New Zealand Considers New Rules for International Streaming Services
The New Zealand government is investigating how international streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, affect the local media industry. Local broadcasters and content creators argue that these unregulated services are damaging their business. As a result, the government is looking for ways to support and protect the country’s own film and television sectors.
For several years, local television stations and filmmakers have struggled to compete with global giants. Because these international services do not follow the same rules as local companies, they have a significant advantage. This situation has led to a decrease in funding and fewer viewers for New Zealand’s own stories and news programs.
To address these challenges, the government is considering several new policies. One major idea is to charge a "levy," which is a type of tax, on international streaming platforms. Another option is to introduce a "local content quota." This rule would require streaming services to include a specific amount of New Zealand-made content in their libraries for local subscribers.
In addition to taxes and quotas, the government might require these platforms to invest directly in the local screen industry. This could mean that global companies would have to fund the production of new New Zealand films or series. Such a move would help create more jobs for local actors, writers, and technical crews who have been affected by the rise of digital streaming.
While no final decisions have been made yet, the goal is to create a fairer environment for everyone in the media industry. By introducing these new regulations, the government hopes to protect New Zealand’s unique culture. This would ensure that local creators can continue to tell their stories even as global companies dominate the digital world.