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Local commercial FM broadcasting licences
Background
A number of licences were allocated for local commercial broadcasting in 2008. The policy for the licences and allocation by auction was agreed by Government following a consultation process in 2005/2006. Up to two licences were allocated in each main population centre where it was technically possible to create such licences. The licences have an effective duration of 10 years (ie until 2018) although continuation after 2011 is subject to the licence being in use for the requisite purposes. No further licences of this nature are currently envisaged. Information on the consultation and Cabinet decisions is given at the links below.
The policy requirements for these licences are consistent with the features of the Regional and Community Broadcasting Policy Framework. Specifically, within this Framework, the promotion of local broadcasting services covers:
- broadcasters are supported to reflect and develop regional and local character and identity, and to maintain a sense of local mission and place amidst the global broadcasting environment;
- coverage of regional and local news, current affairs, information, sport and cultural events is supported;
- broadcasting is used to enhance democratic and civic participation among regional and local populations;
- broadcasters have a strong and ongoing local physical presence and involvement;
- there is licensing for local and regional commercial broadcasters owned and operated independently from national networks.
All broadcasters operating a local commercial FM broadcasting licence must comply with the following:
Information Contact
List of Registered Licences
| Licence ID | Area / Location | Licensee Name |
| 111924 | Auckland / Skytower | Big Radio Limited |
| 111959 | Christchurch / Sugarloaf | Pulzar Broadcasting Company Limited |
| 112138 | Dunedin / Mt Cargill | Fraser Smith Holdings Ltd |
| 112397 | Hawkes Bay / Mt Erin | Kidnappers Country Rock Ltd |
| 112116 | Invercargill / Forest Hill | Bryan Scott |
| 118830 | Kapiti / Forest Heights | Beach Chestnut Limited |
| 112198 | Nelson / Grampians | Wild Tomato Media Limited |
| 112415 | Rotorua / Pukepoto | Katie Joy Spence |
| 112059 | Taranaki / Mt Egmont | Taranaki FM Trust* |
| 112066 | Taranaki / Mt Egmont | Big Media Limited |
| 112531 | Taupo / Aratiatia | Field & Sport Limited |
| 112499 | Tauranga / Kopukairua | Aotearoa Digressive & Digital Limited |
| 112162 | Timaru / Mt Studholme | James Barry Valentine |
| 112351 | Wanganui / Shakespeare | DMH Holdings Ltd |
| 112282 | Wellington / Kaukau | FM 105.3 Ltd |
*Note: Expect registration during August 2008
Links
Local commercial annual compliance report
1 July 2009 will mark the first anniversary of the Local Commercial FM Licence Agreements.
Discussion paper
This paper raises the issues of potential broadcasters who seek to broadcast only in a local area, or to a niche market, but are unable to fund the acquisition costs of a commercial licence. The purpose of this paper is to seek public feedback on proposals relating to VHF-FM broadcasting.
Media statements
Media Statements from Hon Steve Maharey, Minister of Broadcasting, and Hon David Cunliffe, Minister of Communications.
Cabinet policy committee - Minute of decision 26 July 2006
In April 2005 the Cabinet Economic Development Committee approved the release of a discussion paper VHF-FM Broadcasting: Frequency Availability and Allocation. 39 submissions were received on the discussion paper, including those from the Radio Broadcaster' Association, technical organisations and a variety of low power or aspiring broadcasting.
