Television in New Zealand

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Television in New Zealand refers to the television industry, including the production, broadcasting, and reception of television content in New Zealand. The medium has played a significant role in the country's culture and society since its introduction.

History

Television in New Zealand began with the first official broadcast on 1 June 1960. The initial broadcasts were in black and white, with color television being introduced in 1973. The state-owned New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC) was the first and only broadcaster until the 1970s.

Early Years

The first television station, AKTV2, was launched in Auckland, followed by stations in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. These stations were collectively known as the NZBC.

Expansion and Competition

In 1975, the NZBC was split into three separate entities: Television One, Television Two, and Radio New Zealand. This restructuring aimed to foster competition and improve the quality of programming. The 1980s saw the introduction of private broadcasters, with TV3 launching in 1989 as the first privately-owned television network.

Broadcasting

Television in New Zealand is broadcast in both terrestrial and satellite formats. The transition from analog to digital broadcasting was completed in 2013, with the introduction of the Freeview service providing free-to-air digital television.

Major Networks

• TVNZ: The state-owned broadcaster operates channels such as TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, and TVNZ Duke.
• Three: A major commercial network owned by Discovery, Inc..
• Prime: A free-to-air network owned by Sky Network Television.
• Māori Television: A network dedicated to promoting Māori culture and language.

Programming

New Zealand television features a mix of local and international content. Popular genres include news, drama, comedy, and reality TV. Notable local productions include Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, and The Brokenwood Mysteries.

Regulation

The television industry in New Zealand is regulated by the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), which ensures that content adheres to established standards of decency, fairness, and accuracy.

Related Pages

• List of New Zealand television channels
• Media in New Zealand
• Television licensing in New Zealand
• Digital television in New Zealand
• Freeview (New Zealand)
• Sky Network Television