NZ on Air back in spotlight

The role of NZ on Air is back in the spotlight with intense public scrutiny expected over the appointment of its new chair, and questions about its ability to perform its statutory functions being raised, says Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Clare Curran.

“A briefing to new Broadcasting Minister by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage has warned that commercial imperatives driving the two main television networks mean NZ on Air won’t meet its public service obligations.

“NZ on Air has come under heavy criticism in recent weeks over concerns that it opened itself up to political interference,” Clare Curran said.

“This was after it was revealed the agency’s deputy chair, Stephen McElrea, who also happens to be John Key’s electorate chair, had complained to the board and the CEO over the timing of a TV3 documentary on child poverty that aired before the election.

“As the current NZ on Air chair, Neil Walter, is now confirmed to be stepping down, the choice of his replacement will come under heavy scrutiny.

“John Key has already stepped into the fray, backing his Mr McElrea’s position in NZ on Air and insisting there was no conflict of interest in his complaints to the CEO,” Clare Curran said.

“With emerging difficulties for NZ on Air to meet its statutory obligations, and rising concerns that its contestable funding model is under strain, the appointment is of particular importance.

“The main television channels are already advertiser and ratings driven, a reality which makes it increasingly difficult for NZ on Air to deliver diverse local content.

“With the demise of Stratos and the impending closure of TVNZ7, the numbers of public broadcasting channels capable of airing quality content have all but disappeared.

“This makes the good management and success of NZ on Air essential, and any suggestion of politicisation must be closely monitored,” Clare Curran said.