Private media interests trump public service broadcasting

The Government is intent on favouring private broadcasting interests over the State broadcaster TVNZ, Green Party MP Sue Kedgley said today.

The Government has announced it will not be extending funding to Television New Zealand’s digital public service channel TVNZ7 after June 2012. Last month it emerged that Media Works, the company that that owns TVNZ’s competitor TV3, was part of a government-initiated deferral of payments scheme worth $43 million that enabled Media Works to renew their broadcasting license fees.

“The Chairman of the TVNZ Board, Sir John Anderson confirmed this morning in Select Committee that TVNZ had submitted a business case to the Government to allow it to continue to fund TVNZ7,” said Ms Kedgley.

“The Government turned down the request because it does not believe in public service television, and has no interest in retaining a public service television channel.

“While refusing to allow TVNZ to spend money on TVNZ7, the Government is effectively subsidising TVNZ's commercial competitor Media Works, with the loan deferral scheme.

“Some within Cabinet seem intent on kneecapping TVNZ while supporting schemes that assist private media corporations.”

Ms Kedgley said the Minister of Broadcasting instructed TVNZ at its last board meeting that it should be a solely commercial operation, focussed on pursuing ratings and returning a profit.

“This leaves New Zealand without a public service television channel besides Maori Television.

“Despite Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman’s assurances that the Government has no intention of selling off TVNZ, it is obvious the Government is readying TVNZ for sale,” said Ms Kedgley.