Tackling country's hard issues on Triangle TV

Tackling the country's hard issues on Triangle Television

Creating a television series that exposes some of New Zealand's most controversial issues is a demanding task for the most experienced producer. But such a challenge hasn't hindered a group of UNITEC students who have produced the outstanding series, Studio 12, which begins at 7.30p.m. on Triangle Television on October 24.

The third year Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts students have investigated a range of hot topics for this eight-programme series including Maori housing, resettling refugee youth, men's health, internet safety and sustainable energy resources in New Zealand.

Veteran television broadcaster Rob Neale fronts the half-hour shows which take the form of a panel discussion. Each week's topic is debated by four guest panellists who challenge each other's opinions and provide a wide perspective for viewers.

Assistance from an external professional director and technical producer ensure the programme is polished with a touch of experience and meets the high standards required by the industry.

Studio 12 co-ordinator and UNITEC teacher Christine Hanley says the series has been made as part of the students' final year curriculum requirements.

"It's in line with UNITEC's role to act as a critic and conscience of society. Every way we look at it, it looks great. It's an in-depth view of hard issues by a group of panelists and it's set to stimulate public thought, discussion and action."

Ms Hanley says the series follows the success of a similar exercise undertaken by a group of UNITEC students last year. Among the issues they examined were child obesity, employing migrants from a New Zealand employer's perspective, extended prescribing rights for nurses and high density housing in Auckland.

Catch this thought-provoking and entertaining series of eight programmes on Triangle Television - 7.30p.m. on Thursdays starting October 24. Triangle Television is Auckland's only regional, non-commercial television station and has operated as a public broadcaster to Greater Auckland since August 1 1998. The channel screens a mix of regional-access television with international news and information programmes. It is non-profit making and operates with no funding from NZ On Air. Triangle broadcasts 24 hours daily from UHF channel 41. To tune in, follow the easy steps at www.tritv.co.nz.

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