8 April 2012

New Bill Could Save TVNZ 7

Save TVNZ 7 is excited about the announcement of a Private Member’s Bill that would enshrine public service broadcasting in NZ.

“It’s a disgrace that TVNZ 7 is being shut down for a measly $15m when on average 1.4 million New Zealanders watch it every month.” says Myles Thomas of the Save TVNZ 7 campaign. “These intelligent, informative and sometimes challenging programmes are exactly what we need more of. Without a dedicated public service channel, thoughtful local programmes will largely disappear from NZ televisions - especially from primetime.

“TVNZ 7 has been a huge success despite poor publicity and true to form they’re making more great local series right up to the last week - a sociology series called The New Old, new Arts series including The Sitting and another about New Zealand’s abundant Craftmakers, as well as new series’ of old favourites such as Use As Directed and Back Benches. Frankly it’s gutting because none of these fascinating local series’ would be screened anywhere near primetime on any other channel, even if NZ On Air chose to fund them.

“Clare Curran’s bill is welcome news that all may not be lost. If her bill gets drawn from the next ballot, it has an excellent chance of winning since all opposition parties and United Future and the Maori Party support retaining TVNZ 7. If those parties continue to show support for our last Public Service TV channel, the Bill would have the numbers in the house to be passed.

“That the National Government continues to resist calls to fund TVNZ 7 proves how out of touch they are, leaving themselves vulnerable to attack from the opposition.”

ENDS

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