TV Local Content Targets Exceeded

18 June 2004

TV Local Content Targets Exceeded

The level of locally produced programming on New Zealand television has come under the spotlight again at the June meeting of the Television Local Content Group. The group, chaired by former TVNZ Chief Executive Rick Ellis, includes representatives of TVNZ, TV3, Prime TV, the Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA), and NZ On Air.

“To start with, it was pleasing to recognise the success of TVNZ and TV3 in exceeding the transmission targets set for 2003,” Mr Ellis said. “NZ On Air’s local content report has confirmed that, and also reinforced the value of home grown programmes to New Zealanders.

“And I’m happy to report that at this meeting we welcomed the new member of the group, Prime TV. Prime now reaches more than 90% of New Zealand, and has made a firm commitment to screening local content. That has to be a cause for celebration,” he said.

The Television Local Content Report, which is produced annually by NZ On Air, has found that TV One, TV2 and TV3 exceeded the transmission targets they agreed to for 2003. Local content on TV One reached 54.6% against a target of 52%, TV2 reached 24.3% against its target of 17%, and TV3 reached 20.4% against a target of 20%.

“The group also set targets in four specific genres – namely children's programmes; drama and comedy (including children’ drama); documentary, information and entertainment; and news, current affairs and sport,” Mr Ellis said. “The networks met or exceeded almost all of the genre targets too.

“Overall, it’s a very good result and it reflects not only the fact that local content remains very close to the all time high reached in 2002, but also that broadcasters, funders and production companies are working together to achieve a good diversity of programmes within the total hours.

“The Local Content Group will meet again at the end of the year to reassess and agree targets for coming years, and to keep an eye on how things are proceeding,” said Mr Ellis. “And I have to say that continued support from the broadcasters, the audience and the Government gives us a great deal of heart heading towards that.

“The group is a good forum to discuss the wider environment, and it has confidence that conditions in broadcasting bode well for continued high performance and growth.”

ENDS

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