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Maori broadcasting
- In 1991 Government agreed to the allocation of spectrum licences for AM and FM sound broadcasting, for the promotion of Māori language and culture [CEG (91) M8/9 refers]. Licences were issued, initially on a short term basis, at no charge. After a review of Māori radio was undertaken in 1998, Government agreed to revised criteria for the allocation of reserved frequencies [ECO (98) M35/10 refers].
- It is recommended that, where AM and FM frequencies have been allocated in accordance with Government policy, for the promotion of Māori language and culture, further non-transferable licences be made available without charge.
- The Māori Television Service Act 2003 was enacted on 8 May 2003 for the purpose of protecting and promoting te reo Māori me nga tikanga. It allocates a 10-year management right, expiring on 30 November 2013, to 32MHz in the 494-806MHzUHFTV band for the Māori Television Service (MTS). Whether MTS will use the UHF right is uncertain, as it currently uses UHF licences owned by Sky Television. If MTS does not use the right, the MTS Act provides for it to be transferred to Te Putahi Paho and, potentially, to the Crown.
- The MTS Act is silent as to whether a succeeding management right will be provided to MTS on expiry of the UHF right, but section 56 of that Act requires responsible Ministers, as soon as practicable after the expiry of five years from the commencement day (8 May 2003), to begin a review of the operation and effectiveness of that Act. It is recommended that decisions on the UHF right be deferred until completion of the review.
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Last updated 4 April 2008
