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FIT FOR THE FUTURE
National has a clear commitment to public broadcasting. We believe that public money should fund the best possible content for the benefit and enjoyment of the New Zealand public.
As technology rapidly changes, Kiwis will have an ever-increasing choice over what they view, and how and when they view it.
The traditional model of one-to-many television broadcasting is being replaced by a rapidly-evolving technological environment where people choose personalised content from multiple sources and watch it at their convenience.
National advocates a funding model for public broadcasting that is compatible with the rapidly evolving technological environment. We believe the NZ on Air model will meet this objective.
Our focus is on funding great content for the New Zealand public. Central to this approach will be competition for funding, and high levels of accountability and transparency for projects or entities that receive public funding.
OUR PRINCIPLES
• Ensuring public funds are used for quality public broadcasting.
• Embracing innovation and technological change.
• Promoting transparency, accountability, and competition.
NATIONAL’S PLAN
1. Providing Certainty
• Maintain state ownership of Television New Zealand.
• Continue support for Maori Television.
• Continue funding for Radio New Zealand, National Pacific Radio Trust, and Access Radio.
2. Funding the Best Possible Television Content
Make TVNZ charter funding contestable through NZ on Air and make it available to other free-to-air broadcasters on a competitive basis so that the best projects get onto our screens.
3. Embracing Digital Technology
• Switch off analogue by 2015. The final date will be confirmed once 75% of households have digital, or 2012, whichever occurs first.
• Maintain funding for the Freeview platform.
• Demand public accountability for the $79 million of direct funding allocated to TVNZ6 & TVNZ7.
4. Promoting Transparency
• Ensure transparent processes for radio frequency allocation and renewal that create fair competition and take into account the range of community and broadcaster interests.
• Insist on regular publication of rating/audience/ household penetration data for any broadcasting entity receiving state funding. |