Free channels offered slice of $15m local TV fund

More than $15 million previously given to TVNZ for local content programmes will be open to all six free-to-air channels on a fully contestable basis.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman said it would be called the Platinum Television Fund and the $15.1 million would be administered by NZ On Air.

"It will now be available on a fully contestable basis to the six free-to-air national television broadcasters from July 1, 2009," he said. "By encouraging competition for quality, the contestable fund will ensure the best ideas get supported regardless of which channel broadcasts them."

The Government has previously announced that it would make the funds available on a contestable basis.

Dr Coleman said the Platinum Fund would be ring-fenced from NZ On Air's other funding to specifically support content that might be difficult to find and required a high level of subsidy to produce.

"We want this funding to really make a difference to what we see on our television screens, not just to fund more of the same content we are already getting," he said. "NZ On Air has developed criteria for the Platinum Fund with the focus on high-quality public broadcast content of wide appeal."

- NZPA