Triangle Television Puts Auckland Under Scrutiny

Auckland's big issues will be the subject of intelligent investigation and discussion on Triangle Television's new current affairs show, Scrutiny.

Screening weekly on Thursdays at 7.30pm from 4 May 2006, Scrutiny is part-funded by New Zealand on Air and features former community newspaper editor and respected journalist Edward Rooney as host and interviewer. It has a short, sharp, 15-minute format, during which local decision-makers and authorities will come under intense questioning from Rooney in the role of people's champion. All programmes will be filmed at Triangle Television's Grey Lynn studio.

Rooney, who has 20 years' experience at newsgathering - 19 of them in Auckland – says: "This is a great opportunity to move into television. It's a whole new area for me, and Scrutiny is particularly exciting because it allows me to really tackle those Auckland-specific issues - and get immediate answers.

"There's plenty of Auckland news in print, but when you look at mainstream television, there's a definite gap. That's because our issues tend to be diluted for a nationwide audience. I mean to fill that gap, and I'll be doing it by posing the hard questions to Auckland's decision-makers."

"We are really looking forward to the launch of Scrutiny," says Triangle Television Chief Executive Jim Blackman. "Our audience has grown significantly since we achieved blanket Auckland coverage, and our local content has matured accordingly. We think Scrutiny is just what the city needs: a frank, non-commercial forum for its weighty issues."

Jim Blackman thinks there has probably never been a better time to launch a show of this kind.

"Aucklanders are no longer prepared to take things lying down: they really do want a say in the city's future. Edward will be their watchdog, examining subjects that matter greatly to them. Our interviewees really will come under scrutiny, and won't be forearmed with all the questions Edward intends to ask."

Latin American link

Also part-funded by New Zealand on Air and in production at Triangle Television's studio is a ten-week current affairs programme specifically aimed at Auckland's growing number of South American residents. Content will include news flashes from abroad, interviews, cultural events, food, music, dance and sports, as well as links for community assistance and notice boards. Countries involved in the project are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The programme is expected to go to air in June.

ENDS

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