New Zealand On Air: A Broadcasting Public Policy Model?

Abstract

It is more than 15 years since the creation of the Broadcasting Commission (also known as New Zealand on Air) was heralded as providing a model for othe R nations seeking a structural solution for the provision of minority, special needs and local programming in their broadcasting services. An analysis of New Zealand on Air as a mechanism for meeting these needs certainly indicates that it is a model, but one of deeply flawed public policy-making. It is argued that the concept was poorly conceived with the resultant organisation lacking a clear prescription and having very limited power to provide the forms of broadcasting outlined in its brief. In practice New Zealand on Air has proven to be a defective mechanism for the delivery of the broadcasting needs that it was established to provide.