Regional and Community Broadcasting Policy Framework - Overview
The Minister of Broadcasting, Steve Maharey, has released details of a new government approach to shaping regional and community broadcasting policy.
The new Regional and Community Broadcasting Policy Framework tidies up the parameters surrounding regional and community broadcasting, promoting local and diverse broadcasting and keeping it accessible to audiences both culturally and technically. It also future proofs regional and community broadcasting for long term developments affecting the sector.
The Framework provides scope for new local commercial broadcasters, as outlined in the Broadcasting Programme of Action 2004-09, because there is still evidence of potential new, non-networked, broadcasters seeking to enter the market.
The framework does not entail additional funding for services or programming. Funding measures outlined in Priority 4 of the Programme of Action were addressed through a 2005/06 budget allocation to NZ On Air. Broadcasters eligible to apply for new licences will be required to demonstrate how they expect to remain financially viable over the long term.
This is a high level policy framework. It is not a checklist of criteria for licensing or funding applications; nor does it address digital transition issues (which are being dealt with separately). Rather, the Framework is a set of objectives for government in future policy development.
The detail will be developed with new operational policies (such as eligibility criteria for the new local licences) or with amendments to existing policy. Broadcasters will be consulted on these later in the 2006/07 year, and officials will allow at least six weeks for responses from broadcasters.