[HCDX] Radio New Zealand

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Radio New Zealand

Further to recent posts and news about the financial issues facing
Radio New Zealand, I doubt if anyone will be switching any
transmitters off here within the near future.

In fact, RNZ receives NZ$34m in government funds + earns another
NZ$4m each year and employs nearly 300 people to produce just 24
hours a day of programs on RNZ National and another 24 hours a day on
RNZ Concert. 

RNZ refuses to participate in radio industry ratings, claiming it's
above such raw numbers, adding that it's quality not quantity that's
critical. So no-one really knows how many people listen to them. RNZ
Concert serves a very elite audience with the highest powered FM
transmitters they have whilst other listeners suffer poor FM service
or none at all.

RNZ senior management and board members tried the old fashioned
approach when asked to come up with ways to do more with the same
budget. Do you want RNZ National switched off at midnight? Can we
move RNZ National back onto AM and switch off the FM transmitters?
Can we stop our tiny advertising? Close our regional offices in
marginal electorates? What button can we push? Where will it hurt you
politically?

All silly petulant arguments designed to get 'mother of 3' and
'retired teacher' to furiously demand to their local member of
parliament that civilization is about to disappear. 

Unfortunately, this is 2010 and such pork barrel arguments hold no
sway with a government still enjoying well over 50% public support
after 18 months in power and a severe recession.

All they do is convince the government that RNZ has totally lost the
plot. RNZ staff levels are reportedly up over 10% whilst hours
produced remain much the same, their Sound Archives has closed its
doors to 'save money', and still they slowly drift along in a public
service state of mind, blissfully ignorant of recessions, new
technology and how to achieve more with less.

In my view, chances are high that the existing board and some senior
management will be invited to fall on their swords whilst new people
with a positive mindset will appear and find ways to creatively
expand services, not reduce them.

RNZI is completely unaffected by the turmoil, as it's separately
funded by the Ministry for Culture & Heritage and its staff achieve
small miracles with their resources and continue to expand their
services. They get 'out & about' and are in direct daily touch with
their audience, responsive to them, and display innovation and
enterprise.

David Ricquish
Wellington, New Zealand

 
 




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