House Rises Interrupting RNZ Bill

The second reading debate of the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill was interrupted when the House rose at 10pm.

Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams said the bill modernises Radio NZ’s legislation and charter, making it technology neutral so it was not bound by traditional broadcasting. The changes would allow it to operate in a new technological environment with different audience demands.

Ms Adams said Radio NZ was an “iconic” institution and while many were still listening to the radio, digital platforms were growing. Radio NZ had lost audience share on-air, but its digital media audience was growing.

Claire Curran said the Bill had been introduced more than six years ago and was based on a review completed in 2006. Labour supported the bill as it fixed problems with Radio New Zealand’s legislation but it was well overdue, which showed the Government’s lack of commitment to public broadcasting. Ms Curran also accused the Government of being against a free media and in particular wanting to erode Radio NZ.

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