Academics ask PM for TVNZ7 rethink

A group of academics have written an open letter to John Key asking him to rethink the decision to cut funding to TVNZ7.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman announced last week the Government would not renew funding for the sole remaining non-commercial public service channel on TVNZ.

It will run until June next year, and then be canned.

The 60 people from film, TV and journalism courses across the country who signed the letter say the move will see an end to alternative voices on television.

Otago University Department of Media, Film and Communication Senior Lecturer Davinia Thornley said TVNZ7 is one of a few public broadcasting options in New Zealand, compared to Australia's five.

Ms Thornley said the station operates on $15 million a year, which is less than $4 per New Zealander.

TVNZ chief executive Rick Ellis earlier revealed he had asked last year for funding to keep TVNZ7 afloat, but the Government rejected it because it had no new money.

"We were advised a short time ago that proposal was not accepted.

"I guess Government looked at it as it's not about one year of funding, but it's about maybe 10 or more years of funding, and that's a very big number ... we weren't surprised at the decision. It is a disappointment, but, at the end of the day, it's the Government's prerogative and we just get on with it."

Dr Coleman said the Government would continue to fund local content through the contestable NZ On Air model, which last year had $81 million for television content.

He said that if the Government had stumped up extra money for TVNZ7, some would have come at the expense of the NZ On Air pot.