‘bill Will Let Govt Go Round Legislation’ (Press, 2 July 1982)
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Summary: ‘bill Will Let Govt Go Round Legislation’ (Press, 2 July 1982)
On 2 July 1982, the Coalition for Open Government addressed the Commerce and Energy Select Committee regarding the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, which they claimed would facilitate the introduction of private television by circumventing existing legislation designed to prevent media monopolies. The coalition pointed out that the bill allows the Government to relax its control over media ownership, raising concerns about the potential for monopoly in news and information distribution. The coalition noted that the Government's intent was to use the bill to subtly promote private enterprise within the Broadcasting Corporation. They highlighted that Northern Television, owned by Wilson and Horton Ltd, was linked to the New Zealand Herald and several other newspapers, while Alternative Television Network was controlled by New Zealand News Ltd and Radio Hauraki. The coalition argued that this ownership structure indicated a clear trend towards monopolistic control over media. Concerns were raised about the powers allocated to the Minister of Broadcasting, Dr Shearer, who could direct the corporation's operations, duties, and rights. The coalition pointed to recent temporary broadcasting authorisations that suggested how the Minister might exert influence, including amendments allowing advertising on Northern Television's "Good Morning" programme. They speculated that these authorisations could be a precursor to further transmission facilities being made available for Northern or Alternative TV without requiring a new broadcasting warrant. Miss Patricia Bartlett, secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, also presented her views to the committee. She argued that video cassette films should be scrutinised by the Film Censor prior to being sold, as they could contain content that had been banned or modified for theatrical release. She pointed out a gap in the Broadcasting Act that could permit the corporation and cable television providers to air uncensored videos. Further criticisms were directed at the complaints procedure established under the bill. Bartlett contended that the existing system was unsatisfactory, as the corporation’s board operated as judge and jury in complaints it received. She suggested that a more robust approach would involve a committee with broader representation, including a High Court judge as chairman and a diverse panel to reflect societal views, such as an "average professional housewife and mother" who understands the impact of television on attitudes and values. The deliberations indicate a significant pushback against the potential monopolistic tendencies in New Zealand's media landscape and underscore concerns about government influence over broadcasting and content censorship.
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