National questions value of TV shift

National Party Broadcasting spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu is questioning why drastic changes are in store for two of TVNZ's best rating shows.

"What Now and WNTV are quality programmes that consistently grab huge audience shares.

"Just last Sunday What Now attracted 70% of the audience in the 5-14 year demographic, while WNTV consistently registers about 80% of the possible viewing audience.

"Yet on Friday, a significant number of talented people are expected to lose their jobs at Wellington's Avalon studios, as the production of the two shows shift to Auckland and Christchurch," Mrs te Heuheu.

"It appears there has been no explanation for the shift.

"The staff deserve an explanation and so does the New Zealand taxpayer which subsidises the programmes," says Mrs te Heuheu.

"These are two shows that are extremely successful in terms of both quality and quantity. They consistently demonstrate value for taxpayers' money.

"So it's difficult to understand why a proven formula should be substituted for one with no track record.

"Is this the Government's Charter in action again? The same Charter that's seen budget cuts in news and current affairs and the axing of popular shows like Assignment and Maggies Garden show.

"When talented people lose their jobs and taxpayer assets are being effectively made redundant, one must question what level of transparency and accountability has been applied.

"Taxpayers and staff are entitled to no less," says Mrs te Heuheu.

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