By LOUISA CLEAVE television editor
TVNZ has set up a consultancy firm to help state-owned broadcasters around the world become successful businesses.
The commercially driven venture comes as TVNZ is trying to put on a socially responsible face at home by screening more public service programming.
TVNZ International is pursuing contracts in Singapore, Africa and former communist countries in Eastern Europe.
It has close ties with New Zealand Post, which earns half its revenue from international consultancy work, such as reforming the state postal services in Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa.
Dr Ross Armstrong, chairman of TVNZ and NZ Post, said the business was a win-win situation for the state broadcaster.
He denied TVNZ was departing from its public service focus by touting for international business.
"It's highlighting some of the systems that have made this company financially satisfactory. I don't see it in conflict."
He said TVNZ International could become a strong source of revenue, especially with the current weakness of the New Zealand dollar, and would give TVNZ staff the opportunity to work overseas.
TVNZ's transmission arm, BCL, has built services overseas, and TVNZ International would expand on those contracts, Dr Armstrong said.
TVNZ International will give the Government food for thought over the current debate about whether to split BCL from TVNZ and create a stand-alone state-owned enterprise.
"In the international consultancy television areas, it's hard to separate, when you're engaging with a business in Africa, the transmission side from the television side," said Dr Armstrong.
Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs said that TVNZ was a commercial business and "the pursuit of its objectives is a matter for the board."
TVNZ to sell its business tips overseas
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