Tag: Minister of Broadcasting and Media

An open letter to the incoming media minister

Dear Minister,

Congratulations on assuming the Broadcasting and Media role.

The announcement of your new portfolio put me in mind of Hercules as King Eurystheus told him there were a dozen small jobs he would like done.

Like Hercules, you will find that the tasks ahead are challenging. Some will seem insurmountable. Yet, the underlying message of that particular piece of Greek mythology is that nothing is impossible.

I would hesitate to suggest that success will lead to immortality, but you will certainly make an enduring name for yourself if you are able to ensure that New Zealand’s media ecosystem is fit for purpose.

In order for that to happen you must undertake, if I may be so bold, the Twelve Labours of Willie Jackson. Continue reading “An open letter to the incoming media minister” →

Time to deliver, Minister

Kris Faafoi’s reappointment as Minister of Broadcasting and Media is welcome news, but now he has to deliver.

He was not dealt a particularly good hand when he inherited the portfolio from Clare Curran in the Ardern government’s first term. 

On her watch there was the expectation of a new RNZ TV channel plus a new funding body to disperse government funding to media. However, only a fraction of the necessary funding was forthcoming in Grant Robertson’s first budget. Policy was a long way from practice. Then she fell from grace after a series of blunders.

Faafoi had the chalice in his hands but he needed to have it forensically checked before he was ready to put it to his lips. As a former television journalist, he had the knowledge and experience to know it was likely to contain dangerous impurities.

Continue reading “Time to deliver, Minister” →