TVNZ’s announcement that it is creating a special channel of previously-screened NZ content only for Sky subscribers raises a number of issues.
First, it will mean that programmes funded by taxpayers – either through NZ on Air or as effective stakeholders in TVNZ revenue streams – will not be able to see content, second-time round, that they have paid for.
Secondly, by putting its toes into becoming a pay tv model, TVNZ erodes the benefits it earlier applied to getting up Freeview as a free, digital alternative to Sky.
Thirdly, it nibbles away at its own economic base. Yes, there will be short-term return from what Sky will pay – but it ultimately builds Sky’s viewership, which is to the detriment of TVNZ.
Little wonder Sky’s John Fellet is describing the TVNZ content library, which he now has access to. as “the biggest untapped resource since the Maui oil fields.”
TVNZ is now explicitly told by the Government to only concern itself with making a profit- not to worry about concerns about content. The thing is, how can it be inspiring New Zealanders on every screen when one in two won’t be able to see the new Sky TVNZ channel?,
First it was Radio NZ and now this. My dictionary defines the word Philistine as the following: uncultured person, one whose interests are material and common-place, prosaic. They are just the polite words to describe the members of this government.
Privatization – Only 1 1/2 years to go.
Sky should create a “Free to Air” package in addition to all the ones it currently has, which would cost absolutely nothing (apart from the initial set top box and dish installation), and it should include all the TVNZ and TV3 channels and anything else that is also free to air anywhere in the country.
Stay on thread Trevor
Shane It’s called Freeview…… also “but it ultimately builds Sky’s viewership, which is to the detriment of TVNZ.” Can you please explain… Because last time I checked sky and TVNZ weren’t mutually exclusive. If you have sky you can still watch TVNZ. Infact if you have sky you’re more likly to watch more tv so the more people that buy sky the more tv is watched. Meaning that some of that increase in tv viewing hours will go to TVNZ etc. If TVNZ have good shows then people will watch. Infact TVNZ should try and get into the pay tv market (still offering the free to air that it is currently). This would increase comeptition in pay tv, make tvnz a profit and still give people the free to air service it currently gives….
People shouldn’t have to pay to see locally made content. Grrr.
I feel sorry for the people who were convinced by advertising on TVNZ to fork out nearly $1000 to buy a TIVO that gets all the FTA digital channels now knowing the new TVNZ channel can only be received on a Sky decoder even though this new channel looks like it will be Repeats that have will be repeated that have been repeated. I hope someone gets a kick in the arse for this sort of shenanaghins.
And I thought we always complained about the number of repeats on TV?
Yeah, but there are always a small number of shows that are great to see again and again and again …
DVD Spud.
True, but I’m poor and rarely buy DVDs. And hardly watch any of the ones I do buy cos I’m too busy.
I do agree that there are some shows / movies that they play way too much. 
I’ve been bothered by TVNZ. Specifically their attitude to minorities. Steve Gray was told to “tone down your gayness” on Good Morning before getting the sack. I hardly see any programs about the disabled, different sexualities or Maori culture on TVNZ channels. TVNZ also likes to try and make something do two jobs at once such as a clown interviewing a politcian about important matters.
But it doesn’t work very well, like having half a lawn mower and half a washing machine stuck together. The fact that the public have paid for something they can’t see(without paying, again) is also a kick in the pants. We have a big rich resource of characters, culture and history. We can make some brilliant television.
In short, TVNZ needs to up its standards.
I think ACT and National fully intend dealing with the problem of TVNZ living up to the Charter and standards, remove the charter and privatise TVNZ, pesky standards be-gone.
@ n0exit
Try reading the post. I’ll even point you at the applicable sentence
Basically, Sky gets to make even more profit courtesy of the NZ taxpayer.