15 January 2002

The loss of 40 jobs at LV Martin following TVNZ's cancellation of infomercials is a classic lose-lose scenario, National's Murray McCully said today.

"On the one hand, LV Martin has been forced to shed 40 jobs in what was a previously successful infomercial-based enterprise, but on the other hand TVNZ is turning away $2 million in infomercial income a year at a time when it is forecasting a loss of more than $70 million over the next three years.

"This is simply another example of the Government's charter for TVNZ overtaking common sense, and illustrates again this Government's anti-business attitude.

"It's a shame this Government doesn't share LV Martin's philosophy 'it's the putting right that counts'.

"It is hard to imagine a more ridiculous decision that will cost all of the parties involved, while offering absolutely no gain for anyone," Mr McCully said.

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