March 21, 2018
Failed business model holding back Maori broadcasting
A leading Maori producer says the business model for funding Maori broadcasting has failed and needs to be overhauled.
The Maori broadcasting sector is currently under review, and Quinton Hita says he's heartened at the questions being asked and the willingness of sector members to work together.
But he says despite Maori Television being around for almost 15 years, there is a disturbing lack of capacity in the sector.
Prtodiucers are battered by market forces and forced to compete for the limited resources available, with work depending on stringing together three or at best, six month contracts.
The result is a disturbing lack of capacity.
"That needs to be addressed. It's urgent. It means we can't offer career paths for our people. Our best and brightest run off to treaty claims work and other more lucrative career options as soon as they leave school. We're not able to capture our best and brightest, the group we need in our creative sector," Mr Hita says.
He's also concerned at the silence over lack of Maori involvement in the proposed new $40 million fund for public broadcasting.
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