Commerce Commission tools too blunt to deal with the growing convergence and an independent regulator would be a better option, says ASX-listed Quickflix.

The revenue figures, sourced from returns prepared by TVNZ, MediaWorks TV and SKY Network Television including Prime, showed TV advertising revenue rose $11.4 million to $618.1 million.

Listed Skycity has obtained permission to buy the stakes in Christchurch and Queenstown held by Skyline Enterprises, which says it knows nothing about the deal.

One of the greatest enigmas surrounding Freeview is that it misses one of New Zealand’s key free-to-air channels – Prime.

Sadly, without government regulation, this situation is unlikely to change.

Sky bought Prime in 2006 for $30.26 million, squeaking the sale past the Commerce Commission.