TVNZ'S Digital Plans Remain Unchanged By Telstrasaturn Announcement
The decision by TelstraSaturn to postpone the launch of its satellite digital pay television service as reported in this
morning's New Zealand Herald caught TVNZ by surprise.
TVNZ Chief Executive Rick Ellis met with TelstraSaturn CEO Jack Matthews this morning to discuss the implications of
this decision. TelstraSaturn has reaffirmed its commitment to provide the necessary infrastructure to allow TVNZ to
launch its free to air digital service at some time in the future.
Mr Ellis stated that TVNZ's contract with TelstraSaturn is about sharing infrastructure. This infrastructure now exists
and is operational.
"Some of this morning's media reports incorrectly state that TelstraSaturn's proposed launch of its pay television
service was a joint venture with TVNZ," said Mr Ellis. "This is not the case. TVNZ has no plans to enter the pay
television market.
"The joint venture between TVNZ and TelstraSaturn, referred to in April at the time the agreements were signed between
the two companies provides for us to share resources for the development of interactive digital content. This
opportunity remains unchanged by TelstraSaturn's announcement.
"TVNZ's objective is and remains to bring a genuine digital free to air digital television service to all New
Zealanders. We have always stated that we will ultimately be on multiple platforms as they develop in New Zealand, and
as open access agreements are reached.
"TelstraSaturn and TVNZ have always said they wish to have an open access deal with Sky.
"It is important to note that TelstraSaturn's announcement does not impact on TVNZ's ability to launch a digital free to
air service," said Mr Ellis.
Ends