NZ On Air celebrates local content

NZ On Air has supported an extraordinary range of local programmes, music, digital initiatives and creative endeavours over the past year.

In its Annual Report, released today, Chairman Neil Walter said that NZ On Air continued to be a dedicated champion of all things local.

“As we approach our 20th birthday next year we were proud to celebrate, in August 2007, funding over 15,000 television hours since NZ On Air was created.”

“We were also proud to celebrate passing the one million sales mark of NZ On Air-funded music albums.

Mr Walter said that NZ On Air’s television funding slate combined a core of successful programmes, with carefully selected new projects to increase diversity even further.

“We support both popular and specialist programmes, from Outrageous Fortune to Asia Down Under, from Radio New Zealand to Classis Hits’ That’s The Story, so that many different audiences benefit from our investment of public funding.

Mr Walter said that 2007-08 had been marked by many changes, both environmental and within NZ On Air. In particular, he noted the new digital broadcasting initiatives that are part of NZ On Air’s new responsibilities under the Broadcasting Act.

“This year we supported two very important initiatives. NZ On Screen has just been launched – an ambitious website streaming archival New Zealand screen content and showcasing its creators. And we have introduced the Digital Content Partnership Fund, which provides contestable funding for new projects with a multimedia focus.”

The annual report lists all NZ On Air’s funding decisions for the year, showing an impressive array of material, including quality public radio, thoughtful documentaries, popular and cutting edge music, provocative drama and programmes for children.

Mr Walter said NZ On Air was looking forward to fresh challenges in the year ahead, including implementing new mechanisms for the allocation of TVNZ Charter funding.

For a full version of the NZ On Air Annual Report go to www.nzonair.govt.nz