Young Jonathan: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Young Jonathan: Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) 
: 
 I thank the member from the other side Clare Curran for her speech. She said there would have been “more to come” from the previous Labour Government. I am sure New Zealanders would be interested to know how that would have been paid for and what sort of increase in expenditure would have been necessary to deliver the “more to come” the member mentioned. 
In New Zealand a thousand voices are all talking their talk saying different things creating a very interesting soundscape of New Zealand life. What is unique about the Radio New Zealand charter is that Radio New Zealand seeks to be an impartial voice. It seeks to operate in the public interest and though it needs to be commercially viable it does not cede to commercial pressure. 
The Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill amends the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. It presents a revised charter that states the purpose of Radio New Zealand as a public broadcaster followed by provisions stating how it is to achieve that purpose through delivery of its services. This bill which presents the updated charter though not necessarily controversial or dramatic or something that will attract heated debate across the House quietly contains some very pertinent reflections on a nation of people who are diverse blended and engaged together in the expression of democracy. 
The Radio New Zealand annual report states that “Every day Radio New Zealand captures and reflects the thoughts opinions and information we want to share as a nation in programmes that contribute towards our broader collective understanding help us follow what is going on in our own country and stay in touch with developments in the world around us.” 
As a kid I could never ever understand why my parents used to enjoy watching the news. I was much more interested in cartoons. Perhaps some of the older members of the House may remember some of the programmes. 
Hon Clayton Cosgrove 
: Gerry likes cartoons too. 
JONATHAN YOUNG 
: Well I must admit that certain warm feelings come to me if I ever see  
Captain Pugwash 
  
Clutch Cargo 
  
Gigantor 
 or  
Huckleberry Hound 
. I can tell that some members in the House tonight felt warm fuzzy feelings as I mentioned those names. What I discovered was that the older I became the more interesting Radio New Zealand became. My son would say that the older I became the more boring I became. I would say that one of the interesting things about Radio New Zealand is that it captures and reflects the thoughts opinions and information we want to share as a nation. It captures our culture and reflects it back to us. It causes New Zealanders to think. There are many programmes on Radio New Zealand that I enjoy every week and I learn many things. It is reality radio. The charter is not just legislation; it is a living guide. 
The amended charter is divided into two parts: firstly its purpose and secondly its delivery. The first part explicitly states that Radio New Zealand’s purpose is to serve the public interest and that this is to be achieved through public broadcasting principles. The second part expands on delivery. As an independent and commercial-free public service broadcaster Radio New Zealand National seeks to serve the public interest. An independent broadcaster is free from political influence or preference. Being commercial free it is free from commercial influence or preference. It is owned by the public to act in the public’s best interests. 
Independence is a critical key in ensuring that our public broadcaster has the confidence of New Zealanders that its content is unbiased and factually correct—that it is true—and that without bias it serves the best interests of the public without fear or favour without political persuasion but based on merit. Of course this charter not only speaks to the necessity of those with political or commercial interests not exerting their influence in inappropriate ways but also just as important places on broadcasters the serious responsibility to maintain their editorial independence and integrity in the execution of their responsibilities and duties. It is a reflection of the true professionalism of the media which New Zealanders greatly appreciate. 
When we stand strong on those principles we serve democracy well in ensuring that Radio New Zealand does not make the news but reports it; does not create opinions but accurately reflects the views and opinions of New Zealanders in a legitimate and appropriate way. In this regard the public broadcasting service of Radio New Zealand is a contributor to how democracy is reported protected and promoted in New Zealand life. It offers a mouthpiece to the voices of this nation. Once again protecting this voice rests very strongly on the board of Radio New Zealand and the principle ensconced in the charter of serving the public interest of New Zealanders. 
When we use the term “broadcasting” it lends itself to two definitions. Firstly it speaks of transmission over a broad area and secondly it speaks of the content appealing to a broad range of people—having a wide appeal to a wide audience and acting in such a way as to serve the public interest. So there is a responsibility in the charter for our public service broadcaster to bridge different communities providing that which is of value not only to single sectors of our society but also to the community at large. It supports the people of New Zealand. Every culture has its values a mixture of traditions of the past and aspirations for the future. Section 8A(1) in clause 5 states that Radio New Zealand “must in fulfilling its Charter exhibit a sense of”—and we have heard this term—“social responsibility by—(a) having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates; and (b) endeavouring to accommodate or encourage those interests when able to do so.” Although we are many and diverse we are all New Zealanders. 
Radio New Zealand is charged with the responsibility of reflecting expression that is distinctly and predominantly New Zealand but how that is defined is an abstract and organic process because our culture is constantly changing shape. In seeking to fulfil such an obligation the charter states—section 8(5) in clause 5—that Radio New Zealand is to “ (d) foster critical thought and informed and wide-ranging debate: (e) stimulate support and reflect the diversity of cultural expression including drama comedy literature and the performing arts: (f) stimulate support and reflect a wide range of music including New Zealand composition and performance: (g) reflect New Zealand’s cultural identity including Maori language and culture: (h) provide awareness of the world and of New Zealand’s place in it: (i) provide comprehensive independent accurate impartial and balanced regional national and international news and current affairs: (j) provide programmes which balance special interest with those of wide appeal recognising the interests of all age groups: (k) contribute towards intellectual and spiritual development: (l) include an international service to the South Pacific in both English and Pacific languages:”. I believe that if we have a radio service such as this we have something that we can all be justly proud of in New Zealand. 
It is my pleasure to support the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill and commend it to the House. Thank you. 
Bill read a first time.  
Bill referred to the Commerce Committee.