Broadcaster can afford TVNZ7: Labour

A Labour private members bill will require TVNZ to fund public broadcasting channel TVNZ7, a measure which would save the channel due to be axed in June, says Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Clare Curran.

“TVNZ can afford to fund our only commercial free public broadcasting channel and as our state broadcaster they should be required to do so, Clare Curran said today.

“TVNZ may have been corporatised by the National government, but it still bears public service broadcasting responsibilities.

“The National government has shown no leadership on or commitment to public broadcasting. Instead, it has forced TVNZ to become fully commercial and encouraged NZ on Air to increasingly fund programming which will attract high advertising.

“New Zealand has a gaping hole in quality, community programming. How much more reality TV can we bear?

“We need programming that reflects our countries wealth of talent and creativity, not copycat reality shows,” Clare Curran said.

“TVNZ will return a record $13.8 million to the government in dividends this year. High salaries, bonuses and other perks reveal that TVNZ is well placed to ensure the long term sustainability of TVNZ7.

“From 30 June, New Zealand will no longer have a commercial free public broadcaster. This leaves us, with Mexico, to be the only OECD countries not to have public television broadcasting.

“The members Bill to be announced by Labour will moot that TVNZ7 be retained, be editorially independent from TVNZ, and perhaps managed by an independent Trust.

“Labour will seek support for its bill from other parties. TVNZ7 doesn’t have to come as another cost to the taxpayer. TVNZ can and should be able to fund it.

“Commercial free, quality content for communities, not profit, is essential to healthy democracy. It is a must not a luxury,” Clare Curran said.