Sky Launches New Zealand's First Christian Channel

Sky Launches New Zealand's First Christian Channel

Shine Television, New Zealand's first national Christian TV channel is here and it promises to bring a spiritual shine to the nation.

The channel which goes on air on Sunday December 1 will be available on SKY Digital Channel 99 and also on UHF Channel 56 in Christchurch (previously Freedom TV).

Shine TV will reach all 360,000 subscribers on SKY's digital service, (a potential audience of 800,000 New Zealanders), plus the majority of people in the Christchurch region, broadcasting a mix of international and locally produced programs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Shine Television's Chief Executive Denis Delaney said, "The aim of the channel will be to shine - not compare, not judge - just shine. Shine sees itself as just one of many light stands in the community with programs transmitting the light of good deed and thought to the nation."

"Shine Television will be more than entertainment," Mr Delaney said. "It will be informative, relevant and educational but, most importantly, it will be a television channel that you can trust. This will be a television channel that viewers can rely on to play only programs reflecting sound Biblical values."

Mr Delaney said that Shine Television's mission is to provide a Christian lifestyle channel that upholds traditional values - and in so doing become a market leader in New Zealand television.
The channel will bring local chat shows, cartoons, documentaries, news, interviews and movies, chosen not for their sensationalism or shock factor, but rather for professionalism, relevance, authenticity, intelligence, and entertainment value
SKY Television Chief Executive, John Fellet said, "We believe that Shine will cover an important segment of the television universe that is currently under served by all existing broadcasters in New Zealand."

Shine Television aims to be a 100% family friendly channel with something for everyone, like great drama, hot shows for teens, thought provoking discussion, powerful documentaries and inspirational teaching.

Shine will have a solid line-up of local and international programs, and it is committed to providing quality programming aligned with sound values.

Shine TV is a joint venture with Rhema Broadcasting Group - which has been bringing Christian radio to New Zealand since 1978 and today reaches 95% of New Zealand's population with its three radio networks: New Zealand's Rhema Network, Southern Star and Life FM.

Both Rhema Broadcasting Group and Shine Television are charitable organisations that receive most of their funding from supporters. Shine TV will deliver a wide range of positive programmes that respect New Zealand’s unique bi-cultural heritage and multi-cultural society.

Viewers can tune in to watch the official launch of Shine TV LIVE on SKY Digital Channel 99 at 2pm, Sunday December 1.

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