13 July 2004

Media Release

A Busy Year in Broadcasting

NZ On Air has once again thrown the spotlight on the five-year strategic plan it published last year with the release of its Statement of Intent 2004/2005, which has just been presented in Parliament.

“We signalled very strongly with the five year plan our intention to concentrate on enhancing and highlighting the key role of public service broadcasting in 21st century New Zealand,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall.

“From NZ On Air’s perspective, that means commissioning and promoting television and radio programmes that would not otherwise be supported in a commercial broadcasting environment – programmes that take risks, that challenge, surprise and expand horizons.

“This year’s Statement of Intent builds on the commitments NZ On Air has made to strengthen industry partnerships, to build on our store of research, and to encourage innovation and diversity in broadcasting,” she said. ”We accept that risk and innovation can at times result in failure, but in our experience it has by far and away resulted in real success.”

The Statement of Intent details NZ On Air’s spending plans for television, radio, NZ music, and research and consultation over the coming year.

“As part of our continuing review of the ways in which we can improve our funding policies and keep up with broadcasting developments at home and abroad, we will be commissioning research and convening a number of symposia to debate and consult on several areas,” Ms Tyndall said.

“That will include archiving, digital broadcasting developments, and audience views on locally produced drama and comedy, as well as the synergies between NZ music airplay in New Zealand, and its potential for international success.

“We welcomed a boost in our funding announced in the Government’s Budget in May because it has enabled us to maintain our television funding at similar levels to last year, whereas beforehand we had been forecasting a drop of up to $4 million there,” said Ms Tyndall. “That means we have been able to hold onto our television innovation fund, and we are looking for some groundbreaking ideas to come from that.

“We are also able to support enhancements in Radio New Zealand’s public radio programming, and the continued roll out of National Radio on the FM band.

“And in our NZ music work we’re aiming to fund 20 new albums, 140 music videos, and 40 radio singles, including six in te reo Mâori. It’s going to be a busy year,” she said. Ends

NZ On Air’s Statement of Intent and other policy documents, and this media release are available on the NZ On Air website at www.nzonair.govt.nz

ENDS

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