Kris FAAFOI 

Broadcasting Spokesperson         

14 January 2014                                MEDIA STATEMENT  

Galloping towards pay-TV for all?

Plans by the New Zealand Racing Board to shift Trackside TV to Sky is another blow for free-to-air pundits and those who can’t afford pay-TV, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Kris Faafoi says.

“The move by Trackside comes at the same time Auckland-based access station Face TV is being forced behind the pay wall to survive and as other regional broadcasters struggle for survival following the digital switchover.

“The reality is there is no strategy by the Government to ensure that small or niche broadcasters can survive on free-to-air television, leaving them no options but to relocate to a pay-TV platform or call it a day.

“Kiwis who want to watch TV but can’t afford the monthly fees are being left with fewer choices.

“Unfortunately Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss seems reluctant to intervene and protect channels currently screening on Freeview from either moving to pay-TV or folding altogether.

“Labour is committed to ensuring quality free-to-air television options are available for all Kiwis to watch.

“It’s time for Mr Foss to declare whether he actually cares about what Kiwis watch, and how they watch it.

“At the moment, it seems he doesn’t.”

ENDS

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