Backchat wins best lifestyle Programme Award, New Zealand Television Awards. Self imposed charter, to bring up-to-date arts, ideas and current affairs issues to the viewer. New Prime Minister Helen Clark is the Minister of Arts. Broadcasting - is the new broadcasting Minister Marion Hobbs up to the job. Interview with Marion Hobbs, Broadcasting Minister. Issues involve Television New Zealand management, the new chairman of TVNZ Board, Ross Armstrong and the new culture of change in broadcasting, commercial success. Aborted digital deals, accountability of boards and employees. Charter, Local content and public broadcasting. New Zealand Festival 2000. $16 Million: Arts Guide with Miriama Kamo. Viva La Vida, Freda Kahlo exhibition: Jorge Alvarez, Mexican Ambassador. Haruru Mai, playwright Briar Grace-Smith: Rena Owen, Katie Wolfe and George Henare Actors. Simon Boccanegra, with Gordon Hawkins, Baritone. Studio interview with John Button, Fine Music Reviewer & Joseph Seeling, Festival 2000 Director on quality of the music and content of festival 2000. Wellington Fringe Festival - Amanda Hereaka, Fringe Festival Correspondent: Busking Olympics & Theatre. Film review with Chris Knox: ‘American Beauty’ up for 8 Oscar nominations. Book give away this week: Freda Kahlo, Brush Strokes & Anguish. Tribute of remembrance to 71 year old Fredrick Hunderwasser. Exclusive interview from 1988. Reporter Roger Price.

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