The chair of Te Putahi Paoho, the electoral college which chooses the board of Maori Television, says new spectrum allocations could expand opportunities to broadcast in the Maori language, te reo.
Waatea News reports Maori broadcasting claimants have decided to enter negotiations with the Crown over how Maori should share in the digital dividend - the reallocation of spectrum once the switch is made from analogue to digital television.
Tu Williams says the claimants want to see more channels created for regional Maori broadcasters.
He says previous allocation of radio, television and third generation mobile phone spectrum shows what Maori need to benefit economically and culturally from the development of technology.
Mr Williams says Maori need the opportunity to train and acquire the skills to meet rapidly changing technology.
He says new ways of delivering content create more opportunities to maintain te reo Maori.
