Brendon Burns
Broadcasting spokesperson

17 November 2010 Media Statement
Minister’s vision for broadcasting is all in hindsight

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman’s grip on his portfolio is as firm as his judgement, says Labour’s broadcasting spokesman Brendon Burns.

A TV3 report tonight told of a $50,000 spend up by New Zealand on Air in Auckland to celebrate its 21st birthday, with the cost per guest totalling more than $200 a head.

“Jonathan Coleman agreed we are experiencing recessionary times and now says there are questions for New Zealand on Air to answer.

“But that didn’t stop him attending the mid-year function in Auckland with at least one other National MP.”

“Hindsight is a constant gift to Dr Coleman. Last Friday he told the SPADA conference, which had been expecting a visionary speech, that his TVNZ Amendment Bill "leaves TVNZ free to determine its own priorities."

“He seems to have forgotten that the bill tells TVNZ that its only task is to maximise revenues, with no specific requirement for any New Zealand content or any other programming.

Brendon Burns says it is time Dr Coleman put his stamp on the broadcasting portfolio rather than shambling along from function to function, not even noticing if they are lavish events at the taxpayers’ expense.

“He is too busy snaffling the canapés and not delivering a vision for the future of broadcasting,” said Brendon Burns.

ENDS

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