TVNZ to launch new male-skewed entertainment channel
TVNZ has announced plans to launch a male-skewing entertainment channel for New Zealand viewers in coming months. The new channel will be live streamed online and broadcast free to air.
TVNZ Chief Executive Kevin Kenrick says: “We’re committed to giving New Zealanders more of the content they want to watch, how they want to view it. The new channel will feature an international slate of top drama, sport, comedy, factual titles and movies and be available to view across TV, desktop and mobile screens.”
The new channel’s development has been informed by market insights that indicate male viewers are seeking more distinctive content. It also builds on recent experience from TVNZ’s pop up channel, which was introduced in the middle of last year, says Mr Kenrick.
“There’s been a resounding viewer response to the return of free to air sport and we think the time is right to up the ante, expand our content offering and take the channel from pop up to permanent.”
He says the new channel reflects TVNZ’s strategy to make compelling content available wherever viewers want to see it.
“Viewers aren’t hung up about whether they’re watching on TV or mobile, at home or on the go. So we’re making it available across a broad range of devices, screens and platforms simultaneously. This will take live streaming further than any other local channel,” he says.
The new channel will be ad-funded. “We know advertisers are seeking commercial solutions that address audience fragmentation and embrace viewers’ multi-screening behaviour. We’re developing an integrated media buy across on air and online that makes it easier to connect with audiences.”
TVNZ will provide more detail on the new channel, including its name, confirmed content line-up and planned launch date in future updates.
