Brendon Burns
Broadcasting Spokesperson

18 October 2009 Media Statement

RWC broadcasting shambles continues

The shambles of free-to-air coverage of the Rugby World Cup continues with Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia admitting she is unaware a decision may have been made that Maori Television will lose out on exclusive coverage of the opening ceremony and the first All Black game, says Labour’s Brendon Burns.

Brendon Burns, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson, said Tariana Turia was unsure, when interviewed on Television One’s Q and A programme today, whether the negotiation had even taken place on who was covering what.

“Given that she has been with Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples over the weekend at the Maori Party conference, it is clear neither know for certain what is in the draft proposal Cabinet will consider tomorrow from MTS, TVNZ and TV3.

“Tariana Turia said she had read today’s report in the Herald on Sunday about broadcasting the opening ceremony and first All Blacks match, but that was as much as she knew or was letting on anyway,” Brendon Burns said.

“Clearly, there are still National Party ministers who don’t want to run the risk of MTS being the lead provider in free-to-air coverage. Maori Party celebrations at MTS becoming the lead broadcaster may yet turn out to far too premature.”

ENDS

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