Democracy needs public service (Freeview)TV
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- Date published:
4:04 pm, July 29th, 2013 - 31 comments
Categories: accountability, broadcasting, democratic participation, telecommunications, tv -
Tags: coalition for better broadcasting, public service TV
So, TVNZU is closing down, because it was running at a loss. It will be replaced by TV2 plus 1.
It was a youth channel aimed at linking TV with social media:
Some valuable expertise had been gained from the TVNZ U operation, particularly in the way live TV and social media were used to connect with audiences.
A consultation process was under way with affected staff.
Among those lamenting the end of the show were comedian Jaquie Brown and TVNZ reporter Jack Tame.
“So sorry for my mates at TVNZ U,” Tame tweeted. “Never had more fun on tele than on the couch with @Rose_Matafeo@ConnorNestor@timlambourne and @Matt_Gibb”
Brown said the show had been a hot bed of new talent.
“I’m just letting this @itstvnzu news sink in and yep, I’m still upset. I’d go as far as saying it’s ruined my day. WHY GOD WHY?” she tweeted.
“Where are we going to see genuine new talent now? This is depressing.”
I guess maybe it misjudged its audience. I am not in that youth demographic, so not really in a position to judge. However, I wonder if the focus on social media is a clue? Maybe the target audience just doesn’t watch that much broadcast TV?
I probably will make use of TV2+1 from time to time: My Freeview can only record 2 channels at once, and on occasions there are 3 progammes I want to record at the same time.
However, with a spare channel opening up, wouldn’t a new Public Service channel be a better use of the frequency?
I have posted before about the importance of public service broadcasting to democracy. The post began:
Public service broadcasting and commercial TV tend to cover politics in different ways. News on public service broadcasting internationally, tends to cover political stories and policies in more depth. Internationally, news on commercial channels has become increasingly ratings driven, sensationalistic, Murdoch-style, infotainment since the 1980s. Sky TV’s new public service channel, Face, seems like a contradiction in terms. Universally accessible public service TV is essential for democracy to thrive.
In a recent speech, Nicky Hager convincingly argued that there is a need for “democratic renewal” in NZ. To help achieve this, we need,
long-term funding and statutory independence for non-commercial television, radio and, eventually, print public news media.
Today on The Daily Blog, Morgan Godfery argued for the Maori TV Service to become the public broadcaster. With TVNZ’s sad record of failed public service broadcasting, he concluded:
A fully funded public broadcaster under the management and governance of Maori Television would deliver a channel that serves the community better than TVNZ.
However, I agree with the commenter, Phil, who responded,
The Government has killed public service broadcasting. Giving MTS the money from killing off TVNZ7 would not make MTS a Public Broadcaster. This would change, or expand, and potentially confuse the role of MTS, which is not the issue for those concerned about the lack of a quality PBS in Aotearoa. A spanner is a spanner, and is not ideal when used as a hammer!
Hans Versluys also commented, arguing that Face TV deserves an affordable, state subsidised Freeview channel.
I agree that Triangle, now Face has fulfilled more of a public service role in recent times than TVNZ.
With TVNZ failing to maintain TVNZ7, and now the commercial failure of TVNZU, we now need some strong leadership in setting up a truly public service, not-for-profit, Freeview channel, that is state supported, but politically independent.
The Coalition for Better Broadcasting (previously Save TVNZ7) is probably the best entity to lead the pressure for such a channel.
When Face did the deal with Sky, the CBB stated:
Coalition for Better Broadcasting Endorses Face TV Mostly.
The Coalition for Better Broadcasting is pleased to see the transition of Triangle TV to Face TV. “Triangle currently provides a very important source of public service TV to all Aucklanders but found itself in an impossible position due to lack of support from NZ on Air and Kordia which could be described as negligent,” says Myles Thomas of the CBB.
Their press statement concluded:
The CBB applauds Jim Blackman for keeping the hope alive and looks forward to the day his channel [FaceTV] is free-to-air again.
“Also we have heard an accusation that the non-commercial frequency set aside for public service programming which Triangle could expect to use was sold by Kordia to a commercial operator broadcasting propaganda from a foreign government. This requires further investigation and could be yet another scandal to embroil this anti-television government.”
Although some commentators have said NZ is too small for publicly funded public service television, the CBB would like to point them towards Ireland, Finland and Norway – population just over 4 million with healthy and popular public service television channels, much like NZ used to have. In the future NZ could have successful public service TV, like our successful public service radio station RNZ, if the government and its agencies recognise their responsibility to maintain a balance of programming on NZ TV.
There clearly is space on Freeview for a public service channel: something necessary to help build democracy in NZ. [I was tempted to say “revive democracy”, but wonder if NZ has every really been fully democratic.]
It needs public pressure, considered planning and preparation, and the political will for this to happen.
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- Greens will always prioritise action on climate and inequality“Cabinet needs to do better - and today has shown exactly why we need Green Ministers in cabinet, so we can prioritise action to cut climate pollution and support people to make ends meet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. ...2 weeks ago
- Bold action needed to help people eatBiggest increase in food prices for over three decades shows the need for an excess profit tax on corporations to help people put food on the table. ...2 weeks ago
- Another Green transport idea gets the green lightThe Government’s announcement today that it will improve Christchurch’s bus system comes after Green and NGO pressure. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens back teachers’ strikeThe Green Party stands with teachers in their request for fair pay and decision to strike. ...3 weeks ago
- Greens launch submission guide for Auckland Council budgetThe Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council budget proposals. ...3 weeks ago
- When even the Nats agree bank profits are out of control, it’s time for an excess profits taxWith calls growing for inquiries and action on bank profits, the Greens say the Government has all the information it needs to act now and put a levy on banks. ...3 weeks ago
- Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recovery
The Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...7 hours ago - Duty relief for cyclone-affected businessesFurther assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...8 hours ago
- Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changesMore than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...8 hours ago
- Green investment fund delivers on climate actionA major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...9 hours ago
- Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovatorsA world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...10 hours ago
- Te Awa shared path completedMinister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...2 days ago
- Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-RuaTreaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...2 days ago
- Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpartMinister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...3 days ago
- Government delivering world-class satellite positioning servicesWorld-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...3 days ago
- District Court Judges appointedAttorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges. Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...3 days ago
- New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson TasmanA new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...4 days ago
- National’s education policy: where’s the funding?After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment. “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...4 days ago
- Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventorsPeople aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...4 days ago
- Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economyA cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...4 days ago
- Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...5 days ago
- Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business ForumDeputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...5 days ago
- Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island$2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...5 days ago
- Government future-proofs EV chargingTransport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...5 days ago
- World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZersAssociate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...5 days ago
- First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...5 days ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...5 days ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...6 days ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...6 days ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...6 days ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...6 days ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...6 days ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...6 days ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...6 days ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...7 days ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...7 days ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...1 week ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...1 week ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...1 week ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...1 week ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...1 week ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...1 week ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...1 week ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...1 week ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...1 week ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...1 week ago
- West Papua Liberation Army fighter shot dead, claims Indonesia
A joint force of Indonesian military and police are claiming to have shot dead a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Central Papua Province on Wednesday last week. Jubi TV Papua reports the joint force was conducting aerial surveillance after a motorcycle taxi driver had been ...9 mins ago - Repeal ‘draconian’ MIDA Act, urge Fiji media and journalism stakeholdersBy Kelvin Anthony, RNZ Pacific lead digital and social media journalist The Fiji government is signalling that it will not completely tear down the country’s controversial media law which, according to local newsrooms and journalism commentators, has stunted press freedom and development for more than a decade. Ahead of the ...9 mins ago
- PNG a key transit point for ‘Pacific drug highway’ to AustraliaBy Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby The production and trafficking of methamphetamine (meth), cocaine and now heroin is on the rise with Pacific countries now becoming what many are calling the “Pacific drug highway”. And Papua New Guinea has over three years seen a plane crash, a hotel laboratory, a ...9 mins ago
- Succession’s dirtiest deal of them all
A requiem for Shiv and Tom, who would like to make love one last time (but can’t). Major spoilers follow for the first episode of Succession’s fourth season. Her eyes flared. His voice wobbled. “Do you want to… talk?” said Tom Wambsgans, the corporate ladder-climbing schmuck who could see his ...3 hours ago - Greens will back Labor’s safeguard mechanism without a ban on new coal and gas. That’s a good ou...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute Shutterstock Labor and the Greens have reached a compromise on the safeguard mechanism after months of tense negotiations, giving the government the numbers it needs to pass the bill into law. Greens leader ...5 hours ago
- Wayne Brown's conversion on the road to Victoria St
Wayne Brown vowed to stop new roading projects until existing ones finish - and to unclog the city centre's streets - but he now finds himself enthusiastically backing new upheaval for the key crossroad of Victoria St A $50 million beautification project for CBD's Victoria St - which will disrupt businesses from ...7 hours ago - Marama Davidson clarifies violence comments from Posie Parker protest after calls to resign
The Green Party co-leader says she was in shock from being hit by a motorcycle, and her comments about white men committing violence should have been clearer. ...8 hours ago - How to get more women on bikes? Better biking infrastructure, designed by womenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Pearson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Monash University The number of women riding bikes has increased dramatically in cities globally, including a 50% rise in London during the COVID lockdown, and near-equal gender participation in Paris after pop-up bike lanes were put in ...8 hours ago
- PM ordered Davidson to walk back ‘white cis men’ commentsThe prime minister has labelled comments made by one of his ministers over the weekend as inappropriate, and revealed his office asked her to walk them back. Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party and a minister, was captured on video ahead of a rally against anti-trans speaker Posie Parker ...8 hours ago
- TGA review strengthens case for much tighter vape restrictions at the borderSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Becky Freeman, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney Shutterstock On Friday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) updated its review of proposed reforms to the regulation of nicotine vaping products. It reported the federal government is now “actively ...8 hours ago
- We’ve been connecting brains to computers longer than you’d expect. These 3 companies are leadin...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam John, Senior Lecturer in Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock Since it was founded in 2016, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink has had its moments in biotech news. Whether it was the time Musk promised ...9 hours ago
- Keith Rankin Chart Analysis – The Pandemic: Young Elderly Deaths in Europe, USA and New ZealandAnalysis by Keith Rankin. Chart by Keith Rankin. The ‘Young Elderly’ are in essence the post-war baby-boomers. An average young elderly person in these charts was born around 1950 to 1952. The charts look at ‘quarterly excess deaths’, so do not show week-by-week fluctuations in deaths. For example, data ...9 hours ago
- Davidson clarifies ‘white cis men’ remark, blames ‘shock’ of motorcycle incidentThe co-leader of the Green Party has clarified comments she made at Saturday’s counter-protest against anti-trans speaker Posie Parker. Caught on camera by a representative for the conspiracy theorist website Counterspin, Marama Davidson claimed: “I am the prevention violence minister, and I know who causes violence in the world, and ...9 hours ago
- Hear me out: Stop recording scenes from Red, White & Brass for your social mediaA friendly reminder that your best intentions of promoting a New Zealand-made film are not actually supporting the artists behind it. For many of us, documenting our day or sharing highlights of our week is a common occurrence on social media. For some, that meant uploading full scenes onto TikTok ...9 hours ago
- The Auckland Arts Festival rounds off with an unruly, joyous endingAfter two and a half weeks, the Auckland Arts Festival comes to a close with another eclectic week. Sam Brooks reviews (with assistance from Shanti Mathias). The headline show of the week was undoubtedly The Unruly Tourists, which has had more coverage than any opera I can think of in ...10 hours ago
- This Buddhist sculpture probably won’t ‘rewrite history’ – Western Australia already has a r...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yu Tao, Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies, The University of Western Australia State Library of Western Australia Does the discovery of a Ming Dynasty Buddha sculpture found near Shark Bay in remote Western Australia “rewrite history” and suggest the Chinese ...10 hours ago
- The environmental impact of Russia’s invasion goes beyond Ukraine – how do we deal with ‘probl...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Getty Images Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appears to be a defining moment in the evolution of the post-Cold War world. In particular, it is highlighting problems that do ...10 hours ago
- How to prepare a Sāmoan umuIf you saw the demonstration at Pasifika Festival – or if you’ve just always wanted to know how it’s done – here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your own umu oven. A Sāmoan umu is an above-ground oven of hot volcanic rocks. Traditionally, an umu was laid out three times ...10 hours ago
- Covid-19 update: Death toll rises by 33The official Covid-19 death toll has risen by 33 this week, bumping the total to 2,662. The Ministry of Health’s latest update reports 76 new Covid-attributed deaths, but the overall death toll rises by 33 when adjusted to include non-Covid and other unrelated deaths. The daily average number of new ...11 hours ago
- GCSB helped prevent three potential domestic terror attacks – Director-General Andrew HamptonThe head of one of New Zealand's spy agencies has revealed it helped prevent three recent possible domestic terror attacks ...12 hours ago
- GCSB prevented three potential domestic terror attacks – Director-General Andrew HamptonOne of New Zealand's spy agencies has revealed it helped prevent three recent domestic terror attacks by identifying people who made threats. ...12 hours ago
- Why Western Sydney is feeling the heat from climate change more than the rest of the citySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Shutterstock Global warming has led to higher summer temperatures across Sydney over the past 30 years. However, our data analysis shows very hot summer days are ...12 hours ago
- Super Rugby Aupiki finals review: How Matatū went from winless to championsTwo of the best games of the Super Rugby Aupiki season were saved for finals weekend in Hamilton. Alice Soper recaps. Third/fourth playoff: Blues vs Hurricanes Poua Sometimes a bronze playoff can be a bit of a flop. Still in recovery from the disappointment of missing out on the ...12 hours ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: The Ugly stoking of a culture war in election yearAnalysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: The Ugly stoking of a culture war in election year This weekend saw a showdown between two tribes of contemporary gender politics: those in favour of progressing transgender rights versus women wishing to defend their spaces. It’s a debate with huge passion, outrage and ...13 hours ago
- Revealed: Spy agency stopped three possible terror attacksOne of New Zealand’s spy agencies foiled three possible terror events on our shores, it’s been revealed. The Security and Intelligence select committee met today, with bosses from the SIS and GCSB facing questions from MPs including prime minister Chris Hipkins. It was during this hearing that Andrew Hampton, the ...13 hours ago
- I am a lawyer for children – this is what I doAn anonymous lawyer for children explains what she does, and why it matters. I’m a lawyer who is appointed by courts to represent children in cases where there are concerns about their safety or where the court thinks it necessary. In almost all cases involving disputes around the care of ...14 hours ago
- Robertson considered ‘bank tax’ to curb excessive profitsAs banks face scrutiny over the size of their profits, it’s been revealed the finance minister looked at a possible “bank tax”. The Herald’s Jenée Tibshraeny reported this morning that Grant Robertson asked for advice from the Reserve Bank on whether it would be possible to save the Crown money ...14 hours ago
- Green Party Announces Disability Advocate Neelu Jennings As The Candidate For The Hutt South Elector...
The Green Party has announced Neelu Jennings as the candidate for Hutt South. Neelu Jennings is a disabled disability advocate and former athlete. The mother of two aims to use her platform to call for a fair and inclusive Aotearoa where disabled ...15 hours ago - Minister Davidson Must Resign After 'Violence' CommentsMarama Davidson should stand down as ‘Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence’ for the clear and outrageous statement she made at the Posie Parker protest that ‘white straight men’ are the cause of violence. Her offensive, racist, ...15 hours ago
- Colenso And MindTheGap Join Forces On Pay Gap CampaigningColensoBBDO has been appointed as the new creative agency of record by pay-gap advocacy group MindTheGap to bring renewed attention to the issue of gender and ethnic pay gaps within New Zealand businesses and government. In the 50 years since the Equal ...15 hours ago
- Inside the rise of ‘Do We Have the Same Boyfriend’ Facebook groupsThousands of women across the country are joining Facebook groups that seek to answer one simple question. This article contains reference to domestic violence and emotional abuse, please take care. A quick scroll through the biggest “Do We Have The Same Boyfriend” Facebook group in the country reveals a sea ...15 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Cook Strait ferry woes worsenBluebridge’s Connemara ferry was back in service yesterday after a mechanical issue caused a string of cancellations on Saturday. It was the third time Connemara had broken down in less than two months of service, according to the NZ Herald. “We understand this is very disruptive to our customers’ travel plans ...16 hours ago
- Bendy joints, stretchy skin, clumsiness. Why hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is often missed – ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marie-Claire Seeley, PhD Candidate, Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, University of Adelaide Shutterstock There is growing interest in a connective tissue condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. As more adults are diagnosed with autism, some might not be aware their history ...16 hours ago
- Education expert John Hattie’s new book draws on more than 130,000 studies to find out what helps ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hattie, Professor, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock In 2008, I published my book Visible Learning, which aimed to explain what works best to help student learning. At the time, others claimed it was the ...16 hours ago
- How and where we build needs to change in the face of more extreme weather – the insurance industr...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Naylor, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Massey University Getty Images As New Zealand considers how to better prepare for a future affected by climate change, the insurance sector needs to be part the discussion on where and how we build ...16 hours ago
- Are you financially literate? Here are 7 signs you’re on the right trackSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bomikazi Zeka, Assistant Professor in Finance and Financial Planning, University of Canberra Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels, CC BY With the cost of living and interest rates rising, a growing number of Australians are struggling to manage their finances. Many are ...16 hours ago
- ‘No reason’ for anti-trans speaker to fear for her life, says Pride organiserThe scenes that unfolded at Auckland’s Albert Park on Saturday morning were, according to counter-protesters, largely peaceful and non-violent. British anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen Minshull (or Posie Parker) fled New Zealand after her attempts to host a rally in Auckland city were stopped by thousands of protesters. Keen-Minshull has claimed ...16 hours ago
- Guyon Espiner on NZ’s troublesome lobbying lawsHe’s got one of the most prestigious journalism careers in the country, but RNZ’s Guyon Espiner is not slowing down anytime soon. His new series “Mate, Comrade, Brother” on political lobbying in New Zealand has already exposed a number of troubling incidents. He sits down with Duncan Greive to discuss why he ...17 hours ago
- The anti-trans rally that wasn’tPosie Parker said she wanted to ‘speak up for women’. Hundreds of protesters spoke up for trans rights instead, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. A day of anger and joy ...17 hours ago
- Nanaia Mahuta – 'We take seriously' New Zealand's relationship with ChinaThe foreign minister has returned from a visit to China saying the relationship is very important and complex, requiring "continual management" to make sure the two countries do not lose sight of each others' views and perspectives. ...18 hours ago
- How much for that racism in the window? Auctioneers sell racist, Nazi paraphernalia
Shock but not surprise – that’s how an Auckland woman reacted to a racist depiction of a black person up for sale at a Mt Eden auction house Diana Phillips felt "immediate straight-up fury" on seeing a racist caricature of a black person for sale in the window of a Mt ...18 hours ago - Anne Salmond: Greenwashing and the forestry industry in NZ
The inquiry into forestry slash destruction in Tairāwhiti, and review of the Emissions Trading Scheme, should prioritise the state of the planet not the balance sheets of global corporations, writes Dame Anne Salmond. Over the past few weeks, New Zealanders have been exposed to shocking images of local landscapes ravaged ...18 hours ago - A new report into Shortland Street shows its vast impact – and hints at perilExclusive: A new report into the cultural and economic benefits of Shortland Street shows its power – but as with any good soap, trouble is coming. Duncan Greive reports on its findings. When Shortland Street debuted in 1992, no one could have predicted what it would become. NZ on Air, ...19 hours ago
- How to charge your EV without being a dickKeep calm and charge up: an etiquette guide for those wanting to use public EV chargers without leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. It looks like a petrol pump. It is like a petrol pump. But this one doesn’t have any fossil fuels flowing out the hose. Electric ...19 hours ago
- Trees: Our ultimate renewal resource
Watch video: In part 5 of our video series, The Way Forward, Rod Oram looks at big new ideas that can lead our response to climate change and improve sustainability. If we humans are to stand any chance of a liveable future, we must transform everything we do so ...19 hours ago - East Coast farm collapses after Māori Carbon group takes over
The Government's Emissions Trading Scheme incentivises the planting of pine forest. But a company looking to cash in on the scheme has left a farm on the East Coast prone to significant erosion within months of taking over. Aaron Smale reports. Satellite images of a former sheep station on the East Coast show a stark ...19 hours ago - Co-governance at the coalface
Newsroom's Nikki Mandow went hunting for organisations run using a co-governance model and found some have been doing it quietly for years. No power grab, no stolen assets. The Detail hears from leaders of these bodies about what co-governance looks like in practice, and asks - does it work? For Bob ...19 hours ago - Majority of Kiwis support 'ute tax'
A new survey shows Kiwis also back a fee on high-emitting vehicles ...19 hours ago - Child porn at central suburb
The explosive opening chapter of a new novel Identity remains secret A thirty-nine-year-old Point Heed businessman and father of two convicted for possession and distribution of child pornography has been granted permanent name suppression. Bridget’s throat caught. Point Heed: lovely, leafy Point Heed. Her neighbourhood. It was ...19 hours ago - Bunnings agrees to remove 999-year legal constraint on use of residential land
The Australian-owned building supplies chain is defending the 16 land covenants it has retained ...19 hours ago - The unexpected result of sharing difficult decision-making with citizens
As a Watercare Citizens’ Assembly shows, they can provide useful and constructive inputs to the democratic process ...19 hours ago - Why NZ (really) needs water reform – in five charts
Five key charts from the state-of-our-waters report put the case for Three Waters reform ...19 hours ago - Porn and the middle classesThe explosive opening chapter of a new novel Identity remains secret A thirty-nine-year-old Point Heed businessman and father of two convicted for possession and distribution of child pornography has been granted permanent name suppression. Bridget’s throat caught. Point Heed: lovely, leafy Point Heed. Her neighbourhood. It was ...19 hours ago
- Cash is king as NZX's seventh straight fall wipes out gains for the year
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Does it really NEED a free tv channel in this world of Apple tv, time shifting, etc?
i see e more of a need for better public radio than tv. I quite like the nzoa approach of funding programmes rather than channels.
Apple TV? Who watches that?
And how does time shifting work when there is limited public service TV on freeview?
Apple TV is a hardware device, Karol.
You have to buy expensive equipment to watch it. and it looks like Yep you do have to pay up for anything that looks even remotely interesting and that’s after the 160 bucks for the receiver /router. and if you want to watch a movie yep you guessed it you Pay yet again.
https://www.apple.com/nz/appletv/specs.html
I’ll stick to sky thanks, I still have to pay, but it’s cheaper!
I too, watch a lot of online TV. The difference is, when you have a quality public broadcaster everyone watches the content at the same time – and relevant discussions start from an equally informed platform.
When watching online documentaries, or overseas stations, discussions are prefaced with “go online and watch this, then tell me what you think”. A completely different dynamic.
“Apple TV”?!
Never heard of it.
Having a FtA public channel is like having a super-market – all the goods are in one place. That’s why supermarkets generally do better than individual retail outlets likes butchers, vege grocers, etc.
Convenience.
Nobody needs it today, nobody will miss it tomorrow.
[lprent: Santi is now on a permanent ban for violating his ban. ]
I will miss Face when it goes off TV.
And, you’re saying everyone’s happy with TV3 & One News, Qu & A, The Nation, etc?
Nope I prefer to get my news online. But I did have to laugh this morning at Paddy Makeitup Gower on TV3 being all faux indignant at the thought that he may have been tracked. Now don’t get me wrong I find this incredibly serious, but Gower?? .
With so much to watch on line I am not surprised to see this channel was cancelled. TV is increasingly a format of the past. Until of course Keys and co start spying on us all which might give it a new lease of life along with hard copy letters as opposed to emails and catch ups over coffee as opposed to Skype. So maybe something positive can come of the little emperors shenanigans.
Older technologies don’t necessarily become obsolete when a new one comes along – many just get re-purposed. Radio is an example of that.
TV- connected with online capabilities will be around for a long time.
And if you want an example of why public service TV is needed, just look at Gower’s disgraceful showing tonight about Labour’s houses for kiwis policy. “Called it “dog whistle” politics.
A more in depth and balanced analysis of the policy is needed for the general public.
TV’s dont crash. Nor do they rack up huge bills if your data cap blows, and they are reasonably easy to use.
Same with radios.
Nothing wrong with old school.
And since when did a newspaper get a flat battery, or become unusable when you drop it?
Exactly.
Fragile items like Kindles etc. Amazon in the US can wipe your entire Kindle library remotely, at the press of a button from 10,000 miles away, including all the books and documents you have bought on it.
They can’t do that with your book case now, can they.
Some editions of “1984” and “Animal Farm” deleted from Kindles:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html?_r=0
Entire Kindle account wiped without recourse or explanation:
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2012/oct/22/amazon-wipes-customers-kindle-deletes-account
LOL, It’s the other way around – NZ is too small for commercial television.
Thats assuming the ‘general public’ will be bothered to watch it. The politically inclined might but then they can cut through alot of the nonsense. Unless you make either tv 1 or 2 public service I very much doubt you would get much if any traction.
The value goes beyond who watches it most of the time. Public service broadcasting provides a space for critical analysis of society and politics, which can have a knock on impact on other media.
Anyone else in love with Rose M? She’ll be missed.
Labour could have set up bullet proof public broadcasting if it had wanted. Now the commercial TV model which helped Cullen drive massive surpluses is going to help drive the Left message off the airwaves.
Surely you jest, sir. I’ve read on Kiwiblog and TrueBlueNZ that all NZ media is infested with leftists and crypto-communists.
So am I right in thinking that the only reason for this lament of the lack of public service broadcasting is because you believe that it will be a mouthpiece for left wing propaganda?
Not really “public service” more an advertising service for you lot that you want the public to pay for.
Plus ca change, and all that.
If it does get of the ground I have a few show ideas for you; “who wants to be a broke arsed loser” or “the commune” where a bunch of lay abouts talk about what they would do to their shared abode if the neo liberal 1% had’nt hogged all the resources. Or what about the popular sitcoms “how I met my same sexed life partner” and “two and a half coups”.
they will have a reality showing a sad old monkey man in a zoo being fed peanuts!
King Kong was an ape, not a monkey.
Public TV could still show documentaries extolling the wonders of monetarism – in the comedy slot. Sexual health for libertarians could extol the virtues of privacy when undertaking solitary pursuits. Maybe that’s be enough to get them opposing the GCSB.
So am I right in thinking that the only reason for this lament of the lack of public service broadcasting is because you believe that it will be a mouthpiece for left wing propaganda?
No, it’s because corporate owned MSM, mostly is biased towards “neoliberal” corporate sucking-up-to, content, attitudes and values.
Independent public service TV would provide more balanced coverage between “left” and “right”: or between individualistic, consumerist, pro-corporate, profit sucking, elite promoting values, and pro- humanistic values of inclusion and fairness.
Need implies a threat. The threat in this case is that of an information source which is predicated on funding by fraud.
How can it be funding by fraud?
It was 25 years ago this month (I belive) since the old BCNZ was abolished and Radio NZ and TVNZ were established as state owned enterprises whose sole purpose was to make a profit and return a dividend to the public purse. The government also made broadcast frequencies auctionable by public tender, rather than leased with conditions to broadcasters, at the same time.
IMO the quality of TV declined since then. We have all this ‘choice’ but little quality. It all seems to be crime shows, reality TV and cooking contests. Even Sky (the odd Ken Burns doco notwithstanding) is getting tedious.
TVNZ 6 and 7 showed a way forward, but they never really got that much funding, and National werent really keen on them….
Which government was it which did all that? 😈