September 12, 2017
Labour promises broadcasting boost
Labour is promising a new public digital media service, built around Radio New Zealand, including a free-to-air non-commercial television service.
What it's calling RNZ+ will increase in-house production and distribution of New Zealand content, with an emphasis on quality reporting and investigative journalism reflecting all parts of New Zealand.
Maori, Pasifika and other ethnic communities, people with disabilities, and education and entertainment for children will have a stronger presence with Labour’s policy.
The aim is something closer to Australia’s ABC.
There will be an additional $38m a year in additional funding for quality New Zealand programming and journalism, into a fund apportioned by
A new Public Media Funding Commissioner, independent from political influence, will be set up to distribute an additional $38m a year in additional funding for quality New Zealand programming and journalism.
There will also be new support for the film industry, which leader Jacinda Ardern says is needed to better manage its boom / bust cycle.
She says Labour recognises that as a nation we must be able to tell our stories, including those of our diverse communities, on multiple platforms effectively in a rapidly-changing media landscape.
It also recognises that a strong, informed democracy needs a strong, independent, free public media service.
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