$1M worth of airtime to Safe and Sound Appeal

Monday 4 September 2000

For Immediate Release

$1 million worth of airtime to Safe and Sound Appeal

TVNZ has today pledged $1 million of free airtime over the next six months to help raise money to build centres designed for the victims of child abuse.

The Safe and Sound Appeal is raising funds for specialist centres for child and adolescent recovery, empowerment and safety centres - bringing together, under one roof, all the different community agencies working to treat and prevent child abuse.

The campaign, run by The Starship Foundation and Sky City has been given an additional boost by a number of high-profile parents speaking out against the spate of tragic child abuse cases and fatalities in recent months.

Through its community support programme, TVNZ currently provides more than $2 million worth of free exposure a year to a wide range of community organisations - among them groups dedicated to child and family health, welfare and safety. Today's announcement is in addition to that support.

TVNZ Chief Executive Officer, Rick Ellis says the company recognises its unique power to reach into just about every home in the country through TV ONE and TV2.

"We want to use this influence to help drive home the message that something can and is being done about child abuse in this country, and that all our viewers can help in some way or another."

Rick Ellis says government agencies of all types are working together to do their best to deal with child abuse, and using the reach and influence of the national television broadcaster is an entirely appropriate way that TVNZ can help.

"The concept of New Zealand communities having one place where people can go for help and where health, safety and welfare agencies can co-ordinate their efforts has got to be a step in the right direction."

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For further information contact: Liam Jeory, Public Affairs Manager Phone: 09 9167565 Mobile: 021 416400

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