The Commerce Commission today cleared TVNZ's subsidiary, Horizon Pacific Television Limited, to acquire the assets of CTV.
CTV operates a regional television station in Christchurch, and Horizon Pacific operates regional television stations from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin.
Commission Chairman Dr Alan Bollard said that while the acquisition would increase TVNZ's interests in television broadcasting in the Christchurch region and in the rights to use some television transmission frequencies, this would not result in TVNZ acquiring or strengthening a dominant position in the relevant markets.
In reaching this conclusion, the Commission had regard to the competition provided by other television broadcasters in the region - TV3, Sky and CRY - and to the potential for entry by others. It also took into account the significant number of frequency rights which would remain outside TVNZ's control.
Media contact:Vincent Cholewa, Communications Officer
