What has happened to Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman’s Think Big plans for public service broadcasting? (See various past Broadcasting posts)
It would seem matters have bogged down at Cabinet. The dark, powerful trio of English, Joyce and McCully are not buying in. Perhaps having to find $1.7b for Mr Hubbard’s cupboard is not helping. Not that there are many in a Nat Cabinet who,at the best of times, would defend PSB. Some think that local production and public broadcasting are the same thing, and besides, SKY and all that money the Government is pumping into the broadband future will take care of it
Coleman had Treasury and Ministry of Culture and Heritage put up options on what to do once funding for TVNZ’s non-commercial channels 6 + 7 runs out early in 2012. (with little if any reference to anyone with broadcasting experience.)
Cabinet may have added another alternative to officials’ three options of do nothing; leave TVNZ to run Ch7 under a separate governance arrangement (most likely outcome); merge with RNZ (either using Parliamentary Channel or CH 7 or both)
Now the time-honoured solution; have an industry/officials committee review everything and assesse a a preferred option.If this involved genuine public consultation, fine but much more likely it is a kick for touch
Perhaps looming decisions may just cause Cabinet to focus. A date needs to be announced soon on Digital Switch On (and analogue switch off.) And also announcements on any extension to Freeview terrestial coveage, currently only received by 75% of homes and excluding many provincial cities.- all but one Nat held. And there is the TVNZ Amendment Bill now at submission hearings at Commerce Committee. It does away with the TVNZ Charter and begs the question of the Minister: what will you replace it with? He would hope his options paper would provide a part-answer but signals are reception is poor inside the copper dome.
They should not switch analogue off too soon
1, Freeview is expensive to get.
2, Freeview isn’t available everywhere so poor bleeps in sticks will miss out
3, Some regional channels are only available on analogue
perhaps someone with editing rights for this site and at least half a clue could take this post down and re-schedule it for another day?
presumably Brendan is busy so perhaps a loyal colleague could lend a hand. not exactly the best look for an MP for CHCH to be talking about this today.
Yes, what the Sprout said. Presumably this was written in advance and duly posted by the ’system’ … but people may not realize that, and get the wrong idea, so it’s best if this discussion is held over for now.
@the sprout I spoke with Brendon today who has suffered damage to his home. Brendon was out in his electorate trying to do what he could today. This post was pre scheduled.
Poor Brendon
Media communication with emergency victims is very relevant. Any changes that reduce radio cover take us backwards, particularly in preparation for an event such as that today.
This post written Friday night – pre-quake and scheduled for noon Saturday.