Hide calls for Select Committee Inquiry into TVNZ

Rodney Hide
Friday, 11 November 2005
Press Releases - Broadcasting

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today that he had written to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee asking for an inquiry into TVNZ's disastrous performance.

"We have had the CEO quit but stay on full pay. We have had a very damaging court case with Susan Wood that TVNZ lost. Both shareholding Ministers Michael Cullen and Steve Maharey have made comments critical of TVNZ.

"The ratings slide, taxpayer value is lost, and yet no one from the government appears at all concerned.

"TVNZ is demoralised and directionless. So far, no one in government has taken any responsibility or shown any interest in finding out just what has gone on at TVNZ, or what has to be done to turn its performance around.

"It's the proper role of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee to take an interest on behalf of the public of New Zealand in the investment and ongoing funding taxpayers provide to TVNZ. I have accordingly written to new Committee Chair Shane Jones requesting that the committee seek a briefing from TVNZ on what has happened and what their plans are to reverse TVNZ's appalling performance.

"I have suggested that we seek the briefing at the earliest possible opportunity, and certainly before Christmas," said Rodney Hide.

ENDS

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