June 10, 2014
Maori TV cleared of kohanga slur
Maori Televisions head of news and current affairs, Julian Wilcox, is welcoming a Broadcasting Standards Authority’s ruling that a story on alleged financial mismanagement in Te Kohanga Reo National Trust did not breach standards of accuracy, fairness and controversial issues.
The story, which raised issues such as personal loans made to trustees and staff, as well as life terms for board members, led to investigations of the organisation and the appointment of a working group to look at a complete overhaul of governance.
Mr Wilcox says like the current Native Affairs investigation into Te Roopu Taurima Trust, the channel is prepared to hold Maori to account.
"You know these are Maori organisations. It can be hard trying to deal with some of these stories, and with the trust story at the Kohanga Reo, the trust obviously felt that they had an issue they wanted to raise with the Broadcasting Standards Authority and they have the right. When you are dealing with controversial issues, you have to make sure you cross your Ts and dot your Is," he says.
The Broadcasting Standards Authority also rejected a complaint against a Native Affairs story on the discovery of koiwi or ancient human remains at the site of the Masonic Tavern development at Devonport.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JULIAN WILCOX CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MTg5ODk=
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