New Zealand government takes action to strengthen media sector

The Government is taking immediate action to support New Zealand’s media and content production sector while it develops a long-term reform programme, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith said.

“First, the government will draft the Digital News Fair Negotiations Bill with amendments to enable our local media companies to earn revenue from the news they produce.

“I have looked carefully at the draft Bill and will be changing my approach to better align it with the Australian Digital Market Negotiations Code, which will provide greater certainty for all businesses.

“A key change is the adoption of a ministerial designation framework. This will enable the Minister to decide which digital platforms are covered by the Act, allowing the Government to manage unintended consequences. We will also ensure that an appropriate independent regulator is appointed to oversee the Act.

“ACT has indicated that it will not support the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill. However, the leaders of the three coalition parties have agreed that ACT may have a different view. This means that the bill will rely on support from other parties to pass.

“Moreover, much of the legislation that underpins our media landscape is outdated and restricts innovation. While a full legislative review will take time, we are starting by removing outdated advertising restrictions on Sundays and public holidays.

“The Government will also change the eligibility criteria for the New Zealand Rebate Scheme for local film productions of high industry and cultural value, such as our longest-running drama Shortland Street.

“I finally spoke to NZ On Air about the role they can play in supporting local news and current events. They have committed to keeping Cabinet informed of progress by the end of the year.

“All these short-term measures will come into effect by the end of this year.

“As part of the wider reform programme, proposals for a truly modern and streamlined regulatory landscape are currently being developed and the Government will announce the next steps in late 2024.”