Radio NZ needs your help

The recent comments from the broadcasting minister Jonathan Coleman regarding the budget and operation or Radio New Zealand should send shivers down the spine of any New Zealander who places a value on the freedom of the press, and ultimately, freedom of information.

The problems that are effecting 'old media' in the internet age - in this country and around the world - have been well documented. The quality of reporting, writing, presenting - journalism in general - have dropped markedly across television, newspapers, magazines and radio, as corporations look to save money by cutting what they consider unnecessary parts of their business - content.

While Radio New Zealand may not quite be at the standard it was a decade ago, the intelligent programming that it provides - as well as the innovations that it has embraced in the way content can be delivered, with internet streaming and podcasts - is consistently superior to almost anything found in print, and definitely superior to the soundbite-baiting TV coverage.

Nowhere else can you hear politicians - from all parts of the spectrum - as well as business leaders and other important public figures, having their views put to the test in robust and critical interviews. A free press is the foundation on which a successful democracy can flourish, but as the American example has shown, corporate ownership may be satisfactory for shareholders, but for not citizens.

A facebook group formed called "Save Radio New Zealand" has got over 1000 people to sign up in less than a day - I recommend that anyone who cares about free speech do so also. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Radio-New-Zealand/312651831782?ref=nf