2. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Broadcasting
What is the Government doing to support the future of public broadcasting in response to the challenge of digital technology?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY (Minister of Broadcasting) Link to this
In June this year the Government announced funding of $25 million to support the establishment of FreeView, a platform to deliver free-to-air digital television to New Zealanders from 2007. Today we announced backing for Television New Zealand (TVNZ)’s digital content proposal, with funding of $79 million over the next 6 years. This investment will strengthen TVNZ’s position as our flagship public television broadcaster, and New Zealanders can expect such things as more local content and diversity, more in-depth programming, and opportunities for a wider range of audiences to view programmes at more accessible times.
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
Broadcasters across the board, not just TVNZ, will mostly fund their changes off their balance sheets, as will TVNZ. However, some revenue can be expected from stronger credit management. In particular, the sector is owed $112,000 by the New Zealand National Party, and I think the National Party could help this change into the digital era if it recognised that the law has been broken, that it owes money, and that it should just pay it back.
Pita ParaoneDoes the Minister believe that by making the two free-to-air digital channels commercial free, TVNZ will be able to reduce the risk of bad debts being brought about by advertisers refusing to pay the GST content of their advertising bills, such as the one owed by the National Party?
Hon STEVE MAHAREY Link to this
Because TVNZ will not be exposed to any commercial revenue on those two channels, it will mean that the problem it had with the National Party, which is still refusing to pay back its $112,000, will not arise.