Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman is brushing off claims of political interference in Radio New Zealand as mischief-making by political opponents.
Dr Coleman has asked the Radio New Zealand board to cut costs and find ways to generate new revenue.
He has outlined possible measures, including commercial sponsorship for Radio New Zealand Concert and reviewing the size of the Auckland office.
The Labour and Green parties say the minister has taken a step too far and is now guilty of political interference. But Dr Coleman says they are just looking to stir up a political row.
United Future leader Peter Dunne says any cutting of Radio New Zealand's services would be detrimental to broadcasting in New Zealand.
ACT says Radio New Zealand should be under the same financial constraints as other publicly funded agencies. Broadcasting spokesperson John Boscawen says Radio New Zealand is not being starved of funding at all.
Radio New Zealand receives $34 million a year from the Government.
