$20.6m extra for public broadcasters

3.30pm

Public broadcasters have received an extra $20.6 million in the budget, Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said today.

New Zealand on Air gets an extra $12m over four years, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) $4.7m over four years and Radio New Zealand International $3.9m over three years from 2005-06.

NZ on Air's funding would enable it to maintain local television programming hours and to increase the quality and diversity of its projects, Mr Maharey said.

RNZ's will enhance programming, developing its website to provide audio on demand, conduct in-depth audience research and promote National Radio on FM, while RNZ International's extra is to buy and operate a new transmitter.

- NZPA