The Discussion Document Content Regulation in a Converged World outlines the Government’s approach to supporting and regulating the production of media content, and invites submissions on a range of options designed to ensure our regulatory and policy settings are fit for purpose and up to date in light of the convergence of previously separate sectors. It’s about giving our regulatory and policy frameworks a health check.
The document focuses on the impact of convergence in the media sector on the regulation of content. It examines content classification and standards, the alignment of the Broadcasting Act and Electoral Act in relation to election programmes, and advertising restrictions that apply specifically to television and radio, and the policy framework for supporting New Zealand content.
Purpose
This paper focuses on the effects of convergence in the media sector on the regulation of content in New Zealand. It looks particularly at the requirements and restrictions relating to the classification of content, broadcasting of election programmes, and advertising times. It also considers government’s interventions to support the production of broadcast content.
In this paper, the principle of reasonable access to relevant, high quality local and global content, legally, safely and cost effectively for all New Zealanders is not in question. It is intended to be a "health check" on our existing frameworks, to ensure they reflect the current media landscape and remain fit for purpose. It examines how existing regulations apply across platforms, highlights inconsistencies and considers, on a case by case basis, whether platform distinctions remain appropriate.
This paper focuses on the Broadcasting Act 1989. The Act establishes the broadcasting standards regime and the Broadcasting Standards Authority, and the funding agencies NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho. It stipulates restrictions on broadcast advertising times and regulates the broadcasting of electoral programmes.
The paper also considers the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993 as it relates to transmitted audio-visual content. This Act establishes a regime for films, and in some cases other publications, to be referred for rating/classification and labelling prior to being supplied to the public. It establishes the Office of Film and Literature Classification and position of Chief Censor to oversee this regime.