TVNZ-RNZ merger: Plans for new public media entity officially announced

Today, Broadcasting and Media Minister Kris Faafoi officially announced plans for a new public media entity comprised of TVNZ and RNZ, slated for mid-2023.

The new entity is said to guaranteeing free access to trusted news and information, while proofing public media in New Zealand and showcasing the country’s unique voices and stories.

“The public media sector is extremely important to New Zealanders in providing them with high quality, independent, timely and relevant media content,” Minister Faafoi said.

“But we know the media landscape is changing and the sector is having to adapt to increased competition, changing audience demands and ways of accessing media, falling revenue, and new and emerging digital platforms. We need public media which is responsive to these changes and can flourish.

“RNZ and TVNZ are each trying to adjust to the challenges, but our current public media system, and the legislation it’s based on, is focused on radio and television.

Kris Faafoi said that a business case, which looked at the feasibility of and best approach to creating a new entity, emphasised the importance of public media and its role in society to provide trusted news and content that reflects our people and cultures.

“It also confirmed the pressures New Zealand’s public media is facing retaining audiences and attracting new ones, particularly young people, in the face of access to global platforms.

“That is why the Government has accepted the Business Case Governance Group’s recommendations and agreed to establish a new public media entity, which can utilise new and existing platforms to build audience here in New Zealand, as well as take our stories abroad more successfully.”

The new public media entity will be built on the existing RNZ and TVNZ offerings, which will initially become subsidiaries of the new organisation. 

Government funding decisions will be made as part of Budget processes, and the entity will be an Autonomous Crown Entity with complete editorial independence receiving commercial and Crown funding

TVNZ Commercial Director, Jodi O’Donnell said the the broadcaster is pleased the announcement confirmed the dual funded nature of the new entity.

“Commercially funded content, across the TVNZ network, will continue to be supported by advertising. Commercial-free services like those on RNZ platforms will remain in their current format too.

“We expect the core of our business operations will remain the same, however the new structure will provide us with the opportunity to speed up some of our plans and ambitions.

“We’re committed to our digital transformation and taking TVNZ OnDemand’s one million a week viewership to the next level. We’ll continue to acquire the breadth and depth of international and local content our viewers expect. We believe our Aotearoatanga, or New Zealandness, is a unique point of difference in this market. It’s pretty exciting and we’re ready to take things further,” she said.

O’Donnell said TVNZ will continue under its current mandate for the next year. 

RNZ Chairman, Dr. Jim Mather, has also welcomed today’s announcement.

“We believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish a new public media entity that will have the mandate, scope and resources to provide essential public media services to all the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The crucial building blocks of the entity give us confidence that the policy is a sound response to the challenges faced by New Zealand public media in a rapidly changing global media environment.

“At the heart of this new entity will be the unique voice of Aotearoa New Zealand with trusted news and current affairs as a cornerstone. As a public service, not-for-profit media entity, with a Charter and sustainable funding, it will benefit all New Zealanders, ensuring we stay connected, informed, and part of a cohesive democracy.” 

Dr Mather said RNZ’s focus in 2022 would be to embrace new opportunities and prepare for the future ensuring a smooth transition for staff and audiences. 

An Establishment Board will be appointed next month to oversee the detailed design of the entity and the change process, with the aim of having it operational by July 1, 2023.

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