March 21, 2013
New rules for Māori Television
Māori Television should get an added layer of protection from political interference once responsibility for managing the spectrum it uses is transferred from the Crown to a Māori-appointed trust.
The Māori Television Service Amendment Bill was read for first time today and sent to the Māori Affairs Committee for consideration.
It came out of an independent review of the first five years of the Māori Television Service.
Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says the timing of the bill allows MTS to be ready for the switch over to digital television, which will be completed by the end of the year.
The spectrum will be managed by Te Putahi Paoho, the Māori Television Electoral College that appoints its board, and license to the service for the next 20 years.
He says there will also be minor changes to the functions of Māori Television to strengthen its focus on the Māori language and culture.
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