Latest news with #CommunityAccessMediaAlliance
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance While MBIEs review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising … The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services – and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance While MBIEs review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising … The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services – and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
CAMA Calls For Fair And Future-Proof Radio Spectrum Access
The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is urging the Government to safeguard non-commercial broadcasters in the upcoming reassignment of AM/FM radio spectrum, as all existing licences expire in 2031. In a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), CAMA has called for long-term, affordable, and equitable spectrum access for Aotearoa's 12 Community Access Media organisations. These stations serve as a public-interest vehicle for content made by, for, and about underrepresented groups. 'These are not just frequencies, they are lifelines for Māori, Pacific, migrant, disabled, rural, and multilingual communities who are too often overlooked by mainstream media,' says CAMA Chair Phil Grey. The submission supports differentiated policy settings for non-commercial broadcasters, including: 20-year or longer licence durations to enable long-term investment and planning; Exemptions from commercial pricing models, recognising the unique role of public-interest media; Retention, expansion and access to reserved spectrum in-kind, for public-serving non-commercial broadcasters; and A 'public interest broadcaster' category for public-mandated, non-commercial media organisations. While MBIE's review largely focuses on commercial licence holders, CAMA warns that indirect consequences, such as pricing changes or lost access to reserved spectrum, could jeopardise the viability of its member organisations, particularly amid rising operational costs and limited funding. 'Our stations are already providing essential services, from emergency broadcasts to multilingual programming and programming by groups with no access to media services - and on shoestring budgets,' says Grey. 'They should not be penalised by commercial models that fail to reflect their social value. This is an issue of historical, cultural, and democratic importance'. CAMA's submission draws on international examples, including UNESCO guidance, that recognise the importance of sustainable financing and spectrum access for community broadcasters as vital pillars of democratic infrastructure. Grey says the review also offers an opportunity: 'If we get this right, we can future-proof the sector for the next generation, ensure Aotearoa honours its Tiriti obligations, and protect access to information for all communities – not just those with commercial clout.' CAMA is calling on MBIE to work alongside the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver a joined-up approach to policy, pricing, and spectrum planning that reflects the real-world needs of non-commercial broadcasters.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
CAMA Urges Government To Recognise Community Access Media As Lifeline Utility In New Emergency Management Laws
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance CAMA chair, Phil Grey, says the sectors ability to reach vulnerable populations during times of crisis is essential to the Governments goals of strengthening community participation and reducing disruption to essential services. The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is calling on the Government to formally recognise the 12 publicly-funded stations as essential communication providers under New Zealand's emergency management legislation. In its submission to NEMA on proposals to strengthen New Zealand's emergency management legislation, CAMA highlights the critical role Community Access Media stations play in delivering critical information to communities often overlooked by mainstream media, particularly Māori, Pasifika, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and rural residents. CAMA chair, Phil Grey, says 'the sector's ability to reach vulnerable populations during times of crisis is essential to the Government's goals of strengthening community participation and reducing disruption to essential services'. Community Access Media stations filling a national gap CAMA's 12 member stations reach more than 1 million New Zealanders each year, broadcasting in over 50 languages. The sector produces over 4,000 hours of local content monthly – much of it in te reo Māori and other community languages. CAMA stations are already used by local and national agencies during emergencies, yet they are excluded from formal 'lifeline utility' status, unlike other public-service-oriented media outlets. 'We have the infrastructure, the trust, and the reach,' says Grey. 'But we're not recognised in the system – and that puts our communities at risk.' Gaps in resilience, opportunities for reform CAMA's submission points to disparities in transmission and backup infrastructure across the sector. Many stations lack generators or formal access to official emergency information. During the 2023 floods in Hawke's Bay, Community Access Media was the only source of information available to some residents. CAMA is calling for: Inclusion in the lifeline utilities framework; Funding for infrastructure upgrades and emergency readiness; Formal roles in emergency planning and communications; and Recognition of Community Access Media in emergency legislation. Global best practice, local trust CAMA's call aligns with international guidance. Organisations like UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognise community radio as essential to disaster resilience, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas. 'New Zealand can't afford to overlook trusted, culturally grounded media during a crisis,' says Grey. 'We're already delivering – what we need is the backing to do it better.' Strengthening the system together CAMA is a signatory to the national Memorandum of Understanding on emergency broadcasting, alongside Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Television New Zealand (TVNZ), Whakaata Māori, Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori (Iwi Radio), and the Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA). The alliance ensures coordinated messaging during emergencies, but CAMA remains one of the few publicly funded broadcast networks that is not a lifeline utility. 'We stand ready to support the Government's emergency goals,' says Grey. 'But to be effective, we must be in the plan, at the table, and on the list.'
Scoop
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
CAMA Urges Government To Recognise Community Access Media As Lifeline Utility In New Emergency Management Laws
Press Release – Community Access Media Alliance CAMA chair, Phil Grey, says the sectors ability to reach vulnerable populations during times of crisis is essential to the Governments goals of strengthening community participation and reducing disruption to essential services. The Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) is calling on the Government to formally recognise the 12 publicly-funded stations as essential communication providers under New Zealand's emergency management legislation. In its submission to NEMA on proposals to strengthen New Zealand's emergency management legislation, CAMA highlights the critical role Community Access Media stations play in delivering critical information to communities often overlooked by mainstream media, particularly Māori, Pasifika, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and rural residents. CAMA chair, Phil Grey, says 'the sector's ability to reach vulnerable populations during times of crisis is essential to the Government's goals of strengthening community participation and reducing disruption to essential services'. Community Access Media stations filling a national gap CAMA's 12 member stations reach more than 1 million New Zealanders each year, broadcasting in over 50 languages. The sector produces over 4,000 hours of local content monthly – much of it in te reo Māori and other community languages. CAMA stations are already used by local and national agencies during emergencies, yet they are excluded from formal 'lifeline utility' status, unlike other public-service-oriented media outlets. 'We have the infrastructure, the trust, and the reach,' says Grey. 'But we're not recognised in the system – and that puts our communities at risk.' Gaps in resilience, opportunities for reform CAMA's submission points to disparities in transmission and backup infrastructure across the sector. Many stations lack generators or formal access to official emergency information. During the 2023 floods in Hawke's Bay, Community Access Media was the only source of information available to some residents. CAMA is calling for: Inclusion in the lifeline utilities framework; Funding for infrastructure upgrades and emergency readiness; Formal roles in emergency planning and communications; and Recognition of Community Access Media in emergency legislation. Global best practice, local trust CAMA's call aligns with international guidance. Organisations like UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognise community radio as essential to disaster resilience, particularly in underserved and high-risk areas. 'New Zealand can't afford to overlook trusted, culturally grounded media during a crisis,' says Grey. 'We're already delivering – what we need is the backing to do it better.' Strengthening the system together CAMA is a signatory to the national Memorandum of Understanding on emergency broadcasting, alongside Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Television New Zealand (TVNZ), Whakaata Māori, Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori (Iwi Radio), and the Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA). The alliance ensures coordinated messaging during emergencies, but CAMA remains one of the few publicly funded broadcast networks that is not a lifeline utility. 'We stand ready to support the Government's emergency goals,' says Grey. 'But to be effective, we must be in the plan, at the table, and on the list.'
