N.z. Programmes In Limelight (Press, 4 May 1974)

On 4 May 1974, New Zealand television showcased several engaging programmes during the evening, notably “Nationwide” and “Graphline,” along with “The South Tonight,” which highlighted the influential role of media. “Nationwide” tackled the contentious issue of sex education in schools, prominently featuring Miss Patricia Bartlett, who had recently spoken in Hamilton. While she was a focal point of the discussion, the studio dialogue between Bartlett and Mr Jim Ross from the Department of Education captured attention primarily due to David Beatson's adept interviewing skills. Beatson confidently navigated the conversation, although some felt he may have overstepped by being too assertive in directing the dialogue. It was suggested that he might have benefited from allowing the discussion to unfold more freely, especially after being challenged on his sources, possibly reflecting his extensive preparation. In contrast, Maurice Smyth on “Graphline” employed a gentler interviewing style with Professor George Hines, inviting him to share insights into the New Zealand management landscape. This led to a multitude of intriguing observations, particularly regarding the dynamics of how employees engage with their managers. However, there was a missed opportunity to include a managerial voice for deeper introspection on the subject. On “The South Tonight,” Bryan Allpress took advantage of the programme's sizeable audience to encourage power conservation, resulting in notable coverage during the late news. Nonetheless, the report on his initiative lacked complete accuracy, raising questions about whether the lower levels of power consumption persisted following the broadcast. Power usage was a recurring theme across television broadcasts at the time, and lan Fraser’s comments on electric blankets revealed a surprising lack of understanding of the current concerns surrounding power consumption. “Pop Co,” under Peter Muxlow's guidance, has evolved into a more polished programme despite the absence of a traditional compere. Its imaginative settings and refined presentation have significantly enhanced its appeal. Brief guest appearances by Dick Bentley and John Banner enlivened the segments of “Love! Thy Neighbour” and “Alias! Smith and Jones,” although the remaining content felt rather predictable. Richard Davis continued to step into Pete Duel's role in the western series while Jack Smethurst's portrayal retained elements of racial stereotypes, now incorporating references to Pakistanis and West Indians. Despite the mixed reviews for some individual shows, the standout programme of the evening was “Mad Movies,” which deviated from its normal format, allowing Ben Lyon to present captivating clips from the classic era of slapstick comedy, thereby shining a light on the history of cinema.

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