NZ On Air has released submissions to its discussion paper considering issues around online use for publicly funded content.

In October 2012 NZ On Air released a discussion paper considering issues around online use for publicly funded content. The paper arose from its refreshed digital strategy published in 2012 which outlined its framework for considering online content.

Ten submissions were received in response to the discussion paper. NZ On Air is releasing these submissions to further stimulate discussion and will conduct further research and publish a short digest in late 2013. It will then convene a forum to discuss options.

NZ On Air says no decisions have been made. "This paper is part of a process we are following to engage producers, broadcasters and other interested parties in a discussion about online rights for publicly-funded content."

NZ On Air released the paper mindful of rapid change in the media landscape.  When NZ On Air's funding system was developed, broadcast was the only platform option.  The paper noted that the rights of the producer, broadcaster and taxpayer should be balanced, but suggested that with expanding screening options the interests of the audiences and taxpayers might need to be reconsidered. 

"The main issue is finding the right balance between respect for the intellectual property rights of the content creators, appropriate access for audiences, and the rights purchased by commissioning broadcasters," says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson. "A key question is: in a digital era, what rights are secured for the public by the investment of public funding?"

NZ On Air was pleased to receive a number of well-considered submissions from the industry to progress the agency's thinking.

"We stress there is neither a fixed timeline nor determined outcome for this process" says Jane Wrightson.  "We'll conduct further research and publish the details later this year, before convening a forum for further discussion."

Please read details of the discussion paper and submissions in full. [PDF 3,051.28 kb]

Source: NZ On Air