ANZAC Day Broadcast a Ratings Success for Maori TV

MEDIA RELEASE
26 April 2006

ANZAC Day Broadcast a Ratings Success for Maori Television

Maori Television's unprecedented ANZAC Day broadcast grew its audience by more than 550%, marking the special as a ratings success for the two-year-old channel.

AGB Nielsen Media Research data shows that the all day ANZAC coverage attracted a cumulative audience of 215,000 New Zealanders. An analysis of audience figures based on viewing over the previous four Tuesdays indicates a record growth of 553%.

Public reaction to yesterday's coverage is overwhelmingly positive, with calls and emails of congratulations pouring into Maori Television's Newmarket headquarters.

Maori Television Chief Executive Jim Mather said he was very pleased with the ratings results which were confirmation that New Zealanders valued television that not only remembered our history, but that represented and celebrated New Zealand's nationhood.

Mr Mather acknowledged the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, broadcast funders Te Mangai Paho and Te Puni Kokiri, and production company Screentime Limited, a partnership with Maori Television that was integral to the success of the broadcast.

He said the ANZAC special had raised awareness of Maori Television with a wide audience. He hoped more New Zealanders were now aware of Maori Television as a channel for all New Zealanders and would be encouraged to tune in and enjoy its programmes.

ENDS