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VHF-FM broadcasting: Frequency availability and allocation
The creation of further licences for general commercial broadcasting purposes in the FM band above 100 MHz was considered by the Government in 2003 and a three year prohibition established. Policies for licensing after the three year period expires are contained in the discussion document of September 2005.
The Ministry received thirty-nine submissions on the discussion paper: VHF-FM Broadcasting: Frequency Availability and Allocation. Submissions were received from a range of interest groups, including commercial and non-commercial operators, site managers, LPFM operators, spectrum engineers and the Human Rights Commission. A Summary of Submissions has also been released.
The Ministry completed the analysis of submissions and made recommendations to the Government in July 2006. On 3 October 2006 the Minister of Broadcasting and the Minister Communications announced the Government's decisions, and released the associated Cabinet Policy Committee Minute of Decision.
The Ministry has now revised its licensing policies to take into account the recent Government decisions. These new policies were released on 5 December 2006.
Narrow channel spacing
The Ministry is investigating the technical feasibility of using narrow channel spacing in the FM broadcast band.
Policies for licensing VHF-FM broadcasting services
This memorandum identifies recent policy changes and the underlying reason and authority for such changes. The policies are effective from the date of announcement of Government VHF-FM broadcasting policies, on 3 October 2006.
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.
Summary of submissions
This paper summarises the submissions received to assist the Ministry in its analysis and the dissemination of information resulting from the submission process. The details of individual submissions are available on the Ministry's website.
Submissions on the discussion paper
This section includes submissions received on VHF-FM Broadcasting: Frequency Availability and Allocation: Discussion Paper.
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.
