By LOUISA CLEAVE
TVNZ's next chief executive, Ian Fraser, says there is no threat to the independence of programme content at the state broadcaster.
The TVNZ board is undertaking a review of editorial protocol, prompting concerns from staff and media observers that it could lead to a greater board involvement in
what is on television.
Mr Fraser said he had discussed the review in "very general terms" with TVNZ chairman Ross Armstrong.
Mr Fraser, a former broadcaster, replaces Rick Ellis at the end of this month.
He said it was necessary to look at the protocol because TVNZ will become a Crown Owned Company directed by a charter from July 1.
He was unsure whether the current protocol was appropriate for the new structure and the charter, which has a focus on New Zealand content and quality programming.
"It may well be that the existing protocols were perfectly adequate for a situation where you didn't have a charter," said Mr Fraser, who is on holiday in Australia.
"But everyone in the organisation, including the board, is going to be expected to take ownership of the charter and delivering the charter.
"It seems to me that although the way we carry out our functions differs between management and the board - the board governs and the managers manage - the board still has to be satisfied that the organisation as a whole, and management, is delivering the charter."
Mr Fraser said he believed the protocol would "safeguard and strengthen" editorial independence by defining the roles of the board and management.
It would make clear "how far [the board] is able to go in terms of making appropriate comment on editorial matters", he said.
The review was initiated by the board and is understood to be driven by Dr Armstrong, who has sought independent advice on corporate governance from an Oxford University professor and Queen's Counsel.
Members of TVNZ's top management have met the board but have so far had limited involvement in the review, company sources said.
Mr Fraser could understand people's apprehensions about the review, but he said it did not cast a shadow on editorial integrity.
He had previously said that TVNZ would not become the pulpit of politicians or the board.
