Maori channel still months off

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Maori programme makers learned yesterday that the new Maori channel may not be on air before the end of the year.

The Maori Television Service told between 70 and 80 members of the production community at a hui in Auckland that it was still interested in a deal with CanWest for its VHF signal, which is now used to broadcast TV4.

Chairman Derek Fox said at the hui that Government officials were pushing for a UHF option which could take five months to establish and start broadcasting.

The meeting was called after senior Maori producers expressed concern at the first round of programme commissioning, including the role of consultant Joanna Paul.

The hui was closed to the public, but the convener, Tainui Stephens, said afterwards that the discussion had been positive and there was no further criticism of the commissioning structure.

Mr Stephens said Joanna Paul put forward her vision for the channel schedule "and there were no complaints".

It was the biggest meeting held between the service and Maori producers since the interim board was appointed last year.

Mr Stephens said there was concern that the channel had been delayed because legislation had not been passed before the election.

"The feeling was that it was unlikely [to be on air] this year, but it depends on the platform that is finally put in place," said Mr Stephens.

Meanwhile, former Alliance MP Willie Jackson said he would be interested in doing more work in Maori broadcasting, and possibly getting involved in the Maori Television Service.

Mr Jackson, who has worked with Mr Fox in radio and print, said it would be natural for him to re-enter broadcasting.

"If there was room or opportunity within the Maori Television Service, or even on the channel ... I've got a real interest in those areas."

Mr Jackson was deputy chairman of Parliament's Maori affairs committee and supported Mr Fox and the Maori Television Service board over its appointment of convicted fraudster John Davy.

Full coverage: Maori TV