SUBMISSION

PMA submission on New Zealand Media Reform Discussion Document

25 April 2025

In March, PMA responded to the New Zealand Ministry of Culture and Heritage on the Media Reform Discussion Document. 

In February, the New Zealand government released a series of proposals designed to help level the playing field for local media. The discussion paper by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage contained five proposals, which include ensuring Smart TVs have New Zealand apps pre-installed and displayed prominently, and requiring streaming platforms and commercial broadcasters to invest in local content. It also proposes merging funding agencies the NZ Film Commission and NZ On Air, as well as revising the broadcasting standards regime to cover all professional media.

The Public Media Alliance, which has two Core Members – Pacific Media Network and RNZ – and two Affiliate Members – Better Public Media Trust and Ngā Aho Whakaari – in Aotearoa New Zealand, provided feedback to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage on the Discussion Document.

Read our full submission by clicking the button at the bottom of the page. 

Summary: 

• The Public Media Alliance (PMA) broadly agrees there is a strong case for reform of the New Zealand media sector. However, any reform or the creation of any new organisation must assert the role, importance, independence, and values1 of Public Service Media (PSM). 

• We emphasise that a true public service media entity – regardless of where it is – must abide by a set of key values, including independence, a secure source of public funding, quality journalism, due impartiality, universal reach, accessibility, and crucially, accountability to the public. We believe that these values – when protected, emboldened, and ensured – are what make PSM among the most trusted media outlets, and allow them to fulfil their role to inform and underpin democracy.  

• The New Zealand media and screen industry faces fundamental challenges to its viability, including falling revenues and a competitive disadvantage in the face of competition from global tech companies and international media. There is a strong case for the importance of content by, and for New Zealanders and a regime and regulation that reflects the reality of the industry today, not the 1990s.  

• Many countries including Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom are modernising media legislation and introducing new mechanisms to protect and promote local stories, creators, and sectors. It is with these insights from our global membership that PMA is able to contribute to this discussion.