Bringing diversity to the screen in 2012

Bringing diversity to the screen in 2012

13 October 2011

NZ On Air supports rich new programming slate

Broadcast funding allocations announced today by NZ On Air will ensure that the needs of a wide range of different television audiences will be met next year.

Over $8 million dollars has been invested in 147 hours of special interest and arts/culture programmes to screen across five free to air channels.

"The breadth of programming on offer is huge," said NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson. "We look for something for everyone. Along with our returning series, we're especially pleased to be able to support three brand new series that will introduce many different types of New Zealanders to our screens, " she said.

Neighbourhood will focus on an interesting community in New Zealand where, each week, one resident will introduce the audience to their patch and its variety of neighbours. "This was the winning project from a contestable process run by NZ On Air to find a fresh new series looking at community diversity," said Ms Wrightson. "We're hoping it will become a firm favourite", she said.

Another new series Both Worlds will explore the experience of young immigrants and the children of immigrants. Each episode will focus on a single young New Zealander whose identity straddles two worlds.

The varied cultural pursuits of New Zealanders are not forgotten. Along with Polyfest and coverage of next month's NZ Music Awards , amateur theatre will also take a starring role in an original new series. "Showtime will go behind the scenes of two different community theatre productions, one small town, the other bigger, showing us the blood, sweat and tears involved in creating wonderful theatrical experiences," said Ms Wrightson.

Returning to the screen next year are the highly successful series Attitude and The Nutters' Club, for people interested in disability issues, Tagata Pasifika and Fresh for Pacific audiences, Rural Delivery for the farming community, and the venerable Praise Be.

"We welcome the return of specialist series that have found a real resonance with the communities they serve," said Ms Wrightson.

Jane Wrightson said that these types of programmes could not get made without public funding, yet added a genuine richness of content to the television schedules. Most will also be available online.
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