TV fights food ad ban

TVNZ will fight proposals to ban fast-food advertising during children's programming, says chief executive Ian Fraser.

Yesterday at Parliament, National MP Gerry Brownlee questioned Mr Fraser on a Ministry of Health proposal to ban such advertising at times when children would be watching television.

Appearing before the commerce select committee, Mr Fraser said TVNZ already faced constraints on advertising at times when children watched television, and would oppose any proposed legislation.

He said the broadcaster "would not want to be subject to any further constraints than we are already under".

Programming for preschoolers, between 8.35am and 9.35am Monday to Friday, did not have ads or sponsorship.

Within children's programmes advertising was limited to 10 minutes an hour.

No children's host was permitted to advertise or endorse products, and all advertising had to meet stringent G-code requirements.

Advertisements could not be repeated excessively while children's programmes were being aired.

TVNZ is getting $12 million a year for the next three years to implement a charter, which establishes a standard for public broadcasting and requires TVNZ to screen programmes for Maori and special interest groups.

Mr Fraser said TVNZ took its charter responsibilities seriously, but it was also required to maintain commercial performance.

"We have not been granted an indulgence to let commercial performance slip."

- NZPA

Herald feature: Health