Andrew Little

Broadcasting Minister Jonathon Coleman's attack on Radio New Zealand's funding and his threats to sack the board are unacceptable political interference in an institution vital to New Zealand's democracy, say the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the Public Service Association.

The call follows news the government has been increasing pressure on RNZ to cut costs and start advertising - moves that journalists fear will damage the broadcaster and reduce the quality of reporting.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the government's threats constitute an attack on media independence.

"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.

"Radio New Zealand is a premiere broadcaster and its ethos of providing a quality service to the public is ingrained in its culture. It is astounding this government is not just willing to cut that service but threaten and bully the board in order to do so.

"By interfering in the operations of Radio New Zealand the Minister isn't just threatening the operations of Radio New Zealand, he is making it clear that independent public broadcasting is under threat and with it a cornerstone of New Zealand's democratic society."

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

"National-led governments believe broadcasting should be left to the private sector as a profit-making product.

"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.

"We also need public broadcasters free of political interference and with the resources they need to keep the public fully informed and to reflect the country's culture.

"Radio NZ is a world class public broadcaster. Its finances are under constant scrutiny and it has long track record of delivering value-for-money.

"The Radio NZ board has told the government that it has made operational cuts and programming changes and that any further reductions will result in a 'dumbing down' of its service.

"The government must heed that warning or the public will pay the price if Radio NZ is forced to reduce the service it provides," says Brenda Pilott.