No. 126

2983

SUPPLEMENT
TO THE
NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
OF
THURSDAY, 22 OCTOBER 1981

Published by Authority

WELLINGTON: WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 1981

Direction to Broadcasting Tribunal in Connection with the Development in New Zealand of a Frequency Modulation (FM) Broadcasting Service

To the Broadcasting Tribunal

PURSUANT to section 68 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 1976, I, Warren Cooper, the Minister of Broadcasting—

(1) Give you notice that the Government has considered your report to me on the Development of Frequency Modulation Broadcasting in New Zealand; and

(2) Give you notice that it is part of the general policy of the New Zealand Government in relation to broadcasting—

(a) That a frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting service be developed as an integral part of sound-radio broadcasting in New Zealand; and

(b) That frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting be introduced in New Zealand without delay; and

(c) That the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand should, by the use of frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting, extend its Concert Programme to provincial areas in which radio reception of that programme is not at present satisfactory; and

(d) That the Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand should, as its resources permit, progressively convert the YC stations (which are the stations from which its Concert Programme is transmitted) to frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting; and

(e) That short-term frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting authorisations be authorised under section 76 of the Broadcasting Act 1976 for community purposes; and

(f) That, outside the larger urban areas, local groups should be encouraged to establish locally owned radio broadcasting stations (on a commercial or non-commercial basis or on a basis that is partly commercial and partly non-commercial) to relay programmes from other warrant holders as well as to develop some elements of local broadcasting for limited periods; and

(g) That the development envisaged in paragraph (f) of this clause should be facilitated by networking arrangements that permit local programming as well as a choice of network programmes; and

(h) That except where, without simulcasting, an economically viable service to an area would not be feasible for many years and except as provided in paragraph (i) of this clause, simulcasting by AM and FM stations covering the same areas should not be permitted; and

(i) That simulcasting of news, current affairs, special events, and simulcasting with television should be permitted; and

(j) That holders of warrants in respect of existing stations shall be permitted to hold warrants or interests in warrants in respect of FM broadcasting stations; and

(k) That applications by newspaper companies for sound-radio warrants in respect of FM broadcasting stations should be considered on their merits together with applications of other applicants; and

(3) Give you notice that, included within the recommendations in respect of which the Government has still to formulate its general policy, are the recommendations set out on pages 11 to 15 of your report and numbered (2), (9), (43), (45), (46), (47), (55), (56), (57), (58), and (59); and

(4) In pursuance of the general policy of the Government as outlined in clause (2), direct that you shall,—

(a) Call without delay for applications for sound-radio warrants in respect of 2 commercial frequency modulation broadcasting stations to be established in Auckland; and

(b) Invite prospective applicants for sound-radio warrants in respect of commercial frequency modulation broadcasting stations to be established in areas outside Auckland to file with you notice of intention to apply for such warrants; and

(c) After considering any representations made by prospective applicants, establish the order for warrant hearings having regard to the notices of intention received; and