Campaign ‘08

Media Release
5 September 2008

Campaign ‘08

SKY Television confirmed today the broadcast of Campaign ‘08; a series of seven commercial free, pre-election programmes hosted by Bill Ralston, one of New Zealand’s most experienced political journalists.

The first of the seven Campaign ’08 programmes will screen on SKY News at 8:30 pm on Sunday 14 September, with replays on PRIME later that evening at 10:30 pm, on SKY News Australia every Friday at 10:30 pm, the final programme scheduled for 8:30 pm on Sunday 26 October.

Each Leader will have 30 minutes to discuss their party policies, their achievements, their post election aspirations and answer questions put to them by three panelists, chosen from amongst the most informed and influential of New Zealand’s political journalists.

The series will be supported by a website, which will give both SKY News and PRIME viewers the opportunity to comment on and vote for Leaders and their parties.

John Fellet, SKY Chief Executive, said “Campaign ’08 will provide New Zealand and Australian viewers with an informative and balanced view of the policies and politics associated with the upcoming election, giving each of the seven party Leaders the time to present their case in non confrontational environment.

Bill Ralston, Campaign ’08 Moderator, said, “This is already one of the toughest, dirtiest election fights I have ever seen and the campaign hasn’t even begun yet. These programmes with the leaders will cut through all the political rhetoric and give the voters a real chance to see the shape of what their next government may be.”

Programme updates will be provided throughout the Campaign ’08 series.
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About SKY Television

SKY Television is New Zealand’s pre-eminent pay television operator, offering a wide range of sports, movies, music, on-demand and general content across more than 100 channels. SKY’s channel line-up includes 7 sports channels, 6 movie channels, 7 general entertainment channels, 5 documentary channels, 5 news channels, 4 children’s channels, as well as other niche and special interest channels. (As of 30 June 2008, SKY had 748,576 subscribers).

On 8 February 2006, SKY completed the purchase of the New Zealand television business of PRIME Television Ltd. The acquisition of a free-to-air channel giving SKY the opportunity to showcase its channels and programmes whilst ensuring that New Zealand consumers can view delayed free-to-air sports programmes such as rugby, rugby league and cricket in primetime.

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