Kiwis will get a chance to have a say on the proposed media outlet sometime later this year.
A new public broadcasting service called Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media is set to be introduced to Kiwis early next year.
The public media entity bill had its first hearing in New Zealand parliament earlier in the week where Minister for Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson talked about the importance of having an independent outlet that will serve future generations.
“With increasing levels of misinformation around the world, a rapidly changing media landscape, and increasing global competition, New Zealand needs strong, independent, public media more than ever – it is critical to the functioning of a healthy democracy.
“We need a public media entity that continues to inform, entertain and educate in a uniquely Kiwi way, and that has strong, independent journalism that holds government and those in power to account.”
Staff from Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and Television New Zealand (TVNZ) will have their contracts renewed to Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media (ANZPM) which will have to adhere to certain standards other publications aren’t subjected to, including the establishment of editorial independence.
It will also have to highlight the Māori culture and values, while funding will be achieved through both commercial and government means.
The bill also proposes that ANZPM will have to collaborate with other Kiwi media outlets in order to reach a broader audience.
“These changes are vital for the future of public media in New Zealand – the possibilities of what Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media will achieve are endless when it has audiences at its heart, a consistent focus, and flexible, modern legislation,” said Mr Jackson.
Currently RNZ and TVNZ are the two government owned public media services for New Zealand.
Kiwis will have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposed broadcasting service after the bill has been passed through the Economic Development, Science, and Innovation committee.
