New mainstream TV channel to compete for Kiwi audiences

16 January 2012

New mainstream TV channel to compete for Kiwi audiences

Local media group, World TV Limited, will join the mainstream television market by launching an English television channel introducing Asia to New Zealand audiences.

The new channel, TV9, will go to air on the DTT digital service, “Freeview”, on Wednesday 1 February, and will be officially launched at the ASB Lunarfest 2012 at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City this weekend.

WTV Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ho, said TV9 will focus on filling the information gap about New Zealand’s growing relationship with Asia.

“News programs will be hosted by Julian Nixon, and CCTV programs in English including Asia Today, Dialogue and BizAsia will be simultaneously broadcast on a new radio station, FM104.2 named Radio 9, along with popular movies, drama, documentaries, sports programs and Chinese language courses,” Mr. Ho said.

“There is a gap in the market for TV9 and Radio 9 because New Zealanders are becoming increasingly interested in Asia as trading and cultural links grow stronger,” he said.

“It is therefore timely for TV9 and Radio 9 to be launched at the ASB Lunarfest on Saturday 21 January which celebrates the Chinese Year of the Dragon,” Mr. Ho said.

A record crowd is expected to attend the festival which is one of New Zealand’s biggest Asian cultural events. The festival runs from 3pm to 11pm and will feature cultural performances, children’s entertainment, Asian food and a fireworks display. Entry is free.

WTV already owns one DTT “Freeview” channel CTV 8 broadcasting in Chinese and ten pay television channels offering content in Chinese, Korean and Japanese, plus three radio channels, but TV9 and Radio 9 will be the company’s first English TV and radio channels, respectively.

More information about TV9 and Radio 9 will shortly be available online at www.tv9.co.nz.

ENDS

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