Broadcast Of Human Rights Contest (Press, 26 December 1978)

On 26 December 1978, a letter to the editor from H. Nihoniho raised concerns about a recent broadcast by Radio New Zealand that featured prize-winning entries from a human rights competition for secondary school students. The letter questioned a range of issues including whether the programmes were developed during school hours, if they had received approval from the Education Department, and the appropriateness of fourth formers using the media to advocate for gay rights in light of discussions surrounding the Johnson Report. Nihoniho also sought clarity on the source of the prize money, who authorised the distribution of the broadcast cassettes to schools, and the extent of Radio New Zealand’s involvement with the education system, insisting the public had a right to know the answers. In response, Mr G. Whitehead, the Director General of Radio New Zealand, clarified the role of the organisation in the human rights award initiative. He explained that for two consecutive years, secondary school students have been invited to create radio programmes as part of an observance for Human Rights Day, with the prize-winning entries produced in collaboration with Radio New Zealand. The students receive a cash prize, and the initiative aims to allow them to produce radio content with minimal professional assistance, illustrating the concept of 'access' radio. Whitehead emphasised that the participation of schools in this competition is determined by individual principals and teachers, indicating that it is up to them how to engage with the themes chosen by students. He noted a vital principle of access broadcasting is that material presented is altered as little as possible. Furthermore, he explained that Radio New Zealand has an arrangement with the National Film Library to archive educational broadcasts with ongoing relevance, although the library retains the right to refuse specific programmes. The response also highlighted the quality of the winning programme, commending the thorough research, mature handling of topics, and sincerity shown by the young producers. However, Whitehead pointed out that some of the concerns raised by Nihoniho related more appropriately to the Department of Education rather than Radio New Zealand, suggesting that the broader questions about educational policy and approval must be directed elsewhere.

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