March 27, 2014
New MTS boss backs hard news push
The new chief executive of Maori Television has pledged his commitment to the channel’s hard-hitting news and current affairs approach.
Paora Maxwell was introduced to staff this morning by board chair Georgina te Heuheu before facing a media grilling.
The appointment has been dogged by criticism from opposition politicians about Mr Maxwell’s friendship with Mrs te Heuheu, a former National cabinet minister, and about the circumstances of his resignation a year ago as general manager of TVNZ's Maori and Pacific unit.
The has been speculation his appointment could lead to changes in the Native Affairs programme, which has upset some in Maori for its coverage of alleged misspending at Te Kohanga Reo National Trust.
But Mr Maxwell says his history shows he is committed to strong reporting.
"You know I took Marae at TVNZ from being more of a new show to being a serious investigative current affairs show. I enabled that. I am looking forward to a healthy news and current affairs department at Maori Television I have faith that the current leadership is also interested in the best journalism that Maori TV can deliver" he says.
Paora Maxwell says a petition against his appointment circulated within Maori Television last year is in the past, and his is keen on working with staff and the board to making the service one of the best broadcasters in the country.
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