management is telling.

"It confirms the widely held view that this Minister is hell bent on purging TVNZ's senior management through her appointed Board."

"It is a gross insult to the professionalism of TVNZ management which has built TVNZ into a strong commercial performer."

"The reality is this Minister is prepared to put all this at risk for the sake of inflicting her personal prejudices on the public."

"It is almost enough to make one want to enrol in Wellington Central to vote her out!" Mr Dunne says.

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