Regulations to keep radio locally controlled
By
BRENDON BURNS,
political reporter
The Government has moved to ensure ownership and control of private radio stations stays in New Zealand hands.
Mr Prebble, the Minister of Broadcasting, announced yesterday that regulations had been introduced to prevent foreign purchase of New Zealand radio stations. This follows the release of a Broadcasting Tribunal report, which recommended such a step after an investigation lasting nearly three years. It said New Zealand was increasingly becoming the target of Austra-
lian media companies and radio should stay firmly in New Zealand hands. “There are significant cultural as well as political implications in radio ownership and control,” said the tribunal. The New Zealand radio industry was already subject to enough overseas influence without allowing it to become an economic extension of International interests. “Finally, we do not be-
lieve that the New Zealand radio scene is so unsophisticated that it needs injections of foreign capital to improve its efficiency, production or programming.” Mr Prebble said the ban on overseas ownership was a temporary one to allow public discussion on the control of radio stations without being preempted by foreign takeovers. He said if it were deter-
mined that more liberal criteria were in the public interest, the regulations will be either amended or possibly withdrawn. The Broadcasting Tribunal also examined the share-holding of major companies, particularly Brierley Investments, Ltd, in the private radio industry. Brierley’s has shares in Radio Avon and a number of other stations. The tribunal had been
asked to report on whether there was a tendency towards monopoly control. It recommended no change in current ownership requirements. These require tribunal approval for investments above 15 per cent in any more than two private radio stations. Deregulation of the radio industry was opposed by the Broadcasting Tribunal.
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Bibliographic details
Press, 9 October 1987, Page 4
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301Regulations to keep radio locally controlled Press, 9 October 1987, Page 4
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