NPA Welcomes Government Announcement

NPA Welcomes Government Announcement

The Newspaper Publishers' Association tonight welcomed the announcement by Justice Minister Judith Collins and Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss expressing confidence in the self-regulation of the industry and measures it is taking to strengthen review mechanisms.

The Ministers announced the Government will not act on the Law Commission's recommendation to establish a single media self-regulatory body.

The current Press Council structure will be retained for the regulation of print and digital media and the Broadcasting Standards Authority will continue its responsibility for television and radio under the Broadcasting Act, they saidIn a report released in March, the Law Commission had recommended the setting up of a single body with the suggested name News Media Standards Authority to consider complaints against print media, television and radio broadcasters and digital media.

This would have required the merger of the Press Council (which covers newspapers, magazines and their digital platforms), the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) and the recently established Online Media Standards Authority, which handles complaints against broadcasters' digital arms.

The NPA's editorial director Rick Neville said the country's newspaper and magazine publishers believed the Press Council did a good job and had not been persuaded of the need for the new body.

"We're very pleased Ms Collins has acknowledged that unlike reviews in the UK and Australia, the Law Commission's report was not driven by a crisis of confidence in the mainstream media. She has also acknowledged the good progress made by New Zealand's media to address challenges posed by the new digital media.

"Given the stresses between some branches of the media and the Government in recent times over attacks on media freedoms, it's timely that Mr Foss has stated the Government is well aware of the importance of fostering a well-functioning and independent fourth estate. It's reassuring to see a Minister put this on record."

The Ministers asked print and online media to continue to strengthen their self-regulation with Mr Foss saying the Government expects the news media industry to continue to develop solutions to the regulatory difficulties presented by media using multiple technology platforms.

Mr Neville said the Newspaper Publishers' Association is currently reviewing the Press Council's jurisdiction and complaints processes with strengthening of the council's powers likely in a number of areas.

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