21 December 2001 Media Statement

Radio Network Expressions of Interest Wanted

Initial expressions of interest are being invited from those interested in running the planned Pacific radio network, Pacific Island Affairs Minister Mark Gosche said today.

The network, to be established with funding of almost $7.7 million, is expected to be on air in the second half of next year (2002). It will driven and operated by Pacific communities on a not-for-profit basis.

The government has reserved a frequency on the FM band for the network.

Mr Gosche said the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs was now seeking initial registrations of interest from those interested in providing the network, which is expected to cover about 85% of New Zealand.

“We are looking for registrations from radio professionals with relevant experience and skills in delivering radio services for Pacific peoples.”

Written expressions of interest should be sent to Lafaele Lupo, at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, PO Box 833 Wellington, by 14 January.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>