Warm Reception for NZ Programmes

Thursday, 11 November 2004, 9:52 am
Press Release: NZ On Air

New Zealand free-to-air television channels and independent producers say they’re delighted to see confirmation that New Zealanders love to watch New Zealand-produced programmes on television.

The annual NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor – just published – shows 90 per cent of those surveyed liked to watch New Zealand documentaries.

And there’s been a significant jump in the number of people watching New Zealand arts and performance programmes like NZ Idol and Front Seat – from 50 per cent last year to 60 per cent this year.

Rick Ellis, chairman of the Television Local Content Group which is made up of representatives from TVNZ, TV3, Prime, NZ On Air and SPADA, says it’s extremely pleasing to see that support for increasing the amount of New Zealand-made television programmes has grown substantially from 35 per cent in 1996 to 56 per cent in 2004.

He said this is backed up by figures from the survey, which show high numbers watching locally-made programmes.

Mr Ellis said the survey was encouraging for free-to-air television channels and programme producers who saw a clear message that good locally-made programmes have a ready market and are very well-received by New Zealanders.

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