MP backs away from claims TVNZ colluded in case

ACT MP Stephen Franks has backed away from claims that Television New Zealand had gained name suppression for one of its presenters facing serious violent sex offence charges in order to protect its profit levels.

Yesterday Mr Franks claimed in Parliament that TVNZ had "colluded" with a QC to protect the name of one of its personalities until their programme stopped screening.

TVNZ strongly denied the allegations, saying it had not supported any attempts for suppression orders in any court case involving any of its presenters.

Today, Mr Franks said TVNZ was correct.

"The QC has assured me that has not been paid or instructed by TVNZ and that they have not been involved with him on the applications for suppression. I accept that," Mr Franks said.

"My source is adamant that the court was nevertheless told that suppression was supported by a major media organisation. The source thinks that it was not the QC it was the police who informed the court to that effect."

Mr Franks said he had now asked the Police Minister George Hawkins why the police would support name suppression in the circumstances, if indeed it was the police.

Mr Franks earlier claimed in Parliament that TVNZ was meant to be an organisation reporting facts but had gone out of its way to suppress them.

Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said it was an operational matter but if there was any truth to Mr Franks' claims it would be a matter for shareholding ministers to become involved in.

TVNZ public affairs manager Megan Richards yesterday said the organisation categorically denied colluding to retain name suppression.

She said: "That's not correct at all. There is no QC that has been either hired or supported to seek suppression on any court case involving any TVNZ presenter."

TVNZ was in no way supporting any suppression moves, either by a QC, any other lawyer, or any person, Ms Richards said.

- NZPA