Minister of Broadcasting and Media Kris Faafoi has announced today that the Government will create a new organisation by the middle of 2023, built on the best of RNZ and TVNZ, to future-proof public media for New Zealanders for decades to come.
Minister Faafoi says, “the public media sector is extremely important to New Zealanders in providing them with high quality, independent, timely and relevant media content.”
It also confirmed the pressures New Zealand’s public media is facing retaining audiences and attracting new ones, particularly young people, in the face of access to global platforms.
That is why the Government has accepted the Business Case Governance Group’s recommendations and agreed to establish a new public media entity, which can utilise new and existing platforms to build audience here in New Zealand, as well as take our stories abroad more successfully,” adds Minister Faafoi
CE for NZ On air Cameron Harland welcomes the strengthening of public media. In a written statement he says,”as a government agency required and committed to delivering content outcomes for all of Aotearoa, a greater focus and investment in public media outcomes is absolutely welcomed.
Looking ahead, we are energised and excited by the future possibilities and remain committed to serving the many different needs of the audiences in Aotearoa, while continuing to work closely with the sectors we support in delivering amazing content outcomes.”
The public will have a chance to give their views, including on the entity’s charter, through the select committee process when legislation is considered later this year.
Image Credit: Radio New Zealand and Television New Zealand