Views Sought on the Future of Broadcasting

Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard and Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe are seeking public feedback as part of a review of broadcasting regulation in New Zealand. On 23 January 2008, the Ministers jointly released a two-volume discussion document, made up of a research report and a paper asking for public comment on a range of related issues.  The review is being conducted within the context of the growing convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and the internet and its impact on the traditional business models for these sectors. 

Volume 1 of the discussion document reviews the current market and regulatory environments in New Zealand and examines international market trends and regulatory responses.  Volume 2 asks a number of questions on the implications of these changes for New Zealand, in particular:

• whether the threats to an effective broadcasting and telecommunications market and to the creation and distribution of diverse content have been correctly identified    
• what regulatory change, if any, might be justified in response to perceived threats
• what specific actions might be considered by policy makers.

Comments on the discussion paper are sought by 4 April 2008.  The Ministers will jointly report back on the outcome of this consultation, with recommended actions, by July 2008.  If regulatory changes are proposed, detailed options will be prepared for discussion.  A second round of consultation would then be held at a time to be determined.

The discussion paper is available on the Ministry of Culture and Heritage website.