Moves to split TV company

Independent advisers will investigate splitting Broadcast Communications, the company that owns and runs most of the country's broadcast networks, from owner Television New Zealand.

The Minister of Broadcasting, Marian Hobbs, said yesterday that the advisers would be appointed jointly by the Government and TVNZ to consider establishing BCL as a separate state-owned enterprise.

The study would also consider whether other distribution activities might be transferred to the SOE.

"I have clearly stated for some time that the Government would be considering the viability or otherwise of the separation of BCL from TVNZ as part of the Government's review of broadcasting policy," Ms Hobbs said.

Tenders will be taken and advisers should be appointed next month.