The Arts Channel - Coming Soon To Sky

Media Release,
Monday December 15, 2003

THE ARTS CHANNEL - COMING SOON TO SKY

A new arts channel is launching on the SKY Digital Network on March 1, 2004.

The Arts Channel is the first dedicated channel to bring the world's best arts and cultural television to New Zealand screens.

Viewers will be treated to a comprehensive mix of programming, which will be entertaining, contemporary and stimulating for all those passionate about the arts.

The content will be wide ranging; from the traditional to the very latest in artistic developments, from music, visual arts, dance, opera, theatre, documentaries, design and literature, to profiles on writers and composers.

The Arts Channel will be accessible as a subscription channel on SKY's Digital Network on channel 59. However, for its first month on air it will be available to all SKY Digital subscribers, giving them the opportunity to experience world-class cultural and arts focused television.

New Zealand based company - Niche Media International (NMI) will manage the day-to-day running of the channel. NMI partners, Nick Samitz and John Green, have extensive experience in television, nationally and internationally, and have proven expertise in the development and running of television channels.

John Green said, "We saw a gap in the market for a top quality arts channel. Our aim is to provide world class programming and to create a platform for promoting excellence in the arts."

The people behind the Arts Channel financially, are passionate supporters of this philosophy and well-know contributors to the arts in New Zealand.

On the board of the Arts Channel are Chairman, David Ross the co-founder of the Rialto Channel and the Rialto theatre chain; James Wallace, a businessman and a keen patron of the arts; and Lloyd Williams, a well-known musician and experienced manager of arts organisations.

All Arts Channel Board members have a common vision to bring the best of arts programming to New Zealanders.

SKY Television is delighted to be airing the channel and sees top quality arts programming as a welcome addition to its programming mix.

SKY Television CEO John Fellet said, "The arts is a special interest in the viewing spectrum, that up to this point, has been under served by both the free to air broadcasters and SKY."

SKY will screen the Arts Channel on Digital channel 59 from March 1, 2004 and it will cost $2.95 a week from April 1.

ENDS

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