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TVNZ 2017: new content, new blood, new thinking

TVNZ 2017: new content, new blood, new thinking


Coming to a screen near you: TVNZ is applying fresh thinking to its 2017 line-up. Viewers can expect more shows available OnDemand first, live streaming of all TVNZ channels together in one place, and a stepped-up commitment to supporting and screening the work of new local talent in the year ahead.

Outlining TVNZ’s 2017 content plans, Chief Executive Kevin Kenrick said the company is embracing changing TV viewing habits. “Our focus at TVNZ is all about sharing the moments that matter to New Zealanders, and we know that different moments matter to different New Zealanders. To better understand these differences, we’ve just completed our most in-depth research study into viewer behaviour, and this is shaping our future thinking.”

“Viewers have more choice than ever before – each day more than 2.2 million Kiwis join us, and we don’t take that for granted. In this fast changing media environment, we need to give more people more reasons to watch with TVNZ,” he said.

“Time poor viewers don’t wait for content. In response, you can expect to see TVNZ premiere more content OnDemand than ever before, to make full series available from day one where we can, and to provide live online streaming access to our linear channels.

“Nobody wants to work hard to find content. We’ll consolidate all our entertainment content in one place online that will deliver live streaming of all our TV channels. And from this Sunday we’re simplifying the presentation of TVNZ’s brands to make it easy for viewers to find all the content we have to offer whether you’re watching TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, TVNZ DUKE, 1 NEWS NOW or TVNZ OnDemand.”

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In 2017, TVNZ will launch a raft of new initiatives, collectively called New Blood, designed specifically for the new wave of viewers who aren’t traditional TV audiences.

TVNZ’s New Blood projects are focused on finding and fostering new local talent. The initiative includes an in-house content lab to create more short-form multimedia content. And viewers will get a say in who receives $100,000 in production funding with the New Blood web series competition launching in partnership with NZ On Air early next year.

TVNZ’s Director of Content Jeff Latch said: “We see ourselves as storytellers – and in 2017 we’ve got some incredible stories to share from New Zealand and around the world.

“Leading the local slate in 2017 is the highly-anticipated premiere of Survivor New Zealand; new series Dear Murderer and The Naked Choir; and we’ll mark the 25th birthday of New Zealand’s number one drama, Shortland Street.

“Returning local favourites also include a brand new Nigel Latta series, second series of Coast New Zealand and Filthy Rich, and new episodes of Sensing Murder, The DNA Detectives, I Am Innocentand Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty. NZ On Air supports the making of many of our local shows. Without their backing we couldn’t deliver many of the top rating programmes that New Zealanders love,” said Latch.

“News and current affairs is the cornerstone of TVNZ 1’s content offering in 2017,” said Latch. “The agenda-setting 1 NEWS team continues to be New Zealand’s most watched and most trusted news.”

This year, 1 NEWS and Seven Sharp have reached twice the audience of their nearest competitors. Flagship current affairs programme Sunday reaches an average of 919,000 New Zealanders each episode and consumer rights champions Fair Go reach an average of 816,000 New Zealanders. The new-look Breakfast, hosted by Hilary Barry and Jack Tame, is the most watched early morning show – reaching more viewers than its nearest rival every day since the new team started.

Together with the world’s biggest studios, TVNZ continues to showcase some of the best international content. Coming out of the UK is the sumptuous period drama Victoria, the highly anticipated reboot of Cold Feet and gripping whodunnit One of Us. From the US, dramas includeTime After Time, 24 Legacy, The Blacklist: Redemption and APB; and factual series Extreme Russia With Reggie Yates. The new international comedy line-up features Walliams and Friend, The Windsors, The Mick and Life In Pieces.

2017 also sees the return of hugely popular series such as Doctor Foster, Broadchurch, The Big Bang Theory and Mom.

In a new deal just inked, DUKE and OnDemand will draw in a whole new audience with eLeague, one of the most successful online gaming competitions in the world.

ends

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