There is someone, representing a group of people in New Zealand, who are not happy about WWE programming airing.
On February 15th, WWE announced that they have wrapped up a deal with Maori' Television, which is a television station based out of New Zealand. The deal will allow WWE programming, particularly RAW and SmackDown Live, to air in New Zealand for free. You can read that full press release by clicking here.
Most would think those in New Zealand would be excited about getting WWE programming on their televisions for free, but not "Sensible Sentencing Trust" spokesperson, Scott Guthrie. The "Sensible Sentencing Trust" group is an organization based out of New Zealand that are against all forms of violence and are all about presenting a "safe New Zealand". Guthrie, on behalf of the group, does not feel like WWE programming is a good image to be displaying in NZ.
The scheduled programming date for WWE to air is on February 25th and Guthrie had to the following to say regarding the topic:
"What sort of message does this type of program send the community? Maori Television is funded by the tax payer and Freeview is available to everyone in this country including prisoners” Guthrie said. "Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran needs to step in and sort out this inappropriate programming and sort it out now”.
Guthrie's comments are directed at both Maori Television and the tax payer funding that has allowed the deal to be completed. There are only six days left until WWE airs in New Zealand.
