KEY POINTS:
Sky TV is too dominant and sports fans are the big losers, says Television New Zealand.
In a submission to the Culture and Heritage Ministry, which is reviewing broadcasting regulation, TVNZ has called for the Government to split up the pay-TV operator.
TVNZ said Sky was "hoarding" big sports events and charging fans a "sports tax" to watch them.
TVNZ wanted regulations limiting Sky's growing dominance over free-to-air broadcasters, with sports fans now paying more than $14 a week to watch major sports events live, The Dominion Post reported.
The submission said sport was critical to the national identity and Sky had a virtual monopoly on coverage.
With a Sky TV sports subscription costing $64 a month, or $768 annually, "many New Zealanders are effectively paying a sports tax", the submission said.
TVNZ wanted marketplace rules introduced "to create a fair and level playing field for all".
It suggested Sky be split into at least two businesses, one to make and buy programmes, the other to manage Sky's satellite transmission network and set-tops boxes.
About 720,000 householders subscribe to Sky, which has the rights to all major rugby test matches, cricket, soccer, racing, golf, basketball, rowing and athletics.
TVNZ said more than 80 per cent of all New Zealand-produced sports content was broadcast on Sky.
- NZPA
