Kris
FAAFOI

Broadcasting Spokesperson
18 March 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Labour = fresh content, National = reruns

New figures show the National Government’s attitude towards Kiwi content is to abandon all efforts, Labour’s Broadcasting spokesperson Kris Faafoi says.

“First run local content has consistently trended down since National came to power. Figures released by NZ On Air today show an increase in local content is being inflated by re-runs.

“It’s important that Kiwi content is kept fresh and relevant. The increase in re-runs of New Zealand content on free-to-air television has ballooned from 28 per cent in 2011 to 44 per cent last year.

“National is more interested in re-runs than new content. These figures prove the Government has taken no meaningful action in broadcasting in six years.

“Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss hailed the digital switch over as a circuit breaker for Kiwi broadcasting.

“All he has shown is that he doesn’t understand the golden rule of broadcasting – that content is king. On that measure he’s shaping up to be more of a jester.

“National has closed down TVNZ 7, refused to support regional broadcasters and has overseen local television content numbers plummet.

“Labour will ensure Kiwis get more fresh local content on screen so we can see more of New Zealand on air,” Kris Faafoi says.

ENDS

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