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TV3 News
New TVNZ Chairman - Snowboarders - Telecoms Inquiry - Clean Slate Bill - Americas Cup - Lisa Blakie - Kofi Annan - Republican Primary
NEW TVNZ CHAIRMAN: New chairman of TVNZ faces a challenge of Prada proportions. Ross Armstrong has been announced as the new Chairman. TV3 has announced it will sue TVNZ. Armstrong says there is concern anger and a lack of confidence in the wide community. Armstrong won't comment on whether heads will role but he does say there will be changes. He says he is more a tactician than a skipper. He will try to find a balance between the broadcasters social and commercial obligations.
SNOWBOARDERS: One of the families searching for three missing snowboarders in Japan say they have all but given up. Meanwhile extreme frustration from friends of the snowboarders. Searchers say they are looking now for bodies. Sharon Costa says she is prepared for the worst. But they do want to bring back the bodies of their loved ones.
TELECOMS INQUIRY: The Government has appointed Hugh Fletcher to an inquiry into Telecommunications. Fletcher says he doesn't think it is an ideological question - a much more pragmatic question. Trevor Mallard says it his wish phone bills and internet bills drop over time. He says he is very concerned that we have an effective near monoploy operating to the detriment of consumers. Telecom says it is not anti-competitive. Clear says it is and hopes the inquiry will bring more competition.
CLEAN SLATE BILL: Phil Goff has this afternoon proposed a new criminal records bill that would clean the slate for crims who have gone straight for 10 years.
AMERICAS CUP: Prada crew on the receiving end of bosses anger following yesterday's race. Two bits of news in viaduct basin. Collision between two Kiwi boats - a little bit of damage - news from the team is that there has been minor damage. Prada boss looked furious with his crew. Italian journalist says that the boss was not happy. Prada headed out for a practice today. Last time the boss got angry Prada went on to win. Weather is threatening to stop racing tomorrow.
LISA BLAKIE: Lisa Blakie's dog Kaos has been returned to her family after being examined by police. Family wish the dog could talk. The dog was found in Charleston miles from where Blakie's body was found. Police focus has shifted to the Sheffield area.
KOFI ANNAN: Kofi Annan praises NZ troops for their professionalism. At state luncheon he praised the Americas Cup team. Sue Kedgley an old flame who used to date Annan in the 1970s attended lunch. No grace said at luncheon raising some controversy.
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: Senator John McCain has won the Michigan and Arizona primaries.
Alastair Thompson
Scoop Publisher
Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.
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