TVNZ withholds 'stars' from inquiry

The select committee inquiry into TVNZ could be without its biggest stars - the broadcaster's board is trying to keep news boss Bill Ralston and Close Up presenter Susan Wood away from the committee.

The management and board of TVNZ will front up to the finance and expenditure select committee on December 7 for the yearly inquiry into the annual report. They will then reappear on December 14 for a special probe, which was called in the aftermath of the resignation of former chief executive Ian Fraser. Mr Fraser quit amid claims that the board was interfering in management and the dispute over attempts to cut Wood's salary by $100,000.

Initially, the select committee had "invited" Wood, Mr Ralston, Mr Fraser and broadcaster Paul Holmes.

However, TVNZ board deputy chairman Rob Fenwick confirmed the board had since asked the select committee to "reconsider" the invitations to Mr Ralston and Wood.

"We do not believe it is appropriate for working journalists to go before a political inquiry. TVNZ believes the representation by the company of the chairman and the two senior executives, Rodney Parker and Stephen Smith, who is also acting editor in chief, is the appropriate line-up."

Mr Fenwick said he understood committee chairman Shane Jones had accepted the principle of the argument and made it optional for Mr Ralston to appear.

It is understood if Mr Ralston decides not to attend, or is ordered not to by TVNZ, Opposition MPs on the committee will ask the Speaker to intervene and rule he attend.