High Drama To Hit the Airwaves

High Drama To Hit the Airwaves

Radio listeners look set to enjoy a new type of radio as NZ On Air launches a scheme designed to encourage the production of new drama and comedy shows. NZ On Air has established a fund within its radio budget to develop the production of drama and comedy initiatives for play on commercial radio stations in New Zealand.

"Radio drama and comedy funded through NZ On Air has been absent from the commercial airwaves for a little while now, and this development fund is the first step towards getting the work of some of the talented writers and producers in this country back in front of the majority of New Zealand's radio listeners," said NZ On Air Chief Executive, Jo Tyndall.

Writers and producers are invited to apply for seed funding from NZ On Air, to enable them to work on radio projects that can be developed to a stage where commercial stations and networks can add them to their programme schedules as key components of the broadcast day.

"We're looking for innovative radio drama projects that help to tell New Zealand stories in a powerful and compelling way. We also want to encourage some escapism through clever and relevant comedy with a distinctly New Zealand twist," said Ms Tyndall. "We know the talent is out there, and we want to give it the opportunity to be heard and enjoyed.

"This is a really flexible brief to writers and producers. When you consider that different radio formats are aimed at particular age groups, you can see how wide the scope for these projects can get," she said.

"NZ On Air is looking forward to considering the first proposals soon, and getting some exciting projects underway," said Ms Tyndall.

More information on the Radio Drama and Comedy development initiative, and an application form are available on the NZ On Air website at http:// http://www.nzonair.govt.nz by clicking on "Funding" on the home page.

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