18th December, 2006

TVNZ ondemand - The Future is Now

TVNZ has announced the launch early next year of a new online service that will offer viewers a smorgasbord of visual content, from catch ups on Shortland Street to hits from the archives to sneak previews of new shows.

TVNZ ondemand will go live in March next year, with a combination of streamed and downloadable shows - some free, some to be paid for using a credit card purchasing system that gives a bank of 'play points' which are deducted when a downloaded programme is played.

Chief Executive Rick Ellis says the launch of TVNZ ondemand, coming hard on the announcement of two new digital channels, is a further demonstration of TVNZ's determination to provide all New Zealanders with the benefits of the digital age.

"With New Zealand's broadband penetration and capability now growing, this is the time for TVNZ to demonstrate leadership in the video content online space."

"We intend to make our programmes available to New Zealanders on every screen, and we have the quality of content to make that highly attractive to online viewers", Mr Ellis said.

Last year, 39 of the top 40 series were on TVNZ, and the network had 26 years of the nation's most popular programmes in its archives.

Mr Ellis said the local independent production community had been extremely enthusiastic and supportive in building the content of the new service.  There will be continuing negotiations around rights, and unlocking TVNZ's own archive.

"The availability last week of the new TVNZ family drama Karaoke High for online streaming a week before broadcast has evidenced New Zealanders' growing consumption of TV programmes online.  In one week alone, over 13-thousand unique visitors viewed the show. This is clearly a growth area".

Contact:
Megan Richards
TVNZ Corporate Affairs
021 804 123