Connecting and reflecting our nation · On 30 March 2017 NZ On Air’s funding head and I drove up to meet the Trust at the station premises, after we had writte n to advise that

Connecting and reflecting our nation

Our funding letter dated 20 June 2016 advised that $110,348 had been allocated and gave the Trust one year’s notice that NZ On Air would cease funding. This was after six years of raising concerns with the Trust that the service was becoming less fit for purpose in a digital age. At our urging, from around 2010, the Trust tried hard to create online options to see if the service could attract a larger and more engaged audience. Over several years the Trust was unable to provide us with any information that suggested that listenership was growing or the service was widely valued outside of its region. As far as we could ascertain listenership was in the low hundreds of people; and conversations with representative organisations of the blind community also suggested the service was of marginal value to them. In an environment of constrained funding, and noting expanded digital media options since the service began in 1987, the business case for a niche radio-based service had simply become too weak. On 30 March 2017 NZ On Air’s funding head and I drove up to meet the Trust at the station premises, after we had written to advise that funding would cease after one year. We noted that we appreciated the work of the volunteers; that of course the decision was a tough one but we could not see how the service could thrive and grow audience; and that we hoped the long notice period would help planning. We have not discussed this with Minister Faafoi (or his predecessors) directly, as it is an operational matter, but we did update the Minister’s office by email on 5 December. You have the right to refer this response to the Ombudsman if you are dissatisfied with it. More information on how to do this is here. NZ On Air proactively releases information in accordance with the Government’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan. This includes publishing responses to requests for information under the OIA. Please note that this response (with your name removed) will be published on the NZ On Air website shortly and will remain on our website for 12 months. Thank you for your interest in our work. Yours sincerely

Jane Wrightson CHIEF EXECUTIVE

M:\CO-COMMUNITY BROADCASTING\2.0 SPECIAL INTEREST RADIO\2.0 STATION FILES (SPECIAL INTEREST)\CO2. LEV_LEVIN (PRINT DISABLED)\2008-2010\2010-03-01_MEETING NOTE_STATION VISIT_PRINT DISABLED RADIO.DOCX

Station Visits 01 03 10

Radio Reading Service

RRS is part way through a major strategic planning exercise. They want to extend the reach of their programmes and they are keen on FM. The strategic plan will also include a detailed business plan.

The new premises at the Kent and Little building are lighter, brighter and more functional than the previous ones. There is access for disabled citizens also (none previously).

The installation of the new transmitter is in train, although not finished.

Meeting was with Ken Sterne, Board Chair, and Steve – technician and Chloe – Station Manager. Both Steve and Chloe appeared to be on the Board also.

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NZ ON AIR BOARD PAPER CONFIDENTIAL DECEMBER 2010

File No: R4.L Item No: 9.3

COMMUNITY RADIO: APPLICATIONS: PRINT DISABLED RADIO Introduction 1. Attached to this paper is an application from NZ Radio for the Print

Disabled Inc for $55,174 + GST to operate its services for six months. 2. Usually Radio for the Print Disabled (RPD) would apply for 12 months

funding but on this occasion they wish for the shorter term to bring the funding cycle into line with their June 30 balance date. This is convenient for NZ On Air as we do not wish to make forward commitments into the 2011/12 year.

Background 3. NZ On Air has funded NZ Radio for the Print Disabled since 1989 in line

with the station’s Broadcasting Act Section 36(c) focus on the needs of “persons with disabilities”. The funding agreement NZ On Air has with this service traditionally runs from 1 January to 31 December. For the 2009 year, NZ On Air provided funding of $105,000 + GST to the service.

4. The station continues to operate with a small and dedicated staff (chiefly

volunteers) who read aloud newspaper and magazine articles so that people who are unable to read printed words for themselves are able to keep up with what is happening in the community and the world. Volunteers put in approximately 130 hours of their time each week.

5. The service is localised to the Levin and Kapiti/Horowhenua area on an

AM frequency (1602 kHz) and a low power FM frequency. The shortwave service was discontinued last year, replaced by a stream on www.radioreading.org.

6. This last development goes some way to off-setting Print Disabled’s

restricted audience reach and opening up their service to a national audience.

7. For some time NZ On Air staff have had questions about the RPD business model and vision for the future. Some of these questions have been answered in the attached extracts from their business plan.

The Application

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3

14. Staff recommend that funding is approved and that the continuation of the increased funding level is made contingent on the provision of a report on current usage of www.radioreading.org.nz and the acceptance by us of a strategic plan to build this side of the operation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

(a) That the Board notes this paper; and

(b) agrees to provide $55,174 + GST to NZ Radio for the Print Disabled to operate its services for the 6 months 1 January to 30 June 2011;

(c) notes that continued funding at this level from 1 July 2011 should be subject to the provision of a report on current usage of www.radioreading.org.nz and the acceptance by us of a strategic plan to build this side of the operation.

KC/DECEMBER 2010

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9 December 2010 Radio Reading Service NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Inc PO Box 360 Levin 5540 Attention: Ken Sterne Dear Ken

Thank you for your recent application for 6 months opera ional funding for the Radio Reading Service.

I am pleased to confirm that the NZ On Air Boa d has approved funding to your station of $55,174 + GST for the six months ending 30 June 2011. We will forward a funding contract for your consideration shortly.

The Board noted in making this decision your strategic goal to become a truly nationwide service via the internet. To encourage you in the pursuit of this goal the Board would like to receive a report from the station before (or with) the next funding application:

• Describing the current position in terms of site usage – numbers, locations of hits, downloads etc.

• A plan for the development and marketing of the internet service in line with your strategic goal.

The Board will take this report into account when assessing the appropriate level of funding for the station for the 12 months 1 July to 30 June 2011.

Congratulations on delivering a valued service to your listeners.

Yours sincerely

Jane Wrightson Chief Executive

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Radio Reading Service Visit – NZ On Air

27 January 2011

Visitors Ken Sterne – Chair, and Adrian.

Outlined Trust’s plans to improve the website. They were due to meet a web developer after m eting with NZ On Air to progress their plans.

KC mentioned ease of use important for download (i.e. the current need to download WinAmp is an impediment).

KC outlined Board expectation that RRS will apply for 12 months funding at June meeting (deadline 21 April). Funding application to be forward looking to the next 12 months. At that time the Board is also expecting a document on the web strategy with some information about current website statistics and what the Trust plans to do to drive this area of the operation.

KS mentioned links with various disability groups.

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Appendix 1 – Application Checklist

1 Application form [to be developed]

2 Budget top sheet (summary)

3 Section 36c action plan

4 Plan for the coming year

5 Revenue plan - other sources of funding available to the station e.g. grants or sponsorship

6 Audited financial statements for the previous financial year

7 Actual audience reach within the station coverage area

8 Evidence of community support

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3 June 2011 Radio Reading Service NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Inc PO Box 360 Levin 5540 Attention: Ken Sterne Dear Mr Sterne

Thank you for your recent application for annual operational funding for the Radio Reading Service.

I am pleased to confirm that the NZ On Air Board has approved funding to your station of $110,348 + GST for the period 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012 We will forward a funding contract for your consideration shortly.

The Board noted in making this decision that some progress has been made toward your strategic goal to become a truly nationwide service via the internet. It is now this service that is of prime interest to NZ On Air. As we face increasing funding pressure, and given the changes in the broadcasting industry and audience behavior over the past two decades, NZ On Air notes that a small, localized radio service provides a diminishing level of value for money when faced with competing priorities.

I refer to the document you submitted – The Radio Reading Service Project – Extended Coverage Via The Internet. The Board has decided that renewal of funding for the Radio Reading Service in future years will only be able to be considered if the redevelopment of www.radioreading.org.nz has been completed and significant audience usage can be demonstrated.

We look forward to your enhanced on-line capability in 2012/13.

Yours sincerely


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29 March 2012

• Ken Sterne outlined the steps the Trust has been taking to improve the web delivery of RRS programmes and to form relationships with possible user groups to promote usage

• Discussion of the 2012/13 application. KC advised the Trust to provide a précis of web developments plus a paragraph concerning each of the key approaches made to other organisations.

• Important to provide baseline statistics for web use. KS cautioned that they would not be large in the first instance. KC advised that numbers important and benchmark needs to be set against which to measure future performance

• Adrian to contact KC to discuss best measures to include in application

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6 June 2012 Radio Reading Service NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Inc PO Box 360 Levin 5540 Attention: Ken Sterne Dear Mr Sterne

Thank you for your recent application for annual operational funding for the Radio Reading Service.

I am pleased to confirm that the NZ On Air Board has approved funding to your station of $110,348 + GST for the period 1 July 2012 - 30 June 2013 We will forward a funding contract for your consideration shortly.

The Board noted in making this decision the progress Radio Reading Service has made toward its strategic goal to become a truly nationwide service via the internet. Now that the internet platform has been established and marketing begun, NZ On Air would like to see meaningful progress in attracting listeners to the site over the next twelve months. The measure the Board will take into account when the station’s 2013/14 funding application is considered is the ‘Audio Stream Visits’ figure, along with any down oad statistics once an on-demand facility has been added to your site. Any other data in the form of research statistics for your AM service would also be helpful to your funding case

We wish you every success for the year ahead.

Yours sincerely


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Meeting Radio For Print Disabled – 26/04/13

Ken Sterne stepping down as Chair from July 1. Adrian taking over as a temporary measure if no other person can be found. Adrian still intends to take caravan holidays six months of the year.

Raised the idea of joining forces with Access radio. Perhaps, longer term, becoming a production studio of print disabled readings for the access radio group of stations (Adrian).

Getting a station to take RRS under its wing (Ken).

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interest groups to promote listening and formed a corner stone relationship with the Access Internet Radio platform. Radio Reading programmes are now broadcast via AIR. In our funding decision letter in 2012/13 we stated: “The Board noted in making this decision the progress Radio Reading Service has made toward its strategic goal to become a truly nationwide service via the internet. Now that the internet platform has been established and marketing begun, NZ On Air would like to see meaningful progress in attracting listeners to the site over the next twelve months. The measure the Board will take into account when the station’s 2013/14 funding application is considered is the ‘Audio Stream Visits’ figure, along with any download statistics once an on-demand facility has been added to your site. Any other data in the form of research statistics for your AM service would also be helpful to your funding case.” An assessment of the funding application for 2013/14 reveals an average of 108 audio streams per month, with 80 to 90% of those visitors listening for less than 2 minutes. That, combined with the small potential audience ion the AM frequency means the impact of the station appears to be limited. The agency must now give thought to whether continued funding of the service is a good use of taxpayer funding. Recent approaches from the Trust have suggested that they will explore the option of steering the operation under the umbrella of an access radio station or perhaps the group of access stations. This may well be the best result for all concerned although negotiations have yet to begin. Funding is recommended for one more year, along with a strongly worded decision letter.

Staff Recommendation Approve NZ On Air Funding Recommended 110,348

Subject To

____________________________ ____________________________ ______________________________ Jane Wrightson Alan Shaw Keith Collins Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer Community Broadcasting Manager

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24 June 2013 Ken Sterne Chair New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Incorporated P O Box 360 LEVIN 5540 Dear Ken 2013/14 Operating Funding NZ On Air has now considered annual radio funding applications for 2013/14. As signalled prior to the funding round, funding allocations, in general, have been kept to 2012/13 levels in line with the constrained economic environment. We are aware that stations are working hard and, in most cases, achieving excellent results. Any future funding increases, if possible, will be unlikely for stations that are not meeting or exceeding their KPI’s. In the case of Print Disabled Radio, NZ On Air has approved $110,348 for the 2013/14 funding year. A funding contract for the 2013/14 year is attached for your review. When you are happy with it, please sign and return both copies of the contract to us. We will then sign and date the contract, returning a copy o you for your records. Yours sincerely, Jane Wrightson Chief Executive

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Access Radio Funding Application Contract Number CM03952

For Consideration By

Staff Investment Committee Meeting Date 2014-05

Description Radio Reading Service 2014/15 Activity RADIO ACCESS STATION

Name of Trust/Society

NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Region Served Lower North Island

Population Coverage

(>50,000)

0 Funding Tier

Total Budget $123,850 Funding Request

$123,908.7 Funding Recommended

$110,348

Funding History and Performance Outcomes

Year Operational Funding S36c1 NZOA cost per

36c hour NZOA % of

station Income2

2011/12 110,348 n/a hrs n/a n/a

2012/13 110,348 95hrs $22.33 92%

2013/14 110,348 90hrs $24 94%

2014/15 110,348 90hrs $24 90.19%

NOTES: 1. First run, local production of priority section 36c programmes, expressed as a weekly average 2. Percentage of total station income represented by NZ On Air operational funding

Synopsis

The Radio Reading Service, also known as Print Disabled Radio, provides a reading service for those who are deaf or otherwise unable to read thems lves The station broadcasts to the Levin area and also via the internet. Numerous volunteers run the station and also generate over 90 hours of locally generated spoken content per week. Podcasts and streaming of content are to be found on the station website and also on the AIR website accessradio.org.

Value For Money Comments

In dollar terms, RRS provides the best cost per hour of any funded community radio service.

Evidence of Community support

There is little evidence of community support.

Staff Opinion

We have had concerns about the reach of the Radio Reading Service for some years. Our funding decision letters in the past have stressed the need for the service to migrate online as a way to increase its reach (formerly only those print disabled people from the Levin area who might tune in on AM radio). Change has occurred but it is occurring at a very slow pace. Web statistics indicate around 200 people per month using the service online – only a very slight increase on a year ago. There is no data as to terrestrial listenership. Overall we cannot conclude from the evidence we have available that RRS is a service that is valued by its audience. What is clear, however, is that RRS has taken our advice on board and is attempting to increase its impact. Perhaps the most welcome news is that RRS will be working with Firecrest systems – a firm that we know – to increase its online and social media presence. These plans are reflected in the high proportion of the annual budget projected to be spent on repairs and maintenance (web

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redevelopment), and the proportionately high level of capital expenditure planned for the next two years. Having set RRS on this path, it would seem reasonable to see what they can achieve from this work over the next one or two years, while making it clear in our funding decision letter that ongoing funding will be dependent on tangible results. Funding at the 2013/14 level is recommended.

Recommendation Approve NZ On Air Funding Recommended 110,348

Subject To

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1 Application form

2 Strategic plan








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29 May 2014

Adrian Kealey Chair New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Incorporated P O Box 360 LEVIN 5540 Dear Mr Kealey 2014/15 Operating Funding NZ On Air has now considered annual radio funding applications for 2014/15. Funding allocations in general have remained static, in line with the constrained economic environment. In the case of Print Disabled Radio, NZ On Air has approved $110,348 for the 2014/15 funding year. A funding contract for the coming year is attached for your review. When you are happy with it, please sign and return both copies of the contract to us. We will then sign and date the contract, returning a copy to you for your records. We commend the Trust for he work you have done in migrating the reading service online but we remain to be convinced that th s has produced tangible results in terms of increased use of the service. We will need to see some evidence of increasing usage of your service over the coming year and look forward to your reporting on this. A useful increase will be a core funding criterion for any future funding application. Best wishes for the coming year. Yours sincerely, Jane Wrightson Chief Executive

Level 2 119 Ghuznee Street PO Box 9744 Wellington 6141 New Zealand

[email protected] www.nzonair.govt.nz

Tel: 04 382 9524

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19 June 2015

Adrian Kealey Chair New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Incorporated P O Box 360 LEVIN 5540 Dear Mr Kealey 2015/16 Operating Funding NZ On Air has now considered annual radio funding applications for 2015/16. Funding allocations in general have remained static, in line with the constrained economic environment. In the case of Print Disabled Radio, NZ On Air has approved $110,348 for the 2015/16 funding year. A funding contract for the coming year is attached for your review. When you are happy with it, please sign and return both copies of the contract to us. We will then sign and date the contract, returning a copy to you for your records. We look forward to your partnership w th Firecrest Systems resulting in a tangible improvement in the amount of online listening. A useful increase will remain a core funding criterion for any future funding application. Best wishes for the coming yea . Yours sincerely, Jane Wrightson Chief Executive

Level 2 119 Ghuznee Street P O Box 9744 Wellington 6141 New Zealand


Tel: 04 382 9524 Fax: 04 382 9546

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Access Radio Funding Application Contract Number CM05048

For Consideration By Staff Investment Committee Meeting Date 2016-07

Description Radio Reading Service 2016/17 Activity RADIO ACCESS STATION

Name of Trust/Society NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Region Served Lower North Island

Population Coverage (>50,000) 27,400 Funding Tier

Total Budget $126,500 Funding Request $112,000 Funding

Recommended $110,348

Funding History and Performance Outcomes

Year Operational Funding S36c1 NZOA cost per 36c hour

NZOA % of station Income2

2014/15 110,348 90hrs $23.58 89.06% 2015/16 110,348 60hrs $35.37 88.28% 2016/17 110,348 36hrs $58.95 88.53%

NOTES: 1. First run, local production of priority section 36c programmes, expressed as a weekly average 2. Percentage of total station income represented by NZ On Air operational funding

Synopsis

The Radio Reading Service provides spoken programmes for the print disabled. This audience is made up of people with vision impairment and also those who are physically unable to handle printed material. The station transmits on AM to the Horowhenua district. RRS makes 36 hou s pe week of first-run local programmes. All hours qualify as priority s36c content.

Value For Money Comments

$59 would be a very good cost per hour for an access radio station. Only Planet FM would have better. The fall in hours between 2014/15 and 15/16 was due to us clarifying the reporting. There has been a significant fall in hours and a consequent rise in cost per hour over the last 12 months. This combined with the niche programming being delivered to a small potential audience calls into question the actual value for money of the Radio Reading Service.

Evidence of Community support

Apart from the volunteers who come into the station to record programming little evidence of community support is provided. Online audience numbers are very modest.

Staff Opinion

We have been funding the Radio Reading Service at the level of $110,348 for several years. We have been exhorting the s ation since 2012 to focus time and resources into internet distribution in order to give the station an acceptable footprint. Funding decision letters since then have stated that a meaningful increase in online audience would be important for funding to be continued. The audience has increased but the sample month statistics provided for www.radioreading.org.nz for April show only 135 users (75% of them new). Streams and downloads on the AIR site are unknown (average of 110 per month for the same time last year). Funding of $110,348 is recommended with a statement in the funding decision letter that a successful funding application in 2017/18 is unlikely without a significant increase in online usage. SIC may wish to discuss a minimum viable audience figure to include in the letter.

Recommendation Approve NZ On Air Funding Recommended 110,348 Subject To

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Reference: 2016-07 20 June 2016 Steve Jepson Acting Chair New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Incorporated P O Box 360 LEVIN 5540 Dear Mr Jepson 2016/17 Operating Funding

NZ On Air has now considered annual radio funding applications for 2016/17. Funding allocations in general have remained static, in line with the constrained economic environment. In the case of The Radio Reading Service, NZ On Air has approved up to $110,348 (plus GST if registered) for the 2016/17 funding year. A funding contract is attached for your review. In order to confirm this funding, please return both copies of the agreement signed by you. We will then sign both copies and return one copy to you for your records. Our agreement to fund you will be finalised if we sign and return the agreement to you. NZ On Air recognizes the dedication of your volunteer Society, your manager, and the many volunteer readers who all contribute so much personal effort to the needs of print disabled listeners around Levin. There are now multiple options for al listeners, however, and despite your best efforts in recent years, audiences levels have not improved. As NZ On Air operates in a constrained funding environment and every dollar of funding investment must be closely examined for effectiveness, I am sorry to advise that this funding will be the last year we can support your service. We will be unable to provide funding after 30 June 2017 and trust that a year’s notice will be sufficient for the Society to plan for a changed environment. I am happy to attend a Society meeting if you would like to discuss this further. Our offer is open for funding for 2016/17 for two months from the date of this letter. If you have not signed and returned the agreement to us by then, you will need to re-apply if you still want funding. The funding contract will form a legal agreement between New Zealand Radio for the Print Disabled Incorporated and NZ On Air, so you should take legal advice if you need any explanation of its terms. We draw your attention to revised clauses regarding your acknowledgement of your obligations and compliance in relation to health and safety, your agreement to comply with all laws and regulations, and a covenant that “the station has sufficient resources to meet its obligations under this Agreement.” Yours sincerely, Jane Wrightson Chief Executive

Level 2 119 Ghuznee Street P O Box 9744 Wellington 6141 New Zealand


Tel: 04 382 9524 Fax: 04 382 9546

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PO Box 360

Levin New Zealand 23rd Feb 2017

NZ on Air - Report to 30 Dec 2016

The Board had new members appointed at the AGM last August. They are currently settling into their new roles.

A new position of Program Development Coordinator has been taken by a new Board member to improve the “sound” and on-air presentation of the station and a Financial Administration Officer has also been appointed.

The Radio Reading Service has continued grow its patronage through greater implementation of "on demand" and live streaming on the internet.

New volunteers continue to be trained in reading and operating for the Reading Service. Live to Air development: We are –

• Introducing live and pre-recorded pointers to promote our website (live streaming and podcasts).

• Encouraging presenters, through training days, to develop presentation skills including vocabulary, Maori pronunciation, and cross promotion of on air programs, and podcasts;

• Encouraging regular feedback from listeners. Podcast Development: Planned developments are –

• Developing specialist podcasts in association with Te Takere (the Levin Library), and English Language Partners New Zealand.

• Initially Te Takere’s (local library) book reviewer will read her reviews as a podcast, and inform listeners as to their availability, in audio book, print, and/or large print. We expect this will encourage interest in the library’s collection. Each month she reviews around 8 books, from which we choose our ‘Talking Books,’ which are broadcast each morning.

• We anticipate further co-operation with the Library in the future, including an involvement in their ‘Festival of Stories,’ in which we will mount a display of the Radio Reading story, and record some of the guest storytellers to offer as podcasts, and possibly as free to air broadcasts.

• Through this close contact with our local Library, and our established link to the National

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Library, we will align with the National Library’s strategic directions to 2030, themed Taonga, Knowledge, and Reading, with the aim that by 2030, reading for pleasure will be a part of a national campaign that targets New Zealand’s functional literacy levels.

• We envisage producing a range of podcasts to help readers of all ages and levels, along the lines of – “borrow a book from the library, and follow it being read on a Radio Reading podcast.”

• We will soon start recording books written to help those learning English as a second language, to be made available as podcasts. Initially this will be done in co-operation with ELPNZ, but we hope to add other associates in the future to extend this service, which ELPNZ has identified as an area in which there is a market gap. (We have already noticed our daily reading of the Dominion Post is popular online in Brazil).

• We will also be looking to develop a ‘Podcast button’ on the new website to enable easy, direct access to podcasts.

We see an increasing need for our service as the aging population increases nationally and especially locally, where there is a rapidly increasing Retirement and Rest Home population. We intend to increase the number of presentations we make with our PowerPoint app (see below) to local community groups in the Kapiti/Horowhenua area that contain members of our target audience.

The PowerPoint Presentation that was developed last year is being upgraded to include a sound track that will make presentation to groups easier and more effective. The presentation will be made available to download via a link from the new RRS website.

Avenues of advertising our service to our target audience in local, national and international communities are being explored. Firecrest are developing a presence for us on FaceBook and Twitter. These media will be managed collaboratively between FireCrest and two Board members. The development of a totally redesigned website with audio prompting and content is being worked on by FireCrest We have adopted the use of Microsoft 365 as our official communications package for the Board, staff etc. This is being managed by FireCrest and a Board member. Streaming apps for Android and iPhone have been difficult to establish due to political/commercial stumbling blocks along the way. A "single channel" internet receiver is being considered as a promotional tool for our Web services. Support for this project has been offered by FireCrest. A unit is due for evaluating in the next few months.

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INTERNET STATS FOR RADIO READING SERVICE: 1 July 2016 – 31 Dec 2016

1 Jan 2017 – 1 Mar 2017

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Hilaire Carmody

From: Glenn UsmarSent: Friday, 1 February 2019 11:34 AMTo: Hilaire CarmodySubject: FW: Briefing note; Radio Reading Service

From: Sophie Bradley < > Sent: Friday, 31 March 2017 1:09 PM To: Jane Wrightson < > Cc: Glenn Usmar < > Subject: RE: Briefing note; Radio Reading Service Thanks jane

From: Jane Wrightson [mailto ] Sent: Friday, 31 March 2017 12:09 p.m. To: Sophie Bradley < > Cc: Glenn Usmar < > Subject: Briefing note; Radio Reading Service Hi Sophie As referenced in yesterday’s monthly report, here is a short briefing on this service and our intention to cease funding at 30 June. Please contact me if you have any further questions. Cheers Jane

Jane Wrightson

Chief Executive

NZ On Air | Irirangi Te Motu

04 38 9524

DDI: (Nicky Andrew, EA)

www nzonair.govt.nz

follow us on Facebook or Twitter

PO Box 9744 | Wellington | New Zealand 6141

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BRIEFING NOTE: RADIO READING SERVICE

1. NZ On Air has been funding the Radio Reading Service (RRS) since 1993. The first allocation that year was $71,500; the allocation latest for the period to 30 June 2017 was $110,348. Additional funding of less than $15,000 is secured from grants and donations.

2. The service is for ‘print disabled’ people who cannot see, read or access printed literature. It broadcasts 24/7 on a non-commercial AM frequency (1602AM) and also a LPFM frequency.

3. The RRS is run by an incorporated society based in Levin (NZ Radio For The Print Disabled Inc). It was established in 1985 and began broadcasting in 1987. There are two paid employees and a number of volunteers. See http://www.radioreading org.nz/index.aspx

4. A typical day’s radio schedule involves volunteers reading aloud the Dominion Post, the community newspaper, various magazines such as the NZ Listener, Woman’s Weekly etc., horoscopes and book readings.

5. The service is traditional and focused on the Horowhenua community. For some years NZ On Air has been encouraging the RRS to develop online access to try and achieve better audience numbers at a national level and also join the Access Internet Radio project so content could be used by access radio stations.

6. The volunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, and have tried hard to adapt. However there is little appreciable increase in audience (e.g. online users number in the low hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearly valued by the vision impaired community or the refugee and migrant community.

7. In short, the internet, for example podcasting, has provided new and widely different ways for print disabled people to access media since the service was conceived in the mid-1980s.The RRS is a marginal proposition at best.

8. NZ On Air advised in its June 2016 funding letter that 2016/2017 would be the final year’s funding, providing a year’s notice of intention to cease funding. The Chief Executive and Head of Funding met with the Board in Levin on 30 March 2017 to discuss this. The Board was unable to provide any real evidence that the service would be able to grow and NZ On Air reiterated its own financial constraints, changing audience options, and our view that the service could not be considered core business for us. On request, we advised that we would be very happy to provide references to any other government agencies about the good reporting and accountability processes that RRS provides.

9. The meeting was amicable and while the Trustees are yet to decide on their plans for the future, most seem resigned to closing the service.

NZ On Air 31 March 2017

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From: Allanah KalafatelisTo: Sadie BeckmanSubject: RE: Possible Closure of the NZ Radio Reading Service.Date: Wednesday, 26 April 2017 2:21:00 PM

Hi Sadie, I’ve had a look at what’s happened and here’s what I can tell you. The Radio Reading Service has been funded by NZ On Air for over two decades. This year weprovided $110,348 in funding. NZ On Air is under considerable financial constraint, with nofunding increase in the past nine years, and increasing demand from a wide variety of platformsand producers. We have been encouraging the Radio Reading Service for some years now to increase its reachand service. The volunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, andhave tried hard to adapt. However there is little appreciable increase in audience (e.g. onlineusers number in the low hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearly valuedby the vision impaired community or the refugee and migrant community. This, combined with the new options provided by digital technology since the Radio ReadingService was conceived, mean we can no longer justify the investment. We advised the RadioReading Service board in June 2016 that this would be the last year of funding, giving the servicea year’s notice of our intention so they could plan. We appreciate this is sad news for the dedicated volunteers: we have valued their efforts verymuch. Hopefully this answers your questions but if there’s anything else let me know. Cheers,Allanah

Allanah Kalafatelis | Head of Communications

NZ On Air | Irirangi Te Motu

04 (ddi) | (mob) www.nzonair.govt.nz | NZ On Air (Facebook) | @nzonair (Twitter)

PO Box 9744 | Wellington | New Zealand | 6141 NZ On Air | Supporting local content

From: Sadie Beckman [mailto ] Sent: Wednesday, 26 April 2017 12:05 p.m.To: Allanah Kalafatelis < >Subject: Fwd: Possible Closure of the NZ Radio Reading Service.

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Hi Allanah, thanks for speaking with me just now. Here is the statement I received fromthe Radio Reading Service.Questions are:How long has this service been funded by NZ on Air?Why has the funding been cut now?Is there any possibility they could be funded again in future, eg criteria they could meet torequalify? If you can get something to me by the end of the day, that would be great.Thanks,Sadie Sent from my Samsung device

-------- Original message --------From: gary gloag < > Date: 26/04/17 9:39 AM (GMT+12:00) To: Sadie Beckman < > Subject: Possible Closure of the NZ Radio Reading Service

Hi Sadie In response to your phone query to Kathryn Taylor at the Radio Reading Service earlierthis week, about the possible closure of our service, the following statement is from theBoard of the NZ Radio Reading Service: Statement begins: After 30 years of service to the print disabled community, the NZ Radio Reading Servicehas been advised by the Central Government funded agency New Zealand on Air, that nofunding for the Service will be available beyond June 2017.Unless alternative funding can be secured, the studio located in Queen St, Levin, may haveto close down. End of statement. Regards Gary Gloag Secretary - NZ Radio Reading Service Inc.

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NOTICE This email and any attachments are strictly confidential and subject to copyright. Theymay contain privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient please delete themessage and notify the sender. You should not read, copy, use, change, alter or disclosethis email or its attachments without authorisation. The company and any related or

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associated companies do not accept any liability in connection with this email and anyattachments including in connection with computer viruses, data corruption, delay,interruption, unauthorised access or unauthorised amendment. Any views expressed in thisemail and any attachments do not necessarily reflect the views of the company or theviews of any of our related or associated companies. NZME Ltd / NZME Holdings Ltd /NZME. Publishing Ltd / NZME. Radio Ltd / NZME. Educational Media Ltd / GrabOneLtd

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1 NZ ON AIR BOARD MEETING | 10 MAY 2017 | CONFIDENTIAL | NZOA FILE REF: G 2.1 | AGENDA ITEM 3.1

AGENDA ITEM 3.1 GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NZ MEDIA FUND: YTD PROGRESS ..................................................................................................................... 7

PERFORMANCE MEASURES . ............................................................................................................................. 12

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BRIEFING NOTE: RADIO READING SERVICE

1. NZ On Air has been funding the Radio Reading Service (RRS) since 1993. The first allocation

that year was $71,500; the allocation latest for the period to 30 June 2017 was $110,348.

Additional funding of less than $15,000 is secured from grants and donations.

2. The service is for ‘print disabled’ people who cannot see, read or access printed literature. It

broadcasts 24/7 on a non-commercial AM frequency (1602AM) and also a LPFM frequency.

3. The RRS is run by an incorporated society based in Levin (NZ Radio For The Print Disabled

Inc). It was established in 1985 and began broadcasting in 1987. There are two paid

employees and a number of volunteers. See http://www.radioreading org.nz/index.aspx

4. A typical day’s radio schedule involves volunteers reading aloud the Dominion Post, the

community newspaper, various magazines such as the NZ Listener, Woman’s Weekly etc.,

horoscopes and book readings.

5. The service is traditional and focused on the Horowhenua community. For some years NZ On

Air has been encouraging the RRS to develop online access to try and achieve better

audience numbers at a national level and also join the Access Internet Radio project so

content could be used by access radio stations.

6. The volunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, and have tried

hard to adapt. However there is little appreciable increase in audience (e.g. online users

number in the low hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearly valued by

the vision impaired community or the refugee and migrant community.

7. In short, the internet, for example podcasting, has provided new and widely different ways

for print disabled people to access media since the service was conceived in the mid-

1980s.The RRS is a marginal proposition at best.

8. NZ On Air advised in its June 2016 funding letter that 2016/2017 would be the final year’s

funding, providing a year’s notice of intention to cease funding. The Chief Executive and

Head of Funding met with the Board in Levin on 30 March 2017 to discuss this. The Board

was unable to provide any real evidence that the service would be able to grow and NZ On

Air reiterated its own financial constraints, changing audience options, and our view that the

service could not be considered core business for us. On request, we advised that we would

be very happy to provide references to any other government agencies about the good

reporting and accountability processes that RRS provides.

9. The meeting was amicable and while the Trustees are yet to decide on their plans for the

future, most seem resigned to closing the service.

NZ On Air 31 March 2017

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From: Allanah KalafatelisTo: "Leigh Huffine"Subject: FW: Levin Radio Reading ServiceDate: Wednesday, 5 December 2018 9:58:00 AM

Hi Leigh,FYI please see my response to a journalist today re Radio Reading Service which was thesubject of a ministerial earlier in the year. CheersAllanah

From: Allanah Kalafatelis Sent: Wednesday, 5 December 2018 9:57 AMTo: ' < >Subject: FW: Levin Radio Reading Service Hi Alex, Please see response below. I am in a Board meeting all day but if you have anyfurther questions email me and I will try to respond. Nga mihi,Allanah The Radio Reading Service was funded by NZ On Air for over two decades. Last year weprovided $110,348 in funding. NZ On Air is under considerable financial constraint, with nobaseline funding increase in the past ten years, and increasing demand from a wide varietyof platforms and producers. We encouraged the Radio Reading Service for some years to increase its reach and service. The volunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, and havetried hard to adapt However there was no appreciable increase in audience (e.g. onlineusers number in the low hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearlyvalued by the vision impaired community or the refugee and migrant community. This, combined with the new options provided by digital technology since the RadioReading Service was conceived, mean we can no longer justify the investment. In June2016 we gave the Radio Reading Service Board a year’s notice of our intention to endfunding and we ceased funding in June 2017. We do also fund access radio to provide radio services throughout the country for minorityaudiences, including the disabled. And we provide annual funding for access disabilityservices - captioning and audio description on screen content, which includes a widevariety of programmes on the main television channels. Simply put, there are other,arguably better, options today that were not available when the Radio Reading Servicebegan two decades ago.

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From: Alex Loo < > Sent: Tuesday, 4 December 2018 1:33 PMTo: Allanah Kalafatelis < >Subject: Levin Radio Reading Service Hi there Allanah, I am currently writing an article about the impending closure of the Radio Reading Servicein Levin. When I was interviewing the service's chairman, Tom Frewen, he claimed thatthe closure was being directly caused by NZ on Air discontinuing funding for the servicelast year. He also stated that NZ on Air are required under the Broadcasting Act to fundbroadcasting for disabled people. I wanted to get some comment from NZ on Air about why the funding was cut andwhether NZ on Air are required to fund these types of services. Thanks,Alex LooReporter E | P | M 51 The Square, Palmerston North, 4440, New ZealandPO Box 3, Palmerston North, 4440

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From: Allanah KalafatelisTo: Emma BrewertonSubject: RE: Ministerial about radio reading serviceDate: Friday, 8 December 2017 3:20:48 PM

Might be worth a shot but only if they have a plan to expand their users, which they didn’t have.But maybe the axing of funding will have given them new impetus.

From: Emma Brewerton [mailto ] Sent: Friday, 8 December 2017 3:19 p.m.To: Allanah Kalafatelis < >Subject: RE: Ministerial about radio reading service Hi AllanahYes - thanks, this is very useful context. I was wondering about whether they might be eligible forlottery funding but figured I should check with you before exploring that, given your knowledgeof their operation..(?) Do you think that would be worth a shot?Thanks againCheers Emma

From: Allanah Kalafatelis [mailto ] Sent: Friday, 8 December 2017 1:42 p.m.To: Emma Brewerton < >Subject: RE: Ministerial about radio reading service Hi Emma,Unfortunately there is no good news. We did have to cut funding. Here’s the explanation. The Radio Reading Service has been funded by NZ On Air for over two decades. This year weprovided $110,348 in funding NZ On Air is under considerable financial constraint, with nofunding increase in the past n ne years, and increasing demand from a wide variety of platformsand producers. We have been encouraging the Radio Reading Service for some years now to increase its reachand service The volunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, andhave tried hard to adapt. However there is little appreciable increase in audience (e.g. onlineusers number in the low hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearly valuedby the vision impaired community or the refugee and migrant community. This, combined with the new options provided by digital technology since the Radio ReadingService was conceived, mean we can no longer justify the investment. We advised the RadioReading Service board in June 2016 that this would be the last year of funding, giving the servicea year’s notice of our intention so they could plan. Hope that’s of some use to you. Kind regards,Allanah

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From: Emma Brewerton [mailto ] Sent: Friday, 8 December 2017 12:23 p.m.To: Allanah Kalafatelis < >Subject: Ministerial about radio reading service Hi AllanahJust wondered if NZ On Air has any helpful comments on the Ministerial below. Is he right thatNZ On Air cut the funding, or if not, how can I put him straight? (And if so, are there some nicewords of hope or consolation I could give him (?))Many thanksCheers Emma Dear Minister, Following the publication of two stories in the Sunday Star Times today: “Siri killed the radiostars,” by Paul Mitchell; and “A gift RNZ can’t return,” by Tom Pullar-Strecker; I’m prompted to write to you. Earlier this year in preparing a submission to NZ on Air in the hope of saving some funding forthe New Zealand Radio Reading Service, I became aware of interesting and unique directions in which the Radio ReadingService, using its expertise, could move o b oaden and build its audience both on air and on line. UnfortunatelyNZoA had already decided to cut funding (of around $110,000), to the station, so my ideas fell on deaf ears. So, ow seeing the Government has plans to increase funding for public broadcasting by some$38 million dollars, I wonder if The Radio Reading Service may be given the opportunity to make submissions toyourself, and/or your department in order to gain funding to develop the Service’s potential.

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The NZ Radio Reading Service has been funded through NZoA for thirty years, I see that as aninvestment which can be built on with a positive direction, rather than being left to flounder. I’m also aware that in a smallway the station has been contributing to the local economy for three decades; it’d be nice to see that contributiongrow rather than reverse. I thank you for your consideration, and look forward to your reply. Yours sincerely, Geoff Ritchie. Program Manager. NZ Radio for the Print Disabled Inc. Emma Brewerton | Senio Adviser, Ministerial ServicesManatu Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage Promoting a confident and connected culture Public Trust Building, 131 Lambton Quay, WellingtonPO Box 5364 Wellington 6140Ph +64 4 499 4229 ext Mob

| www.mch.govt.nz

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From: Allanah KalafatelisTo: "Harry Evans"Subject: Response re Radio Reading ServiceDate: Monday, 14 January 2019 12:08:00 PM

Kia ora Harry, Thanks for your call earlier. As I said, I answered some questions from Alex Loo at Stuff latelast year on this subject and the response is below for your information. The Radio Reading Service was funded by NZ On Air for over two decades. Last year we provided$110,348 in funding. NZ On Air is under considerable financial constraint, with no baselinefunding increase in the past ten years, and increasing demand from a wide variety of platformsand producers. We encouraged the Radio Reading Service for some years to increase its reach and service. Thevolunteer board members have been responsible, are clearly dedicated, and have tried hard toadapt. However there was no appreciable increase in audience (e.g. online users number in thelow hundreds), radio reach is localised, and the service is not clearly valued by the visionimpaired community or the refugee and migrant community. This, combined with the new options provided by digital technology since the Radio ReadingService was conceived, mean we can no longer justify the investment. In June 2016 we gave theRadio Reading Service Board a year’s notice of ou intention to end funding and we ceasedfunding in June 2017. We do also fund access radio to provide radio services throughout the country for minorityaudiences, including the disabled. And we provide annual funding for access disability services -captioning and audio description on screen content, which includes a wide variety ofprogrammes on the main television channels. Simply put, there are other, arguably better,options today that were not available when the Radio Reading Service began two decades ago. Please let me know if you need anything more, or need anything clarified. Nga mihi, Allanah Allanah KalafatelisHead of CommunicationsNZ On AirDDI / Mob Connecting and reflecting our nation

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Connecting and reflecting our nation · On 30 March 2017 NZ On Air’s funding head and I drove up to meet the Trust at the station premises, after we had writte n to advise that

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