Local stories for local children
26 June 2008 Speech Notes
Embargoed until: 1.00pm
Local stories for local children
Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard's speech to the Children's Television Forum, Museum Hotel, Wellington
Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to speak to you today.
The changing media environment, and children’s changing media use present special challenges for funders, producers, and programmers. But, as you have heard today, there are also some great opportunities to consider.
My thanks to Jane Wrightson and her team at NZ on Air for providing a forum for interested parties to come and talk about these issues.
I would like to acknowledge the local producers who have worked so hard to ensure that children's media content continues to be made in New Zealand: Janine Morrell-Gunn, Annie Williams, Ian Taylor, Mary Phillips, Nicole Hoey and Paora Maxwell to mention a few. You have been the flag-bearers for children’s programmes, and your work has played a very important part in our kids’ lives.
As a government, we see a strong relationship between local content and cultural identity. We think New Zealand kids should have the right to see their own stories, to hear our accents and languages, and to see themselves and their reality on screen.
To ensure this, government puts obligations on public broadcasters through the broadcasting Charters and provides funding through NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho.
So, how are we doing?
NZ On Air’s latest survey of local content found there was an increase of 42 hours of children’s programmes last year, though sadly there was a marked decline in children’s drama.
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