Charter TV Costs Taxpayers Millions

ACT New Zealand Broadcasting Spokesman Deborah Coddington today labelled TVNZ's disappointing dividend announcement of $7.8 million as another blow to Labour's politically correct Charter.

"It was only three years ago that the Government announced a $30 million dividend. Today's announcement is bad news for this neo-socialist Government," Miss Coddington said.

"Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey must front up and explain to New Zealand taxpayers' why the return on their investment has dropped around 70 percent, to $7.2 million. In reality, that money is just a portion of the $12 million of taxpayers' money given to TVNZ when the charter nonsense reared its politically correct head.

"Charter Television has proven to be a major turn off for viewers. Shows like `Face to Face' and `Edwards at Large' have failed to capture the imagination of viewers - who have voted with their TV remotes. The result has been a steady decline in TVNZ's value.

"Labour must get its mucky hands out of TVNZ and let it get on with the business of providing New Zealanders with quality TV - free of political interference and PC nonsense. If New Zealanders want to save public broadcasting they should send Mr Maharey a clear message that TVNZ should not become state radio with pictures," Miss Coddington said.

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