Live election-night broadcast a first for Triangle

Live election-night broadcast a first for Triangle Television

Viewers aching for a fresh take on election night statistics should flick their remotes over to Triangle Television’s ‘Elect’ this Saturday night [September 17].

With two hours of election-night coverage from Triangle’s Grey Lynn studio, the independent, not-for-profit regional station is not only making history with its first live broadcast, it is offering Aucklanders an alternative to mainstream commentary.

Hosted by Auckland University student magazine ‘Craccum’ 2006 editor-elect Ryan Sproull, the programme, ‘Elect’ will focus particularly on Auckland, while keeping a close eye on nationwide results. The programme starts at 9.30 p.m.

The show’s producer, television editor Dylan Reeve, is aiming for a blend of serious information and intelligent humour.

“Maybe a touch of Pythonesque; definitely something lively and different. You won’t find anything else like it by hitting the remote.”

‘Elect’ will feature a mix of graphics, discussion, in-studio interviews and live phone-ins from correspondents throughout the country, with some content pre-recorded in the week before polling day.

With Triangle’s new broadcast spectrum bringing the channel to almost all homes in the Auckland region, Dylan Reeve is anticipating substantial viewer numbers.

“Ours will be one of the few programmes offering election-night television coverage on a non-commercial station - and that factor alone makes it attractive,” he says.

“Couple this with the fact that we’re providing Aucklanders with humour, originality, and a really comprehensive look at what’s happening around their area, and you have a pretty powerful package. Plus, of course, we’ll be following and commenting on nationwide results as they emerge.”

The programme will have a direct media feed from the Chief Electoral Office, which is aiming to have results from 50 per cent of polling places by 10p.m. and 100 per cent by 11.30p.m.

The programme is the product of collaboration between Triangle Television and Dylan Reeve and his small group of writers and technical staff. Programme host Ryan Sproull, recently elected to his job at Craccum, has wasted no time in establishing himself as a writer of wit and political acumen.

Viewers can be confident Sproull and his panel of commentators will offer a fresh and engaging view of election night outcomes.

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. Triangle, which is non-profit making, broadcasts 24 hours daily from UHF channel 41 and, in Remuera and surrounding suburbs, from UHF channel 52. From UHF channel 42 Triangle now reaches the North Shore, including East Coast Bays, Albany, Takapuna and Devonport, and Whangaparaoa, Freemans Bay and some of the city’s eastern beaches including Mission Bay, Kohimarama and St Heliers. Parts of the Coromandel are also receiving Triangle’s signal.

© Scoop Media