29/07/2022
Have you heard of the new Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Entity?
On the 26th of July the proposed mega media entity passed its first reading in parliament which will see TVNZ and RNZ brought together under the umbrella of a new not-for-profit organisation, on the first of March 2023.
This organisation will be established as a new Autonomous Crown Entity, operating under a charter.
Minister for Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson stated:
"With increasing levels of misinformation around the world, a rapidly changing media landscape and increasing global competition, New Zealand needs strong, independent, public media more than ever - it is critical to the functioning of a healthy democracy."
However, media spokesperson Melissa Lee said the bizarre move will reduce quality voices in the sector, creating an unaccountable publicly funded monolith.
Some key aspects of what is being proposed in the the bill are:
- Recognises the Crown's responsibility to give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Makes clear ANZPM's editorial independence and its role as a trusted source of news and information
- Provides for the entity's mixed funding model, of both Crown and commercial revenue
- Confirms its role as a public media entity and to collaborate, where appropriate, with other New Zealand media
- The main features of the new media entity will incorporate:
- A single organisation (Autonomous Crown Entity) with trusted brands retained
- Its purpose: providing news and entertainment as a public service
- Editorial and operational independence protected by legislation
- It would also have a focus on under-served communities, particularly Māori, Pacific and young people
- Funding would come partly from the government, partly from advertising
- Ad-free programmes would remain that way, and content would be provided initially free of charge
- It operates as a non-profit, with any extra cash reinvested - it would not be allowed to build up large cash reserves
- It would not be limited to radio or television
- Civil defence emergency management lifeline utility functions would also pass to the new entity
To keep up with the process of the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill, please visit:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_125298/aotearoa-new-zealand-public-media-bill
The bill will next be sent to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation select committee, with a six-month period for people to make submissions.
