Boost for Radio NZ

Radio New Zealand will receive a $14.58 million funding boost in the Budget.

Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said the money, spread over four years, was for a nationwide FM service and to meet the rising costs of Radio New Zealand's core services.

National Radio would receive $3.4 million extra over four years to progressively establish FM services across the country and $2.6 milllion a year to maintain its programming.

Mr Maharey said no other broadcaster approached National Radio's range and depth of coverage.