Commissioning platform support

To apply for Scripted and Non-fiction funding, applicants must confirm the platform where their content will appear. This gives NZ On Air reassurance the content will be completed and reach its audience.

Understanding how we assess funding applications will help you best support content applications you are the commissioning platform for.

We aim to inspire, engage, and entertain local audiences with the stories and songs of Aotearoa. We do this by investing in quality, diverse, and discoverable content.

Our strategy is based on public media principles like:

• enhancing the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand
• expanding the variety and inclusivity of local content accessible to New Zealanders
• guaranteeing content is easily accessible
• strengthening social cohesion
• promoting well-informed discussions.

Our publicly-funded content not only entertains but also has a clear cultural or social purpose. These objectives set public media apart from commercial media. Be sure to check our funding round deadlines for key dates.

When supporting a content proposal, consider these key questions.

• Is your cash contribution sufficient in a competitive funding environment?
• Do you have a strong strategy to reach your target audience?
• Is the production team experienced and capable of delivering high-quality content?
• Are your commissioning processes effective for overseeing the project?

Free access to content

We expect funded content to be freely accessible early in its release.

While we prefer first-run free access, exceptions may be made based on the cultural and business case, provided free access is a core part of the proposal.

Post-licence content availability

After the initial licence period, funded content should remain easy to access.

Why co-investment matters

Co-investment shows market interest in your project and increases its chances of success. It also reduces the funding needed from us, allowing us to support more projects.

A strong co-investment from your platform is highly valued. Other co-funding sources may also be considered. Projects seeking 100% funding from NZ On Air will only be approved under special circumstances, so please discuss this with us before applying.

Types of co-investment

Co-investment can take several forms:

• platform cash contribution
• in-kind contributions
• third-party cash contributions.

Direct financial support for the production budget is our preferred option and will be a key factor in our funding decision.

Non-cash contributions, such as resources or services that contribute to the production budget, may also be considered.

Sponsorship or other funding secured by the producer can also be eligible as co-investment.

Promotional support

We expect platforms to provide extensive promotional support for funded projects. The level and value of this promotion will be considered when assessing applications, but it won’t replace the need for a production budget contribution.

Register your platform

Make sure your platform is registered in our online funding application portal well before the funding deadline.

Coordinate application support

We recommend having a single point of contact within your organisation to coordinate and authorise support for NZ On Air applications.

Incorrect or incomplete information can negatively impact a funding application, and we may not be able to follow up on discrepancies.

Confirming platform support

When an applicant nominates your platform as a distribution channel, you must formally confirm your support.

• Primary platforms: Confirm your commitments online in the application portal
• Other platforms: Provide written confirmation to the producer before the application deadline so they can upload it with their application.

Application verification

After logging in to the application portal you can see a list of applications that cite you as the primary platform.

You’ll need to review and verify these applications, confirming your contribution within three working days of the deadline.

Information accuracy

Ensure all information provided to NZ On Air is complete and accurate, as we may rely on it.

Both parties agree to protect each other’s confidential information, subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and other legal obligations.

Audience alignment

As part of our assessment, we’ll consider the platform’s ability to attract an audience that matches the target audience for the content.

Rated channels

If your platform is included in the Nielsen ratings or industry-approved radio surveys, we’ll use that data to assess your channel’s performance. You’re welcome to provide additional data.

Online or niche channels

If your platform is online or niche, we’ll ask for information about:

• your key audience
• viewer/listener profile
• reach
• how you market and promote to audiences.

This information is required during platform registration in our online portal.