New Zealand On Air won't give taxpayer funding for another series of The X Factor and is steering clear of other big talent show formats, the funding agency confirmed today.
But the agency said the pullback from reality talent shows was not due to the bullying by judges Willie Moon and Natalia Kills of contestant Joe Irvine, with the decision made months ago.
After it funded the current series, "New Zealand on Air decided that we had higher priorities for spending," said spokeswoman Allanah Kalafatelis.
New Zealand On Air paid MediaWorks $1.6 million for The X Factor series last year - where Moon and Kills were not judges - and $800,000 for this year's series, where they were.
In 2012 New Zealand On Air paid $1.6 million and $800,000 for the second series in 2013.
Funding for the heavily sponsored reality show has attracted controversy in the past partly because of the high commercial value, overseas-based control and hefty fees charged by the franchise owner Simon Cowell.
Kalafatelis said the shows provided a big profile for New Zealand performers.
The format was popular overseas and received taxpayer funding because it was expensive to make and would not be made without taxpayer support.
But the agency said the pullback from reality talent shows was not due to the bullying by judges Willie Moon and Natalia Kills of contestant Joe Irvine, with the decision made months ago.
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Celeb News: X Factor Cut because of Natalia & Willy
