The last dance for TVNZ 7

Almost every country in the developed world has a public television channel, writes Clare Curran (Labour) in From the Beehive.

Commercial free, independent broadcasting that isn't driven by the advertising dollar. Most countries put a value on this because it offers choice. For the last four years TVNZ 7 has offered independent and critical analysis of issues and local programmes that reflect our culture and make us proud to be Kiwis.

Last week the Australian government invested more than $200 million in public television broadcasting. On June 30, unless New Zealand's National government changes its mind, or is forced to change its mind, TVNZ 7, our commercial free public broadcast TV channel will be switched off.

TVNZ 7 will be axed because the National Government doesn't want to continue funding it. The audiences for public broadcasting are vast and diverse – they are not elite sections of the population. Most OECD countries ensure citizens have access to at least one public television channel. They recognise public television can contribute to a better informed society. It comes at a cost, but is seen as an essential cost, and New Zealand must not turn its back on this responsibility.

Last week I released a private members bill to save TVNZ 7. It goes into a ballot of members' bills and has to be drawn to be debated. It would need the support of opposition parties across the House (including the Maori Party and Peter Dunne) in order to succeed.

The Bill creates an independent broadcasting foundation to run the channel, which would be renamed TV7. It would be funded by Television New Zealand at $14 million per year – although TVNZ would no longer run it – and would, as far as is practicable, share production facilities and back office services with other state-funded networks while remaining editorially independent. New Zealanders have a right to expect their government to put a value on public broadcasting and $14 million a year is not excessive.

There is a nationwide campaign to save TVNZ 7 that has stemmed from the public outcry of this announcement. Starting last night, and between now and the end of June, there will be a series of public meetings around the country for people to say what they think about public broadcasting. Everyone and anyone who cares about the future of public broadcasting in New Zealand should get involved.

» Clare Curran is the MP for Dunedin South.

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