Dunedin Television makes historic switch

Dunedin Television will start broadcasting on Freeview|HD Channel 39 from today with it's flag ship cnews bulletin at 5.30pm.

Not since television made the transition to colour from black and white in the 1970's has it gone through such a substantial revolution in terms of superiority. The change from analogue to digital broadcasts will deliver Dunedin crystal clear quality images and sound to a much wider audience.

The stations Sales Manager Geoff Bell is looking forward to new commercial partnerships and opportunities that the digital switch will bring. “Dunedin Television on Freeview|HD is a fresh new platform for us, it will enable Dunedin businesses to build their brands, bring customers, add authority, and showcase products and services to a local reach of over 111,000 + viewers.

Local digital broadcasts mean more viewers seeing more local content in a clear crisp way. Now with a bigger audience and more reach than ever before Dunedin Television is ready to market local businesses to a massive audience. “It is also important to remember that the business sector is a vital part in keeping the city's only local television station commercially viable,'' Mr Bell said.

Station chief executive Daryl Clarkson said the digital broadcast launch was 39 days before the analogue signal is to be switched off in the South Island. The date was also when the station would become “39” - the channel position on the Freeview high definition (HD) platform.

Mr Clarkson said: '' We are excited to be re-branding the network as Dunedin Television on Freeview Channel 39.'' The company had chosen the Channel 39 position on the platform because it included the number nine and would ''hold the heritage'' of Channel 9.

Regional television undertakes a critical role, broadcasting local information that national broadcasters can sometimes not pinpoint. With the increased coverage the station will work with the communities to bring viewers the local issues, people and events.

Station Production Manager Luke Chapman said: “Our primary aim is to cover as much of Dunedin as possible from our flagship local news and local event coverage to broadcasting award winning series and documentaries.”

We are here to connect the community to reflect who we are and what we are doing and to archive Dunedin society and culture.

Dunedin viewers will need a UHF antenna to receive Dunedin Television on Freeview|HD as it would not be available on the Sky Television or satellite networks.

To find out more go to:

http://www.ch9.co.nz/content/how-keep-watching-digital-dunedin-television

For more information on advertising with Dunedin TV Phone (03) 479 3590 or email: sales@ch9.co.nz

ENDS