Statement Attacked

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31002, 7 March 1966, Page 16

Statement Attacked

AN.Z. Press Association? WELLINGTON, March 6. "Eleven hundred journalists of this country dissociate themselves completely from the views expressed by newspaper proprietors on the News Media Ownership Act,” the president of the New Zealand Journalists* Association (Mr B. R. Gridley) said in Wellington. He was replying to a comment by Mr H. N. Blundell at the annual meeting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association. who said be felt sure that the great majority of newspapermen and at least a large section of the public were fully in accord with the principle of keeping the means of mass communication, in the hands of New Zealanders. “We are totally and irrevocably opposed to the legislation,” said Mr Gridley. “We believe it is utterly contrary to the nation’s interests and is a form of protection of the newspapers which, however subtly, weakens their independence in relation to the Government. “The Journalists' Association, from the outset made* it clear to the Government! that it did not favour anymass take-over of our news; media by any organisation, whether from overseas or from within New Zealand. “It urged anti-monopoly legislation to meet this eventuality. “Mr Blundell asserts that there was much confusion in the mind of the public. There is no confusion whatsoever as far as journalists are concerned. "Die implementation of the News Media Ownership Act, which the newspaper proprietors aided and abetted, is the most irresponsible infringement of press freedom this country has shown.” said Mr Gridley. Indecent Assaults.—Three i girls were indecently assault- ■ ed in Wooiston on Saturday i afternoon and an indecent suggestion was made by a man to ; a girl in Catherine street. Detectives are making inquiries. .