NZ On Air Looks Ahead

4 July 2007

Media Release

NZ On Air Looks Ahead

NZ On Air has thrown the spotlight on a dramatically changing New Zealand broadcasting environment in its Statement of Intent, which has been tabled in Parliament today. In such an environment, the agency says, contestable funding is a vital mechanism to provide local content to diverse audiences.

“We will be spending considerable time this year charting a new direction for this organisation,” said NZ On Air Chairman Neil Walter. “It’s an exciting time to be thinking ahead.”

The Statement of Intent (SOI) details NZ On Air’s main themes for the next three years.

“NZ On Air is widely regarded as one of the best results to come out of the deregulation of broadcasting in the 1980s”, Mr Walter said. “The contestable funding model administered by this agency ensures that quality local content is there for New Zealanders wherever they choose to watch or listen, and that the best ideas are supported.”

NZ On Air’s funding budget was boosted in the Government’s May budget, with additional funding for television production and for the operation of Radio New Zealand.

The SOI shows that overall television funding for 2007/2008 has been maintained at around 63 percent of NZ On Air’s funding budget.

“Our research clearly demonstrates that New Zealanders enjoy local content on television and radio, as well as New Zealand music,” Mr Walter said. “We are pleased to be in a position to continue providing what the audience wants and deserves.

“However, things are moving very quickly, and the broadcasting landscape is changing radically. We need to stay at the forefront as digital broadcasting develops in order to ensure that New Zealanders keep getting value for their broadcasting investment.”

Ends

© Scoop Media