2 June 2005
TV industry looks to the future on 45th anniversary
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Broadcasting industry leaders are meeting in Auckland today - following yesterday's 45th anniversary of New Zealand
television - to look at key issues for the television industry.
Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey says the forum is an opportunity to develop a collective response to the challenges
and opportunities facing the industry.
"Public television broadcasting is thriving in New Zealand alongside a successful commercial industry," Steve Maharey
said. "The challenge now is how our relatively small industry can continue to grow and move forward amidst a period of
unprecedented change."
Steve Maharey said changes in technology and audience behaviour were among the big challenges facing the television
industry.
"New technologies, growth in the number of channels and alternatives like the Internet and DVDs are placing new
pressures on both public and private broadcasters.
"While much has been achieved in the last five years, the challenges facing the industry are probably the biggest it has
ever faced.
"I will be urging all participants to think hard about the challenges for the sector and to work together to ensure we
continue to build a strong and dynamic broadcasting industry."
Key issue for the forum include: · How local content can continue to be appealing and informative in a global
market · How New Zealand can continue to grow its TV industry - and in particular its exports - in the face of
international competition and rising production costs · The need for training to ensure the right skills are available
from writing to post production · Responding to competition from new entertainment technologies
Steve Maharey said the government had invested an additional $30 million through this year's Budget to strengthen the
Broadcasting sector.
The forum follows yesterday's celebration of 45 years of television in New Zealand, which began with a two hour evening
broadcast on 1 June 1960.
ENDS