The dynamics of dependency: A Polynesian encounter with television

Varan, D. (1999) The dynamics of dependency: A Polynesian encounter with television. Critical Studies in Mass Communication, 16 (2). pp. 197-225.

Abstract

The Cook Islands experience in acquiring television programming is explored highlighting push, pull and temporal factors accounting for the creation and maintenance of dependency relationships. The author situates this experience within the South Pacific region and demonstrates how the dependency relationships which have ensued cannot be reduced to ‘natural’ market forces alone. Rather, a range of strategies which TVNZ has employed to further reinforce such dependency and limit access to alternative suppliers are documented. The increasing availability of direct satellite broadcasting, however, and/or a shift in TVNZ's approach may help improve the situation in the near future although long‐term implications remain to be seen.