New Challenges for NZ Broadcasting

30 July 2003

Media Release

New Challenges for NZ Broadcasting

A year of change has prompted NZ On Air to take stock, and propose new initiatives to support and promote the value of local content on television and radio in New Zealand. That's according to the agency's Statement of Intent for 2003/2004 – tabled in Parliament today - which details NZ On Air’s spending plans for television, radio and NZ music in the coming financial year.

"It's been a busy year, with the changes in TVNZ's legislation - including the implementation of its Charter - the progress towards setting up the Mâori Television Service, local content agreements for television programmes and for New Zealand music on the radio, and the launch of Niu FM," said NZ On Air Chairman Don Hunn.

"Those developments, among other things, have given us cause to rethink how NZ On Air fits within the overall broadcasting framework," he said.

"With that in mind, we are indicating through this Statement of Intent, what we see as our contribution to developing and enhancing public broadcasting through wide consultation and the development of better partnerships with broadcasters and producers. We will also gather and publish carefully researched information on audience preferences, and broadcasting developments here and overseas.

"In terms of outcomes, increased baseline funding in the Budget and income from other sources such as programme sales, have made it possible for us to slightly increase our television budget for the coming year. We can continue to support series drama, and supplement that with showcase television initiatives. We can also encourage diversity and innovation in that and other genres," said Mr Hunn.

"Our documentary symposium in May resulted in the development of a clear strategy that we'll continue to work through in the year ahead. We intend to take a similar approach to that in the areas of comedy, arts, and children's programmes.

"We are also able to maintain the public radio services we fund, with increased funding for Radio New Zealand - including an allocation to move National Radio to the FM band. And NZ On Air will continue to support NZ music in the coming year with at least 40 new recording projects, 17 new albums and 120 music videos," he said.
Ends

More information on NZ On Air’s Statement of Intent and other policies are available on the NZ On Air website at www.nzonair.govt.nz

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