Stratos a goner thanks to National's ineptness

Free-to-air broadcasting in New Zealand has been dealt another blow with the shock announcement that Auckland-based Stratos Television is to close, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Clare Curran says.

“Stratos, modelled on Australia’s SBS and the channel that provided New Zealand with the popular Al Jazeera news, says that while it reaches an audience of almost one million, it is no longer financially viable.

“There are undoubtedly various reasons for Stratos’ demise. Being another casualty of an inept and neglectful Government - one that is not interested in quality, public broadcasting - wouldn’t have helped,” Clare Curran said.

“With a government that is intent on encouraging a monopoly in its efforts to capture more New Zealanders behind the pay wall, while at the same time excluding others who don’t have the capacity to pay, the quality of available free –to-air content across the board is being compromised.

“Small players such as Stratos should be encouraged. They thrive on producing local content and have important partnership links with major overseas broadcasters.

“A Labour Government would have sought input from Stratos into how a new public television broadcaster could be delivered to Kiwis in a digital environment. Under the current model, however, these types of innovative business models will continue to struggle.

“Incoming Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss has his work cut out. He is inheriting a portfolio National should be ashamed of.

“He needs to demonstrate he will be a hands-on minister who places a value on public, free- to-air broadcasting. I will be watching his efforts in 2012 with interest,” Clare Curran said.