Media merger: the camera never lies, but it can be influenced

Media merger: the camera never lies, but it can be influenced
There’s no commitment to editorial independence iunder the legislation. (Image: Getty)
Peter Bale
The minister of broadcasting and media has exposed a fault line at the heart of proposed legislation to merge Television New Zealand and Radio New Zealand into a new public media group. That chasm is a clear risk of ministerial influence.We should almost be grateful to Willie Jackson for being so fearless, wading into what should be the most politically sensitive element of the proposed merger – a scheme launched by his predecessor, Kris Faafoi, but to which Jackson has brought gusto.In evidence to the Economic Development, Science and In...

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