More Local Content on TV in 2006

30 March 2006

Media Release

More Local Content on TV in 2006

Locally produced programming on New Zealand television is set to increase, with all free-to-air, nation wide channels agreeing to commit to minimum screening targets for 2006. Television Local Content Group Chairman, Rick Ellis, announced this year’s targets today, noting that for the first time, Māori Television and music channel C4 will join TVNZ, TV3 and Prime in contributing to the tally.

"With all the free-to-air channels now on board we have a clear picture of the firm commitment these broadcasters have to screening local programmes,“ Mr Ellis said.

“TVNZ has agreed to a target of 54.2% for TV One and 18% for TV2, and 20.6% of TV3’s 2006 schedule will be locally produced.

“This year Prime has committed to a target of 3.9%, C4 to 26% and for Māori Television the target is 89%,” Mr Ellis said.

The Television Local Content Group – made up of representatives of TVNZ, TV3, Prime TV, Māori Television, the Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA), and NZ On Air – sets targets in four genres: children's programmes; drama and comedy; documentary, information and entertainment; and news, current affairs and sport.

The results are measured in NZ On Air’s annual Local Content Report, with the 2005 figures due out next month.

"The targets for 2006 are fairly consistent with those set for 2005 for the broadcasters who agreed targets then, and the new targets for C4 and Māori Television are welcome," Mr Ellis said. "There is a drop in TV2’s local content target, which reflects a decision to screen less sport, and to discontinue some programmes.

“Overall, though, the targets represent a significant commitment on the part of New Zealand’s television broadcasters to provide New Zealanders with quality locally-produced content,” Mr Ellis said. “The addition of targets for C4 and Māori Television mean there will be more of it to see this year.

" NZ On Air research concludes that New Zealanders watch local programmes, and they like them,” he said, “and it continues to show that the majority of those surveyed say there should be a set amount of local content on free-to-air TV."

ENDS

This media release is available on the Internet at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Additional Information for Reporters

Television Local Content Targets - 2006

TV One: 54.2%
TV2: 18%
TV3: 20.6%
C4: 26%
Prime TV: 3.9%
Māori Television: 89%

Genre Targets

Children's programmes: 1,138.8 hours
Drama/Comedy: 416.6 hours
Documentary/Information/Entertainment: 4,518.6 hours
News/Current Affairs/Sport: 3,791.8 hours
Total 9,865.8 hours

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