Media Minister Paul Goldsmith introduces legislation to Parliament on 10 December 2024.
The Media Minister, Paul Goldsmith, announced the introduction of legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays in New Zealand. This change aims to provide traditional media outlets with a much-needed boost during their "extremely difficult environment". According to Goldsmith, the move could generate approximately $6 million in revenue for the industry.
The proposed changes are a response to shifting audience consumption habits, with many moving away from linear broadcasting towards digital streaming platforms. By repealing these restrictions, the Government hopes to create a more level playing field between local media companies and their digital competitors. The New Zealand media sector has been calling for this change for some time, and the Government is now taking action.
This move is seen as an effort by the Government to support the struggling media industry during its current financial difficulties. However, further details on how this will be implemented are yet to be disclosed.