Locally Made TV Finds Appreciative Audience

Locally Made TV Finds Appreciative Audience

NZ On Air's latest research report, the NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor for 2004, prepared for the agency by research company TNS, once again shows how much New Zealanders enjoy locally produced TV programmes.

"Locally made documentaries are still the favourites, with around 90% of people saying they regularly watch them," said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall. "That’s consistent with research in the past five years.

“But this time we're also seeing a big increase in the number of people watching locally made arts and performance programmes – including NZ Idol. It was one of the most watched and most enjoyed programmes of the year, along with Eating Media Lunch, The Colour of War: The ANZACS, and the ever-popular Country Calendar"

The NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor measures public attitudes not only to the services funded by NZ On Air, but also to all local content on television and radio, including New Zealand music, in a much wider context.

It is conducted every year, and is one of a number of research projects the agency regularly undertakes to inform funding policy development and decision-making processes, and to gauge the impact of locally produced radio, television and music.

"77% of respondents in this survey continue to believe that seeing ourselves on television and hearing our stories told helps to develop our cultural identity," said Ms Tyndall, “and nearly three quarters of those surveyed thought it important that radio stations should play more New Zealand music.

“It’s proof yet again that we as New Zealanders are very proud of who we are and what we are doing, especially in the creative sector.”

This year’s research also asked about the Māori Television Service and the TVNZ Charter.

“Nine out of ten people are aware of Māori TV, and close to 40% of those asked have watched it,” Ms Tyndall said. “That is a very pleasing result after only a few months.

“And more than three quarters of respondents who know about the TVNZ Charter agreed that it has led to more local programmes and more programmes reflecting the diversity of New Zealand.”

More information on the NZ On Air Public Information and Opinion Monitor for 2004, and other research is available on the NZ On Air website at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

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