RNZ’s Concert cacophony – MPs play same tune

OPINION: Radio New Zealand faced petitions protesting its intention to downgrade its classical music channel to instead chase after youth music. In response the Government has moved to free up an FM frequency to stop RNZ Concert being bumped to AM only, and RNZ has gone back to the drawing board with its plans. Do you support the RNZ move, or should the government do more to save Concert? An MP from each side of the House gives their views.

Iam pleased to hear that Radio New Zealand (RNZ) has withdrawn its proposal to restructure the Concert programme. support RNZ wanting to reach a more diverse audience with a new music brand for younger adults, including Ma¯ ori and Pasifika listeners.

However, I’m glad our Government’s position on this is clear: one type of audience does not need to come at the expense of another.

We now have a process where the Cabinet will, in due course, consider what is involved in freeing up an unused FM frequency for RNZ’s new youth platform, allowing Concert to continue on FM radio.

As for other aspects of Concert’s future, RNZ has said it will work with staff on a new strategy to improve Concert’s audience performance, which will ultimately determine the shape of the programme moving forward. That will take months and is a decision for RNZ to make.

In the meantime, New Zealanders can rest assured that the Government’s focus here is helping Radio New Zealand to

reach a wider group of listeners; of different ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

It’s only fair that if the public is supporting broadcasters like RNZ, then all Kiwis should be able to identify in some way with its content, including young people and seniors, New Zealanders from our diverse ethnic communities, and Concert fans.

It’s exciting that Radio New Zealand is challenging the status quo, and trying to reach new audiences.

And it’s even better that they’re now on a path that will see them offer something new, while continuing to deliver for their loyal Concert following.

Some people say difficult trade-offs are just part of working in an environment where resources are limited.

I think particularly tough trade-offs present an opportunity for decisionmakers to come together and think harder. It’s good to see that happening here.

already have a market saturated with them.

The whole situation seems very fluid with comments from the Government indicating they will push to retain concert on a FM frequency. I fear this whole mess will be just another example of the Government’s indecisiveness which leads to taxpayer dollars being spent on reviews before they ultimately fail to deliver.

I’m not even sure how RNZ could go ahead with their plans to change Concert to AM given that RNZ Concert has legislative protections under the Radio Communications Act 1989. In the past fortnight, questions have been asked and hearings held and we are no closer to knowing what is going on. How the broadcasting minister allowed RNZ to proceed with these plans despite allegedly knowing enough FM frequency was available to allow Concert and a new ‘‘youth’’ station to operate also remains a mystery.

These announcements are insulting to the tens of thousands of young Kiwis who tune into Concert FM to listen to their favourite composers, musicians and of course their own personal performances. The station has value for our country and is treasured by many across New Zealand.

Every step in the broadcasting space under this Government seems to have been a disaster and RNZ governance and the Government must deal with this issue soon.

Public media has undergone death by review in New Zealand for the entirety of this Government’s short two years.