3. SUE KEDGLEY (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Broadcasting
Does TVNZ have any other mandate other than returning a profit under the National Government?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Broadcasting) Link to this
The mandate of Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is described in the Television New Zealand Amendment Bill. New section 12 in clause 6 of Part 1 states: “(1) The functions of TVNZ are to be a successful national television and digital media company providing a range of content and services on a choice of delivery platforms and maintaining its commercial performance. (2) In carrying out its functions, TVNZ must provide high-quality content that—(a) is relevant to, and enjoyed and valued by, New Zealand audiences; and (b) encompasses both New Zealand and international content and reflects Māori perspectives.”
Did he attend a TVNZ board meeting last month and instruct the board that from now on TVNZ is to be run as a strictly commercial organisation?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
I did attend a meeting with the board, and I made the Government’s expectations very clear. They are that there is a large amount of public equity tied up in that organisation and the public deserves to get a dividend from it.
When the TVNZ board presented a business case to the Government to allow it to continue funding TVNZ 7, did he personally advocate for continued funding, and is it true that Steven Joyce squashed the idea?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
The member has got quite confused about this. TVNZ has never brought a case to the Government to allow it to continue funding TVNZ 7. It brought a case that wanted us, the Government and the taxpayer, to continue funding it, which was just not tenable.
Why does the Government consider it to be good practice to allow a private sector media company, founded by Mr Joyce, to have a preferential loan deferral scheme, while at the same time killing off the State broadcaster’s sole remaining public service channel?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
Once again, the member has got confused. I think what she is referring to is a scheme that was made open to all radio companies to defer their licence payments, as opposed to what we are talking about here, which is continuing to meet the unfunded promise that the last Government made regarding TVNZ 7.
Can he confirm that as result of the Government’s decision to make TVNZ a solely commercial broadcaster, New Zealand will be the only country in the Western World without a public service television channel other than Māori Television?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
Well, the first point to make is that TVNZ has been predominantly commercially funded for a very long time. The second point that I would make is that one would struggle to find another OECD country that has suffered the economic shocks that we have had in the last year, and that still has a very firm plan to return to surplus by 2015.
What about Ireland? Will Radio New Zealand National be the next State broadcaster to face funding cut-backs and the pressure to commercialise; if not, why not?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
If the member had read the New Zealand Herald this morning, she would know what the position is. Basically, Radio New Zealand National has a very good plan for living within its means, which we are very happy with.
Can he promise New Zealanders in this House that the Government has no plans to sell off TVNZ in this or the next term of Government?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
I can confirm that there has been absolutely no discussion about selling off TVNZ at any time.