The group advocated sustainable funding and fair regulations to strengthen media diversity
The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) urged the New Zealand government to safeguard Community Access Media as part of its proposed media reforms.
In a submission to the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, CAMA emphasised the need for explicit protections, sustainable funding, and a regulatory approach that acknowledges the sector’s role in fostering media diversity.
In a news release, CAMA chair Phil Grey stressed that Community Access Media provides essential services, broadcasting in over 50 languages and amplifying voices often excluded from mainstream media. He warned that proposed changes could jeopardise these platforms.
“The proposed reforms must not sideline the platforms that serve underrepresented communities,” Grey said.
One of CAMA’s primary concerns is the potential consolidation of the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air into a single funding entity. The organisation argued that such a move could deprioritise funding for public service broadcasters, including Community Access Media. Without dedicated financial support, these non-commercial platforms may struggle to survive.
CAMA also criticised the current funding model, which prioritises content production but does not sufficiently support infrastructure. The organisation called for multi-year operational funding to ensure Community Access Media stations maintain their services and deliver hyperlocal, multilingual, and civic content.
CAMA advocates for a funding framework that upholds the principles outlined in s. 36(c) of the Broadcasting Act, which focuses on supporting content that serves underrepresented groups. While the organisation acknowledges that the act may need updating, it insists that its core protections remain relevant.
The organisation also highlighted the need for regulations tailored to Community Access Media’s not-for-profit structure. CAMA argued that subjecting these platforms to the same compliance requirements as commercial broadcasters would impose unnecessary administrative burdens, potentially restricting their operations.
CAMA urged policymakers to adopt a media reform framework prioritising equity, access, and diversity. The organisation warned that essential public service broadcasting could be at risk without such measures.
“The voices of our communities are too important to be lost in a one-size-fits-all funding and regulatory model,” Grey said. “We urge policymakers to listen to the communities who rely on us and to ensure media reform works for all New Zealanders.”
