EMBARGOED UNTIL WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 6AM
The People’s Commission on Public Broadcasting and Media launches: A crowdfunded investigation to make media and public broadcasting work better for New Zealand
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: Public inquiry into state of public broadcasting and media
WHEN: February - March 2017 (workshops around the country)
A strong, independent media is an essential part of any functioning democracy. But in recent years the media landscape
has been dramatically altered by the explosion of digital publishing, radical shifts in where advertising dollars are
spent, and a funding freeze on public broadcasting, amongst other things. Many people worry that balanced public
interest media may be at risk.
ActionStation and the Coalition for Better Broadcasting have joined forces with a diverse group of six industry experts
to launch a crowdfunded public inquiry into the current state, and future prospects, of public interest broadcasting and
media in New Zealand.
The six panelists will travel the country (dates and location of workshops listed below) holding collaborative workshops
with the public and other media experts before compiling a report on the state of public broadcasting and media, with a
short list of recommendations for how it can be improved. This report will be presented to the Government before Budget
Day.
“We want the public to come along and tell the panel what’s important to them, what’s wrong and how to fix it” says
Director of the Coalition for Better Broadcasting Myles Thomas. “The panelists are making it interactive and engaging,
and they plan to listen, probe and provoke”.
The workshops are open to everyone and will be held in a range of venues including cafes, community centres, and library
spaces. A website, launched today, allows people to make a submission online as well
“We’ve selected a range of engaging panelists to lead the inquiry, from across the political spectrum and with a
diversity of backgrounds and industry expertise. We are looking for a balanced and comprehensive view of the state of
public broadcasting and media in our country with sound recommendations on how it can be improved,” says Co-Director of
ActionStation Marianne Elliott.
The panelists are:
• Kay Ellmers (Producer/Director at Tumanako Productions)
• Shamubeel Eaqub (Economist and Author)
• Lizzie Marvelly (Journalist, blogger and social media campaign creator)
• Mark Jennings (ex-Head of News MediaWorks)
• Bill Ralston (Journalist and Broadcaster)
• Lance Wiggs (Investor and business blogger)
“The explosion of digital media has turned the media industry on its head. While there are many talented and principled
journalists committed to solid reporting and investigation, conflicting interests combined with malignant external
forces have eroded the public’s trust in journalism” says panelist Lizzie Marvelly.
“Like it or not today people’s expressed preferences through pageviews are for entertainment news-candy rather than
politics, economic and social policy broccoli,” says panelist Lance Wiggs.
“We need trusted independent journalism providing citizens with the information they need to participate meaningfully in
our democracy,” says panelist Kay Ellmers.
The inquiry’s goal is to make that a reality.
Workshop Details:
Wellington
When: Sunday 19th February 11am-2pm
Where: Meow cafe and bar, 9 Edward St Dunedin
When: Sunday 26th February 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Where: Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin City Library, 230 Moray PlaceTauranga
When: Sunday 5th March 11am-2pm
Where: Papamoa Community Centre, Papamoa Library, 15 Gravatt Rd, Papamoa Christchurch
When: Sunday 12th March 11am-2pm
Where: XChc, 376 Wilsons Rd, Christchurch Nelson
When: Sunday 19th March 11am-2pm
Where: NMIT, G104 Auditorium, 322 Hardy StAuckland
When: Sunday 26th March 1pm-4pm
Where: Mt Eden Normal Primary School Hall, cnr Valley and Sherbourne Roads, Mt Eden
Light refreshments will be served at the workshops.
Website is here: www.makeourmediabetter.org.nz
ENDS