Censorship imposed after tragedy ...
I am furious about all the changes to TV programmes this week. Why take shows off just because someone at a TV network thinks the content is too violent? The Christchurch killings were dreadful but it is not going to make a difference now if shows with shooting and guns are screened.
BC (Wellington)
I am concerned that the TV media has imposed a form of censorship on New Zealanders, using the Christchurch tragedy as their excuse. What happened in Christchurch was horrendous but that does not allow the media to assume to know how everyone is feeling and what they should or should not be watching. The censorship of programmes – ones which the networks have deemed ‘inappropriate’ – was set to last for at least a week, possibly longer. The most violent of all shows, The Walking Dead, was screened though, which seems a bit odd. And to show the hypocrisy of it all, OnDemand, Lightbox, Netflix etc had these shows available, plus many more series and movies that would well and truly exceed their ‘inappropriate’ criteria level. NCIS, FBI, The Rookie, Designated Survivor and a few other shows that I watch will not incite me to commit a crime. I enjoy watching them. They are far more entertaining than viewing dated movies and documentaries that have been hauled out of the vault to replace them. This form of censorship is the beginning of a slippery slope. Bring back the normal television schedule please, TVNZ, Prime and Mediaworks. I like to think and choose for myself.
Tee Jay (Whangarei)
The TV schedules have been all over the place lately and Sky TV’s news channel has been off air too. Why have programmers done this? Why can’t viewers decide for themselves what they watch?
Angry (Dunedin)
Could you please tell me what happened to Sky News channel 85? It was broadcasting only sport and weather, no news. Thank you.
Denny (Wellington)
I just had to write about the interview with Sam Neill on Seven Sharp (TVNZ 1, March 21) and the words he so sincerely made about the terrible attack in Christchurch. His words said it all. They reduced me to tears and I have shed many tears for those who lost loved ones. A very moving tribute.
M. Cole (Lincoln)