13 October 2009 Media Statement

Government’s punt shows broadcasting policy a shambles

A government decision to back a competing bid against Maori Television to provide free-to-air coverage for the Rugby World Cup confirms its own shambolic policies, says Labour’s broadcasting spokesman Brendon Burns.

Brendon Burns said: “Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman says that if TVNZ wins the rights in conjunction with TV3, the government will make a special appropriation of funds. But just three weeks ago, he said people could no longer expect major sports events to be provided on free-to-air television.”

When TVNZ pulled out of coverage of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Dr Coleman was happy with Sky providing free-to-air coverage on Prime, which is received by around the same number of homes as Maori Television.

“Now Dr Coleman weeps crocodile tears for comprehensive free-to-air television and is finding money for TVNZ and TV3’s bid to cover the Rugby World Cup. The supposed reason is that Maori Television doesn’t have wide enough coverage.”

Brendon Burns says TVNZ has this year slashed jobs, given up any pretence of being a public service broadcaster and abandoned coverage of the Commonwealth Games.

“The Broadcasting Minister’s response was that the market is working well, there is no need for regulation or intervention, and that New Zealanders have more choice than ever if they are prepared to pay for it.

“All of a sudden, Dr Coleman has a new found interest in assisting free-to-air television and those people who don’t want to have to dip into their pockets to watch our nation’s most iconic sports event. None of this stacks up.

“Even worse, his belated intervention will simply line the pockets of the International Rugby Board as it plays up the two government-funded New Zealand bids.”

ENDS

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