Two new digital channels for TVNZ
TVNZ has announced plans for two digital free-to-air channels starting from next year. Chief executive Rick Ellis today told reporters the first channel, which would feature news, sport and information content, would debut next year. The second station featuring programming for preschoolers, families, documentaries and art shows, would debut in the first quarter of 2008. Both will be commercial free. About 70 per cent of their content would be re-runs from TV One and TV2. Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said the Government would pay $79 million over six years to support the establishment of the new channels.