Staff training important, says new TVNZ chief

Press, 3 February 1986, Page 10

Staff training important, says new TVNZ chief

By

KAREN NIMMO

............ ........... NZPA correspondent in London

Television New Zealand’s new director-gen-eral, an Englishman, Julian Mounter, believes television should reflect the “character” of a country. “New Zealand television already does that to some extent... some of the children’s drama and wildlife programmes have been excellent,” he says. Mr Mounter, aged 41, regards his appointment to one of the most powerful positions in New Zealand television as both a privilege and a “tough” assignment. “Not being a New Zealander will have both its advantages and disadvantages. I’ve got a lot to learn about the people and the culture, but I’ll have the support of 2000 people who do know it.” Mr Mounter began his career on a newspaper near a seaside village in Cornwall. At 21 he became one of the youngest reporters at “The Times” where he stayed for six years, before switching to

“where the action was” — television. He worked for London Weekend Television, Thames Television and the 8.8. C. as a reporter, producer and senior executive. Last week he left his job as the head of Thorn EMl’s new threechannel satellite television service to Europe in preparation for moving to New Zealand. Mr Mounter, who admits he is "fascinated by development and new things,” is keeping an “open mind” on plans for New Zealand television until arriving in the country, but he says he is keen to see more money go into staff training. “The Broadcasting Corporation already does a great deal, but there are a tremendous number of New Zealanders working in television overseas and we should work at getting them back.” “New Zealanders and Australians have a good reputation in British television,” Mr Mounter says. "I’ve had several people walk in the door and say ‘gidday — here I am’ and we’ve employed

them. Their approach shows a bit of spirit and I think it’s reflected in their work.” Mr Mounter says he will also be looking to “get the right mix” of programmes between the channels. It was important to be “bright and flexible” to compete with the third private channel due within two years. He also hints at plans to raise advertising revenue, modernise equipment and continue to encourage independent productions. “We’ll also be aiming to boost international sales in an effort to fund local programmes. New Zealand has the potential to take a large slice of the international market,” he says. Mr Mounter, who visited New Zealand twice during the bidding for the job, said it was not as quiet as people had told him. He found it "vibrant.” “I see the move as a long-term one. I’ve done my share of running round the world and I intend to become a New Zealander... if they’ll have me.”