There are big changes happening in our industry. When we are advised, and engaged we can make better decisions for our future.
In a media release on 10 April 2024, SPADA called for the government to make swift action to alleviate the threats placed on local content, by imposing regulations on international streamers.
Spada President Irene Gardiner said, “While TVNZ and Three aren't giving definitive numbers at this time, Spada has calculated that we are looking at around $50 million coming out of our sector. Ironically it is our big popular shows that will be most vulnerable - as they are what has traditionally been fully funded by advertising revenue. This creates uncertainty around the future of favourite series like Shortland Street, Celebrity Treasure Island, The Traitors NZ, Married at First Sight NZ, food shows, home shows, and more."
Additionally, Gardiner stated "These large multinationals need to contribute to the local production industry in some way, to alleviate the market distortion they have created. This regulation is now urgent. The impact of the streamers, along with Facebook, Google and YouTube, on advertising revenue has been devastating, and has now hit a crisis point."
WIFT members are encouraged to attend an online discussion hosted by Better Public Media this coming Sunday 28 April 2024 at 4pm, with Irene Gardiner, President of SPADA, Paul Thompson, Chief Executive of RNZ, Peter Thompson, Associate Professor in Media and Communication at Victoria University of Wellington, and the 4th person TBC
Online at: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/97421808292
Password: bpm24