New Zealand Media Ownership 2016
NEW ZEALAND In 2016, the New Zealand media market MEDIA and ownership structures were stirred, and shaken as ownership convergence plans across media and telecom sectors were OWNERSHIP announced. Author: Merja Myllylahti 2016 December 1, 2016 AUT’s Centre for Journalism, Media and Democracy 1 New Zealand Media Ownership Report 2016 This JMAD New Zealand media ownership report observes that New Zealand media institutions are facing major changes in ownership and management, but it is not clear what combinations will eventually emerge. For the first time in six years, New Zealand media companies are exclusively owned by financial institutions. Media moguls and News Corp have sold all their shares in New Zealand media companies. The report also finds that the board structures of New Zealand media corporates favour further consolidation. This is not surprising, as many board directors have other directorships in financial institutions and corporate advisory businesses. In November, the Commerce Commission declined its preliminary merger approval of NZME & Fairfax. Unexpectedly, the commission stated in strong terms that the merger would give the combined company too much editorial and commercial power in print and digital platforms. It concluded that the merger failed the public benefit test, and would not be beneficial for democracy. However, the Commerce Commission makes its final decision about the NZME and Fairfax merger on March 2017. It is still possible that the merger will go ahead. In October, the commission delayed its decision about Sky TV & Vodafone NZ merger as it sought answers to “unresolved issues.” The commission raised concerns about the merged company’s market power in premium content such as live sports, as well as the likely impact on consumer prices.
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