Nats feeling the pressure on Nat radio?

The fantastic Facebook page Save Radio NZ – now numbering 12,700+ fans just turned up this gem from Nat backbencher Jonathan Young...

Dear Teresa Thanks for your email and views. I am a great fan of Radio New Zealand and feel the discussion and debate; as well as the attention to the arts and culture make it an iconic and important service to New Zealanders. I enjoy listening to it a number of hours each week.

I will seek a briefing from Hon Jonathan Coleman on the present status of things and discuss recent developments, as I normally sit on the Commerce Select committee where Radio NZ’s financial review is discussed, but was absent last week due to electorate commitments in New Plymouth.

Kind regards

Jonathan Young | Member of Parliament for New Plymouth

Perhaps the New Plymouth MP is a signal of wider disconent within the Government about the cuts proposed for Radio NZ? Coalition partner Peter Dunne was quick to express opposition.

I hope Jonathan Young can help persuade the other Jonathan when they have a wee chat that freeze-shrinking Radio NZ will not be supported by most NZers.

Even Grandma Herald agrees in an editorial today Little to gain from cost cuts at Radio NZ

I hope there might be some Nats who join the Facebook-organised protest rapidly being organised for Parliament’s forecourt on Thursday lunchtime.

Myself and some Labour colleagues intend to be there – though organisers note, the House is currently under urgency which makes timing a bit trickier.

Blog post repeated from Red Alert.