TVNZ removes TVNZ7 content from ondemand

I missed this while we were away but TVNZ has removed all the TVNZ7 content from ondemand.  Their reasoning?

“We’re more sensitive than we used to be about leaving material online indefinitely because we do have to pay for data storage

This is both hilarious and appalling all at the same time.  It would seem that no one has checked the cost of data storage recently.

As these shows were funded and paid for by the taxpayer, shouldn’t they either be released, uploaded to YouTube or at least handed over to NZOnScreen so that those who do want to enjoy them as part of the long tail will be able to?

The NBR’s Chris Keall asks a great question:

this mini-controversy highlights an interesting issue: what happens to digital content (which is forever) as channels come and go in the fast-moving new media environment?

While it maybe difficult to answer that question for a commercial operator, if the taxpayer has funded the content, surely it should be made available through other means.

Here’s hoping all that investment isn’t lost forever.

About the author

Regan is one of the co-founders of Throng Media.
He's currently watching Survivor, Homeland, House, Glee and can't wait for the return of Game of Thrones.
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  • Reece_555

    What about NZ on Air funded programmes shouldnt they be made available. Should TV3 have Outrageous Fortune available on demand still, a simple search indicates it doesnt. I dont think TVNZ7 content would be in high demand anyway………

    • Regan

      The difference is that Outrageous Fortune wasn’t 100% funded by the taxpayer

      • reece_555

        How much did TV3 fund then?

        • http://www.facebook.com/reganjcunliffe Regan Cunliffe

          That’s one question I doubt we’ll ever know the answer to

          • Rick

            Remember that the producer of the programme often controls the IP in that programme, so the license the broadcaster has to use it on their website may be time limited. That allows the producer to look for other sources of revenue from the programme (DVD sales, rerun sales, foreign sales) to earn a profit from the programme. Typically, if NZ On Air funding was involved, the profit from those sales will help to pay back in part the funding received from NZ On Air.

  • Hamish

    I think the condition of any programme receiving any NZ on Air funding should be that it is put online – perhaps on NZ On Screen – after broadcast for NZ viewers to enjoy the content they have paid for, or at least contributed to the costs of.

    • http://www.facebook.com/reganjcunliffe Regan Cunliffe

      The problem is that it comes downs to rights. Broadcasters are typically given the right to broadcast a series X number of times so having it online would detract from the ability to generate revenue from it. Sure they could earn a bit from online advertising but there is more value from broadcast.