Broadcast review canned

A review of broadcasting, internet and telecommunications regulation ordered by the previous Government has been canned.

The Government said the current market "appears workably competitive" and there was no need for new regulation.

Former Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard said in January last year that broadcasting was undergoing a period of significant upheaval world-wide and the review was timely.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman said yesterday that the review would not proceed any further.

A departmental analysis of submissions made during the review process found that the market was competitive and there were "no compelling indications of future issues".

Useful information emerged from the research but the review as a whole went beyond the broadcasting priorities set out before the election, Coleman said.

The policy development on post-digital switch-over spectrum allocation, regional television broadcasting and options for sensory disabled viewers will continue.

- NZPA