Workshops on the review of broadcasting regulation in a digital environment

Workshops on the review of broadcasting regulation in a digital environment
14/02/2008

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development, is planning to conduct a series of workshops to promote discussion and facilitate public responses to two consultation documents reviewing the impact of new digital technologies on the regulation of broadcasting and the regulation of broadcasting content. Workshops will be held as follows:

Auckland:	Wednesday 5 March 2008, 10.00-12.30 pm, Ministry for Economic Development, Guedo Office (Kauri Room), 45 Queen St, Auckland
Wellington:	Thursday 6 March 2008, 9.30-12.00 pm, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, (Wharenui conference room) 1st floor, Radio New Zealand House, 155 The Terrace, Wellington
Christchurch:	Friday 7 March 2008, 1.00-3.30 pm, Copthorne Hotel, (Parkview conference room), 776 Colombo Street, Christchurch
Māori Hui (Wellington):	Tuesday 11 March 2008, 10.00 am -1.00pm, Te Puni Kokiri, 143 Lambton Quay, Wellington.

Those wishing to attend are requested to register by emailing Jeannie.Cozens@mch.govt.nz

The reviews are taking place in the context of the growing convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and the internet and the impact on traditional business models for these sectors, and consider international market trends and regulatory responses. Respondents are being asked to consider 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; and
what specific actions might be considered by policy makers.

Copies of the consultation documents and information on the consultation process and are available on the following websites: www.mch.govt.nz and www.med.govt.nz. The closing date for responses is 4 April 2008.