19th May, 2006
TVNZ Programming Assured for South Pacific Broadcasters
An announcement in the New Zealand budget ensures Pacific Island countries will continue to receive TVNZ television
programmes by satellite.
The Minister of Broadcasting, Steve Maharey, has confirmed that the budget includes funding for a further four years,
helping strengthen the important linkages between New Zealand and the Pacific Island communities.
The Pacific Service is provided by TVNZ and is free of charge to Pacific broadcasters. It began last year after the New
Zealand Government announced it would fund the distribution of programmes by satellite because commercial pricing would
put the content beyond the reach of most countries.
TV ONE's news programming is received via satellite by twelve broadcasters in the Islands each evening while Tagata
Pasifika is broadcast weekly. Additional content, like coverage of the Commonwealth Games, Rugby 7s and Netball is also
distributed.
TVNZ welcomes the budget announcement saying the New Zealand Government's continuing support through the Ministers of
Broadcasting and Foreign Affairs means the service can now be expanded to the benefit of broadcasters throughout the
Pacific.
ENDS