New Zealand delays decision over PSB merger

A decision over the future of public service broadcasting in New Zealand has been delayed as a number of Cabinet ministers requested more detail on proposals to merge RNZ and TVNZ.

According to reports from the country, the Kiwi government will delay a decision to combin the two broadcasters until the new year due to concerns about whether the cabinet would back the proposals.

Stuff.co.nz reported that broadcasting minister Kris Faafoi had planned to announce a decision on the future of public media before Christmas. However, NZ First leader Winston Peters has warned that the party did not have enough information about the proposal to back it at this time.

“We will come back in the New Year and hopefully deal with some of these,” Faafoi said after a abinet meeting on Monday, adding the issues were “complex”.

“There are a few questions that some of my colleagues want to have answered to make sure we have got it right.”

The proposals, according to a report from RNZ’s news service, include distablishing the two broadcasters and creating one new public media entity. Previous reports claimed that a government advisory group had recommended the new merged entity operate under a mixed funding model, combing government backing and ad revenue.

The advisory group concluded the status quo was “unsustainable” and “collectively recommended the government agree to disestablish TVNZ and RNZ and to establish a new public media entity”.

• Read more: New Zealand government proposes new public media organisation