A Broadcasting System for all New Zealanders
United New Zealand is committed to a broadcasting and communications system that is inclusive, responsive and broad-based for all New Zealanders. Broadcasting is a comprehensive medium for promoting democracy and an essential social and cultural tool in preserving New Zealand's cultural and national identity.
United Future will:
- Maintain Radio New Zealand and Television New Zealand in public ownership, notwithstanding changes to their structure or operation
- Examine remedial funding needs for both broadcasters and establish a more secure year-on-year funding base
- Establish a more secure funding base for public radio and television
- Support a charter for both television and radio, particularly focusing on multiculturalism, educational and information-based programming, balanced alongside ratings and commercial considerations (in the case of TV). We will work to ensure the charter has reasonable bi-partisan support.
- Encourage more local and community programming through appropriate government support for regional programming initiatives, ensuring reasonable access to radio frequencies by radio operators and streamlining licensing
- Overhauling the broadcasting complaints system by streamlining procedures and providing extra resources to ensure complaints are dealt with expeditiously and, if need be, before they cause further offence.
- Ensure that a bi-partisan ten-year strategic plan is developed and agreed upon
- Examine the feasibility of restoring free-to-air coverage of major sports and give greater priority to coverage of a range of sports rather than just traditional codes
- Remove legislative impediments and streamline the framework for rolling out new communications broadcasting technologies.
United Future Parliamentary Office: Bowen House, Lambton Quay, Wellington
Email: Phone: (04) 471 9890
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