Unions angry at Govt's 'interference' at RNZ

Unions have come out swinging over what they see as "unacceptable interference" by the Government in the running of public broadcaster Radio New Zealand.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman has told the RNZ board it needs to follow strict cost-saving directives, which include taking a hard look at staffing numbers, sponsorship arrangements, studio budgets and the possibility of running advertising.

He denied he had threatened to sack board members who did not take up the "challenge", but said he had made his expectations clear.

The RNZ board is due to face a parliamentary select committee today and is likely to be grilled in light of reports that the Government directives are being resisted.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the Public Service Association said Dr Coleman's attack on RNZ threatened media independence and was "unacceptable political interference" in an institution vital to New Zealand's democracy.

"Radio New Zealand exists to serve the public by providing them with non-commercial independent news and information and as such is a vital part of maintaining an informed and vibrant democracy," said EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.

"It is astounding this Government is not just willing to cut that service but threaten and bully the board in order to do so."

PSA national secretary Brenda Pilott said National-led governments had a long history of trying to undermine Radio New Zealand because they did not support public broadcasting.

"To maintain a robust democracy, New Zealand must have public broadcasters whose prime focus is serving the information needs of the public, not making a profit."

Ms Pilott said RNZ's finances were under constant scrutiny and it had a long track record of delivering value for money.

She said the board had told the Government that operational cuts and programming changes would result in "a dumbing down" of RNZ's service.

"The Government must heed that warning."

Dr Coleman said the board needed to make changes but he was not directing them on what options to choose.

Today's select committee hearing had been on the agenda for several weeks and was a routine financial review, but MPs could raise any matter they liked.

- NZPA