September 08, 2014
Challenges essential for Maori news
Mana leader Hone Harawira is standing by his claims that Maori Television's news and current affairs are under threat.
Maori Television chief executive Paora Maxwell says Mr Harawira's allegations are completely unfounded and based on incorrect information and conjecture.
But Mr Harawira says indications are for new programmes and Te Kaea and hard hitting current affairs programme Native Affairs is to be softened down.
He says the review of the service is being done by Mr Maxwell and a board dominated by National Party and Maori Party appointees, and executive staff and stakeholders have been shut out.
He told Willie Jackson on Radio Waatea's Paakiwaha programme that the Maori Party in particular seems upset it is not getting more favourable treatment from the station.
"News and current affairs should be above this kind of political interference and should be there so it challenges. It challenges you Willie, it challenges John Tamihere, Hone Harawira, Pita Sharples, and we've got to be big enough to say, 'that's great,'" he says.
Mr Harawira says it's wrong to make major changes to Maori Television on the eve of the election.
Maori Television staff expect to hear detail of the planned changes this afternoon.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH HONE HARAWIRA CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MjE4Nzc=
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