TVNZ Announces New ‘Plus One’ Channel

4 May 2012

TVNZ Announces New ‘Plus One’ Channel

TVNZ will launch a ‘plus one’ channel on the frequency now occupied by TVNZ 7, from July 1 2012.

The new channel will be an exact duplicate of TV ONE, broadcast an hour later.

Changing viewer habits have seen time-shifted channels develop as an internationally-established method of meeting viewer demands for greater flexibility – especially with News and Current Affairs. Long working hours, shift work and traffic problems have had an impact on the numbers able to watch the evening news in its traditional time slot, and there is now an identifiable global trend towards time-shifting by consumers.

TVNZ Acting Chief Executive, Rodney Parker, says “a ‘plus one’ channel aligns with TVNZ’s strategy of reaching more New Zealanders on more screens. TV ONE has been selected as the time-shifted channel to maximise exposure for the great local content, news and current affairs that it features”.

“Having already established a number of new channels over the past few years, including Channel U, Heartland and Kidzone24 the decision to broadcast a free to air ‘plus one’ channel was only made once we looked carefully at what other options might be commercially viable”.

“We believe that this is a desirable and appropriate use of the frequency that offers an additional opportunity for viewers, particularly those without PVRs, to fit their individual circumstances,” Mr Parker says.

The new channel will begin broadcasting at 7am on July 1. It will be offered on Freeview and details are still being finalised on which other platforms may also carry it.
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