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Unfortunately I missed some of the programme this weekend but did catch Theresa Gattung (CEO of Telecom) being interviewed by Simon Dallow.

First-up I have to congratulate Ms Gattung's image consultant for some excellent work. My previous perception of Theresa was a somewhat geeky-looking woman with a 1970's style hair style, the wrong lip-stick, and glasses that were second only to mine in the unfashionable stakes.

It seems things have changed however, and Ms Gattung now looks very smart with a still somewhat dated hair style but a much nicer and more contemporary appearance.

But to hell with appearances -- they're not really important.

What did impress me was her articulate manner and *seemingly* genuine concern for the best interests of NZ as a country.

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Indeed, the wheels really began to fall off her trolley when she was challenged over Telecom's attitude to competition.

SIMON: But broad band there have been difficulties all the way for competitors to access your system.

THERESA No I disagree with that as we've actually launched the latest round of broad band products we've made them available at resale at the regulated rate.

(The full transcript is on the Agenda website)

Full marks to Simon Dallow for following up his initial query with more probing queries.

Full marks also to Agenda TV for putting this transcript online -- however I'd preferred to have the entire programme archived in streaming video format for those who are unable to watch it at the times it is broadcast.

Indeed, it is this type of niche production that is perhaps most suited to the current levels of Video on Demand (VOD) available through the Net so let's hope they actually do it.

Maybe if NZ On Air were to wake up to the fact that the Net really is a valid broadcast medium (for both voice and video) and offer some kind of subsidy for such streaming, we'd all be a whole lot better off.

What the Agenda website doesn't offer, is any record of the very enlightening panel discussions that also compose part of the programme, and this is a big shame.

The IT industry's own Paul Brislen was on this week's show but unfortunately I missed this segment. I'd love to be able to read the transcript or watch the video over the Net. I'd even be prepared to endure a few advertisements included in the video stream -- if that's what it would take to justify the expense of making this material available online.

Come on broadcasters and programme producers -- get your skates on.

Broadband is coming to New Zealand and there's a growing audience who find that VOD through the Net is simply far more convenient than setting the VCR or finding the time to position themselves in front of the TV at times that match the broadcasting schedule.

What do you think? Should our local broadcasters and programme producers be paying more attention to the viability of VOD via streaming video now?

Would you watch niche programmes like this on the Net?

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