More NZ channels broadcasting NZ content

8 May 2007

More New Zealand channels broadcasting New Zealand content

NZ On Air today released its annual Local Content Report measuring New Zealand programmes screened on television during 2006.

NZ On Air’s Local Content Report tracks the hours of New Zealand-made programming broadcast across the country’s free to air television channels. The annual survey has been carried out since 1990, with Maori TV included for the first time this year.

This year’s report shows local content is quickly spreading to new and different channels. Over 10,000 hours of New Zealand programmes screened on New Zealand’s six free to air channels in 2006. Total first-run hours increased to just under 8,000 hours, with TV One and Maori TV screening the most local content (first run and repeat).

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said that the overall figures were encouraging but that certain genres needed to be watched carefully.

Total first-run local content hours increased by 2,201 hours but total hours (including repeats) dropped slightly on the three main free to air channels (TV One, TV2 and TV3) from 6,455 hours to 6,061 hours.

"While the hours are made up on other channels – Prime TV, Maori TV and C4 – it's important that our flagship national channels continue to be supported so they are able to screen a diversity of local programmes," said Ms Wrightson.

She added that, to an extent, the amount of local content screened was an indicator of sector health.

“Overseas programmes cost a fraction of their production cost to buy. The quantity of local programmes able to be supported by a broadcaster indicates whether they are seen as strategically important by that channel and if the broadcaster is committed to a range of New Zealand stories,” she said.

The survey also showed that first-run documentary hours on the mainstream channels had dropped, but total documentary hours increased due to Maori TV. First-run drama and comedy had increased on TV One and children’s programming increased on TV2. First-run information programming increased on TV One, TV2 and TV3.

“Clearly Maori TV provides a welcome boost to local content,” said Ms Wrightson.

“NZ On Air will be looking at documentary output, in particular, over the coming months on the main channels to see what moves NZ On Air can make to increase quantity and range,” she said.

Overall survey results:

 Of the six free to air channels measured, TV One screened the most first-run local content (46%) and Prime TV the lowest (12%)

- In prime time, Maori TV screened the most local content (first-run and repeat) with 62%, TV One screened 60% (61% in 2005), TV2 screened 22% (26% in 2005) and TV3 screened 42% (46% in 2005)

- TV One screened the highest first-run hours of news, documentary and information

- TV2 screened the most drama hours

- C4 screened the most entertainment hours (mostly music) and Prime TV the most free to air sports hours

- Sky TV screened a further 14,000 pay TV hours (mostly sport and music), up from 12,641 hours in 2005.

Ms Wrightson said the survey was a unique record of local television content because it is the only such published data in New Zealand.

"Its particular value is in the trends seen over time," she said. "Content on any channel can go up or down in a year, but that channel's commitment to broadcasting local content is most clearly seen over several years.”

The survey can be downloaded from www.nzonair.govt.nz

ENDS

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