8. Question No. 8—Broadcasting and MediaMELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister for Broadcasting and MediaQuestion No. 8—Broadcasting and Media8. MELISSA LEE (National) to the Minister for Broadcasting and Media: Does he stand by the actions of his officials?Hon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister for Broadcasting and Media): Kia orana again Mr Speaker. Yes in particular their work to support the media sector through the impacts of COVID-19. In April of last year the Ministry for Culture and Heritage worked with the sector to rapidly develop a $50 million media support package and this support package focused on reducing costs and easing cash-flow pressures for a range of media organisations. The Government then built on this and in February announced a $55 million package to support public interest journalism.Melissa Lee: What advice and actions has the Minister sought from his officials about the Public Interest Journalism Fund and the taxpayer-funded reporting of political matters?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: As you will know the decisions around the funding of the Public Interest Journalism Fund are decisions for New Zealand On Air. I have taken a very black and white approach not to get involved in any of those.SPEAKER: I probably shouldn't have let the supplementary come because it didn't relate to the primary but I was a bit late.Melissa Lee: What advice and actions has the Minister sought from his officials regarding the statement of former newspaper editor and journalist Karl du Fresne on 18 July 2021 that—and I quote—Any news outlet that seeks money from the fund is signing up to a politicised project whose rules are fundamentally incompatible with free and independent journalism" and if any what are his views?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: I don't have a view on Mr du Fresne's opinion—I disagree with it. [Interruption] Oh no no no. I disagree with the allegation—I disagree with the allegation. If the member is continuing the allegation that in any way the taxpayer funding that is supporting our media is giving a biased opinion of the media I suggest she read Newsroom today for a glowing précis of my performance!Melissa Lee: Do the Minister's officials agree with his answer to this House on 6 May 2021 that there is "a well-established tried and tested system that makes sure media content funding decisions are free from political influence."; if so does the Minister agree with their assessment and what will he do to end any taxpayer-funded political bias in our media?Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Again I won't get involved in the decisions that New Zealand On Air makes around the Public Interest Journalism Fund. Again I push back at any premise that there's any bias of political reporting. She might want to read the New Zealand Herald for Derek Cheng's "glowing" précis of my performance today.Melissa Lee: Will the Minister work with his officials to revise his letter of expectation to New Zealand On Air to make sure that there is absolutely no political interference of biased reporting funded by the New Zealand taxpayer; if not why not?SPEAKER: Give us a third article!Hon KRIS FAAFOI: Kia orana. I've run out sorry Mr Speaker—for now. The member will know that the legislation in place around New Zealand On Air absolutely prevents political bias from happening. I don't therefore think I need to write a letter because they will have to follow the letter of the law."