Kia ora koutou
I hope this finds you well.
You may have seen the Government’s announcement yesterday that it plans to
draw up legislation to support commercial bargaining over the use of, and payment for, news media content onlineopen_in_new.
Once developed and enacted, this legislation will charge the BSA with administering and monitoring a new bargaining framework.
We at the BSA welcome this announcement. The proposed framework is an important response to major changes we’re all seeing in the way people consume news and media, along with shifts in advertising revenue which have disrupted traditional revenue and business models.
In short, more and more people are seeing media content via online platforms, and media outlets have not been remunerated accordingly.
By facilitating commercial agreements between online platforms and news outlets for the use of media content online, the framework seeks to help maintain a strong and sustainable New Zealand media sector – and one which remains trusted and independent.
This will help ensure New Zealanders continue to have access to a diverse range of quality news media – which is vital in supporting a healthy democracy and a cohesive society, and in countering mis- and disinformation.
With over 30 years of experience as an independent regulator and well-established relationships with broadcasters and media organisations, the BSA is well placed and excited about carrying out its proposed role.
We look forward to continuing to talk to officials about the details as legislation is drawn up. We will also keep in contact with broadcasters and stakeholders.
Where appropriate, we will share updates on proposed developments or changes that directly involve the BSA and its role.
We’re also very open to hearing any views or concerns you may have about the evolving environment around the likes of digital bargaining and regulatory reform.
In the meantime, it’s also important to note that it is very much ‘business as usual’ in terms of the BSA’s existing functions and co-regulatory role.
We look forward to continuing our work with broadcasters and stakeholders towards our vision of freedom in broadcasting without harm.
Ngā mihi nui
Susie Staley
BSA Chair
