For immediate release

1 November 2011

Labour Broadcasting Policy Gives NZ A Chance to Escape Masterchef Etc

The Labour Broadcasting Policy released this morning is great news for NZ television viewers, lobby group Save TVNZ 7 said today.

The current government and TVNZ have torpedoed New Zealand public broadcasting leaving it at third world levels by closing TVNZ 6 and discontinuing TVNZ 7 funding after June 2012.

‘This policy to combine Radio NZ and TVNZ 7 under an umbrella public service broadcaster could be the beginning of a new era in broadcasting. A single, comprehensive source for quality news, current affairs, information and brainy entertainment. Kiwis love public service broadcasting - Radio National is an institution and our top radio station. TVNZ 7 rates extremely well for only a three-year old channel. Even with no publicity or listings, it still has more viewers than Maori TV and Sky,’ said Myles Thomas, founder of the Save TVNZ 7 campaign (see figures below).

‘This policy will keep us in step with every other developed nation – although still at a basic level. Australia doesn’t provide just one public service television channel but five – SBS has two and ABC has three TV channels along with many radio stations and online presence.

‘NZ really needs some alternative to the commercial ratings-driven TV that is now ubiquitous – even TV One is as commercial as other channels. There needs to be some balance in the type of programmes we can view. Under current Government policy the charter has been scrapped and our national broadcaster has to return such a substantial dividend there is no room for non-commercial TV. New Zealanders deserve better than to be the only developed country in the world with no public service TV.”

‘TVNZ 7 programming is smart, informative and entertaining – and the ratings show that we want this. This comprehensive and well thought out Labour broadcasting policy is a lifeline for public service TV in New Zealand, the thousands of Kiwis who watch TVNZ 7 now, and the potential millions of Kiwis who would watch it in the future,’ Mr Thomas said.

Save TVNZ 7 has 2,700 Facebook fans and has collected almost 4,000 verified signatures on its online petition.

Mr Thomas said New Zealanders who support public service TV could sign the Save TVNZ 7 online petition at www.savetvnz7.co.nz and visit the Facebook page by searching Save TVNZ 7.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Average monthly cumulative audience 2011:
o 2.1 million - watching a programme on TVNZ 7
o 1.6 million - watching a programme on Maori TV
o 1.2 million UKTV, Sky’s best rating channel

Save TVNZ 7 has members from across the political spectrum, and is not affiliated with any party or other interest group.

In 2013, analogue TV broadcasting in New Zealand will cease and all Kiwi households will need digital receivers to get free-to-air TV.

TVNZ launched its first digital channel TVNZ 6, in September 2007. TVNZ 7 followed six months later. The two channels were rationalised and TVNZ 6 ended, earlier this year.

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