Jonathan Coleman MP
National Party Broadcasting Spokesman

24 January 2008

Labour out of ideas on digital broadcasting

"Labour's review of digital broadcasting regulation sounds more like a plea for ideas than an agenda to manage the changes and growth in an increasingly important medium," says National Party Broadcasting spokesman Jonathan Coleman.

"After nearly nine years in office, Trevor Mallard now admits digital broadcasting regulation is a blank canvas, with him saying 'nothing is ruled in or out'.

"How is it that, even with an army of bureaucrats, and nine years to consider the issues - Labour has no answers and no clear direction?

"This is a drift net for some new ideas, pure and simple."

Mr Mallard's Ministry has released hundreds of pages of documents to generate public submissions on digital broadcasting regulation. The process is already months behind schedule.

"More papers, more discussion, more talk. That's the Labour formula for most things."

Dr Coleman says with Labour's instincts for over-regulation, it's important that all those with an interest in the future freedoms of the digital medium do take part in the process.

"The biggest worry for those in the sector will be that this becomes a Trojan horse for Trevor Mallard to lumber the sector with new compliance costs, new bureaucracies and onerous new rules."

ENDS

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