6.3.4 Content aggregation

An alternative to digital transmission of a full regional service might be to provide locally produced programmes to a content aggregator; either a national provider or through collaboration by a group of regional broadcasters.

While this approach means a regional station would cease broadcasting independently, and the community benefit of a regionally based station wholly targeting viewers in the locality could be reduced, it does maintain the provision of localised content to audiences.

The content aggregator model requires a cooperative approach in allocating slots on the schedule; and sharing content and costs. Content providers would need to assess whether a viable business model exists for content aggregation in this way.

In a current example of content sharing, a number of regional channels upload some of their locally-made programmes to Stratos (owned by Triangle Television in Auckland), which can be received on both Freeview and SKY set-top boxes. This arrangement also allows regional broadcasters to download Stratos programming to supplement their local schedules.

Such a national content aggregator could operate on the terrestrial platform, a satellite platform, or even on both. Transmission capacity would need to be purchased to meet the model chosen.

Question 29

Would content aggregation be a feasible option for you as a regional broadcaster?

Why or why not?

Would you consider either a terrestrial, satellite or hybrid platform as being feasible and economically viable?