Murdoch sale opportunity to review broadcasting and video content
The Government must include video content and broadcasting in its review of the telecommunications industry following
News Limited’s decision to sell its stake in Sky Television, Labour’s communications and IT spokesperson Clare Curran
said.
“Today’s announcement is a clear signal by Rupert Murdoch that Sky’s dominant market position has changed forever with
the increase in online video content from sources such as Quickflix, and Netflix.
“The Commerce Commission has said ownership rights of content are the critical factor behind the successful uptake of
ultrafast broadband in New Zealand. The Commission is also investigating Sky TV’s contracts with telcos, which may be
restricting competition. The Minister must acknowledge this and include online video content in its recently announced
review of the telecommunications sector.
“Amy Adams has yet to announce the terms of reference for her review designed to bypass the Commerce Commission’s role
in deciding the future price of copper broadband. Rupert Murdoch’s announcement today gives Amy Adams the opportunity to
make her review a meaningful process rather than just a sop to keep Chorus’s investors happy.
“We must get the regulatory environment right on this. We are well overdue for a shared policy, regulatory and
legislative framework for the broadcasting, telecommunications and internet realms.
“If the government wants its ultrafast broadband programme to succeed it had better get off its backside and pay
attention.”
ends