Clayton Mitchell MP

Spokesperson for Sport and Recreation
22 JANUARY 2016

WAKE UP, THERE’S A THRIST FOR FREE TV SPORTS

TVNZ’s launch of a male-focussed channel, with sport content, is a wake-up call for the government to fund live, free-to-air sport, says New Zealand First.

“Sport is what many Kiwis like to watch, so it’s time the government played ball and got TVNZ to screen live broadcasts of all big sporting events involving New Zealanders,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson on Sport and Recreation Clayton Mitchell.

“The government has proof of demand, with TVNZ saying there has been a ‘resounding viewer response to the return of free-to-air sport’ since it started a temporary pop up channel.

“This decision by TVNZ, which was built up with taxpayers’ money, should be a signal to the government to give New Zealanders what they have been denied for years – the chance to watch top sport free and live to air.

“Free to view sport will be welcomed not just by men, but by Kiwi women too. This week the Australian Tennis Open is on, but not in Kiwi lounges where there are no paid Sky broadcasts.

“Half of New Zealand, many of them elderly, who cannot afford to pay-to-view are being disadvantaged because a private corporation is allowed to monopolise live sport broadcasts.

“New Zealand First wants them to be given a fair go as sports fans are in Australia and the UK where under the law major events must be broadcast live and free to air.”

New Zealand First has a bill waiting for introduction to Parliament to amend the Broadcasting Act and require free live coverage of significant sports events.

ENDS

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