4PM: A well-connected television industry insider has revealed TVNZ and NZ On Air's plans for the future of LGBT television on the state broadcaster. A post on the GayNZ.com messageboards from the insider, who wishes to remain anonymous but posts under the name ‘ALJAZEERA NEWSDESK', states that ‘Express', a fortnightly gay newspaper owned by Cornerstone Publications' Richard Todd, will take a starring role on-screen. The insider reveals on Monday 5th February sources inside TVNZ were confirming to business and social acquaintances that the successful applicant for the new 'gay series' charter programming was an observational reality series which would follow the staff of 'Express', cover the stories they cover and meet the people they meet for ten half-hour episodes. The series will be produced by Glenn Sims and researched by Steven Oates. Late last week the successful applicants were notified that their proposal had been selected for funding, and unsuccessful applicants were notified by mail that their proposals had failed. Unsuccessful applicants for the series included Robyn Patterson (Gibson Group), John Givins (Livingston Productions), Claudette Hauiti (Front Of The Box Productions), Brian Holland (Top Shelf Productions), David Herkt (Isola Productions), and Anne Spier and Ondrej Havas (Omnicron Productions), amid others. The approximate $350,000 funding for the series has not yet been 'rubber-stamped' by New Zealand On Air which will meet on the 19th February. The anonymous insider continues, “It is not known how TVNZ or NZOA can justify a decision to fund a ten episode series, (as charter programming) that will solely promote a private company and its product. “It should be emphasised that Express is not a 'community initiative' but is a business enterprise. Express is also only one member of the four major private gay and lesbian media organisations in New Zealand. ”It is also not known if Express will be paying for branding rights to the series or whether, in fact, they are being paid out of the NZOA-allocated budget. “It is not known if Express staff will be paid for the extra work entailed by their appearances in the 'documentary' series,” concludes the messageboard entry. GayNZ.com sought comment from Express and production company representative Glenn Sims, but both declined to comment at this stage. It is understood more detailed information will be released by Sims on Monday 19th February. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 10th February 2007 - 12:00pm