ESTV stresses cultural diversity

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 11

ESTV stresses cultural diversity

PA Auckland Energy Source television would use the cultural diversity of the lower part of the North Island to enhance local programming, the Broadcasting Tribunal has been told. The director of ESTV Three, Ltd, Sir Frank Holmes, of Wellington, said ESTV Three’s region contained people from many different cultural backgrounds. He was giving evidence in support of ESTV’S application for a third television channel warrant. “It will be our aim to draw heavily on this cultural diversity In our programmes ... to contribute towards making this cultural diversity a strength of our region and nation, rather than a source of weakness and conflict,” said Sir Frank. ESTV is divided into four regions, with region three stretching from New Plymouth to Gisborne and from south of Taupo to Wellington. Sir Frank said ESTV Three would have special opportunities to develop programmes based on its

region’s resources in education, art and culture. ESTV’s emphasis on local production would call for close co-operation with the performing arts. The region provided the headquarters for several important national organisations, the resources of which could be used by the third channel, he said. These included the National Art Gallery, National Museum, Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the New Zealand Opera Company. The hearing began with cross-examination of Mr James Maddren, of Christchurch, a director of ESTV Network, Ltd. In earlier evidence, Mr Maddren had said the four ESTV regional applicants were applying to share in the benefit of their respective warrants, enabling equalisation of costs and revenue among the four regions.

Counsel for Southern Cross Television, Mr Brian Latimour, said such a structure would leave the four warrant holders in a position where they could never achieve independent viability.