Privatise TVNZ, says Hide

The ongoing TVNZ soap opera, combined with its reduced government dividend, is proof the state-owned broadcaster should be privatised, ACT leader Rodney Hide said today.

His call comes as Parliament's finance and expenditure committee prepares for an inquiry into TVNZ.

Terms of reference are still being worked out but will include the recent scandals over presenters pay and contracts as well as the network's latest financial results.

Mr Hide said it was clear the solution was to privatise TVNZ.

"Here is an organisation that is demoralised and directionless," he said.

"They've got good staff but they've been poorly led and poorly managed.

"I think the only way to have a properly run TV station is to have it in private hands."

However, Mr Hide held little hope of that happening, saying the Government was ideological and looked at issues through its "social filter" rather than what was best for taxpayers.

- NZPA