Adams Amy: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeAdams Amy: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — Third Reading[Sitting date: 10 March 2016. Volume:711;Page:9643. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]Hon AMY ADAMS (Minister of Broadcasting): I move That the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill be now read a third time. This is a bill that has been widely supported by this House through all its stages. This is testament not only to the quality of the bill but also to the status and reputation of Radio New Zealand as a cultural institution. This bill gives effect to the statutory review of Radio New Zealand’s charter which establishes its functions and guiding objectives. The review brings about a revision of the current charter. This will better equip Radio New Zealand to meet the challenges and opportunities of a multimedia era.With such transformative change taking place not only in New Zealand but on the global stage it is crucial to the health and longevity of organisations in broadcasting and communications to be adaptive. This bill reflects that. Central to this bill is Radio New Zealand’s commitment to continue in its role as a publicly owned broadcaster while encouraging a wider reach through the raft of new media channels available. Essentially the bill is catching up with and providing support to the work Radio New Zealand is already doing in ensuring New Zealanders have access to a range of new and archived content through podcasts streamings and other platforms.I want to quickly summarise the main aspects of the bill. Our changes are about adaptability flexibility and responsiveness to a new and rapidly changing media landscape. It largely proposes a more reader-friendly less cumbersome charter for Radio New Zealand to operate in. This framework ensures that Radio New Zealand is fit for purpose and the bill reflects its role as a responsive and adaptive public broadcaster operating in a multimedia landscape.The charter now sets out Radio New Zealand’s purpose: a forum for cultural expression and for news and information. Additionally it outlines how Radio New Zealand is to deliver its services through a diverse variety of content to a wide range of audiences. As I have said previously New Zealanders are not abandoning one platform for another. Rather they are using a variety of platforms to source more content overall. Radio New Zealand has recognised this changing media landscape and is leading the way on genuine media convergence. The broadcaster has made itself more accessible across a range of channels be it via smartphone app its website or through the Sky Digital network. The recent addition of John Campbell’s multimedia version of Checkpoint speaks to this transformative change.Radio New Zealand is working towards achieving its charter goal of providing quality and engaging journalism and current affairs to a wider range of New Zealanders across the country. Enhanced delivery platforms include streamed video podcasts and an extension to existing Freeview high-definition services. The revised charter supports Radio New Zealand’s multi-platform approach by saying that Radio New Zealand should take advantage of the most effective means of delivery for its content.The bill amends other provisions in the Radio New Zealand Act relating to the charter and to Radio New Zealand’s role. One of these is the principles of operation which ensure that Radio New Zealand is not influenced by the commercial interests of others. Another is the frequency of reviews carried out by this House. A review will begin only after the relevant select committee has completed its previous review and any changes have been agreed by the House.At Radio New Zealand’s request a Supplementary Order Paper was developed to more clearly define the bill’s provisions that Radio New Zealand remain commercial-free or in other words without advertising or sponsorship. It still allows Radio New Zealand to promote its own services but most important it means Radio New Zealand remains free to access so we will not see its content disappearing behind a paywall. However being commercial-free will not apply to Radio New Zealand in providing media services outside New Zealand other than the existing Pacific service of Radio New Zealand International.The Supplementary Order Paper recognised Radio New Zealand’s need to use new platforms to reach its audiences. It also gives the organisation some room to explore opportunities for strategic partnerships and audience-building through content without losing any integrity as a public service provider. It will provide the freedom for Radio New Zealand to take up commercial opportunities such as licensing its content for reuse by commercial providers or its current presence on iHeartRadio and MSN New Zealand. The Supplementary Order Paper also amended what I saw as an old-fashioned and overly prescriptive provision relating to Radio New Zealand’s surveying of audiences while clarifying that its research into the attitudes of non-listeners should be carried out at least annually.I am pleased that the Supplementary Order Paper was supported by all parties in the Committee of the whole House. The review and subsequent changes to the charter confirm the service range and breadth of content New Zealanders expect from their public radio. This Government is committed to lifting the performance of the public sector and to ensuring the best value for money for the New Zealand taxpayer. This bill speaks to that and will ensure the health and longevity of Radio New Zealand. It will have greater freedom to explore new media platforms and extend its reach in turn providing greater value for every dollar spent on Radio New Zealand content. The Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill including the amendments introduced by the Supplementary Order Paper goes a long way in bringing this entity up to date and in providing the tools that will ensure its resilience in a fast-changing landscape.Can I thank all of those who have contributed to the process including members of this House and members of the public who commented on the draft charter and of course the members of the Commerce Committee. For many decades Radio New Zealand has played a vital role in New Zealand’s broadcasting landscape. I am pleased that this amendment legislation will help position it to meet the needs of New Zealand people for many more years to come. I commend the bill to the House.