TVNZ7 canned in favour of repeat channel

UPDATE 12:50pm: United Future leader Peter Dunne has launched a scathing attack on TVNZ's plans to launch a "plus one" channel on the frequency now occupied by TVNZ 7.

The new channel, to start on July 1, will be a duplicate of TV One but broadcast an hour later.

Mr Dunne says the move is the "ultimate insult to the intelligence of New Zealand television viewers". 

"TV One represents the worst of television in this country. It is crass, superficial, lowest common denominator rubbish. 

"By contrast, TVNZ 7 has always appealed to a higher standard - both in terms of quality and the range of programmes offered," he says. 

He is calling on TVNZ's new chairman Wayne Walden to intervene immediately to reverse the decision. 

9am: TVNZ plans to launch a "plus one" channel on the frequency now occupied by TVNZ 7.

TVNZ says the move follows a global trend for time-shifted channels to meet viewer habits.

The new channel, to start on July 1, will be a duplicate of TV One but broadcast an hour later.

Longer working hours, traffic problems and shift work means more people are unable to watch news bulletins, for example, at their traditional times.

Acting TVNZ chief executive Rodney Parker says the new channel will meet the network’s strategy of reaching more New Zealanders on screen with its local content.

“Having already established a number of new channels over the past few years, including Channel U, Heartland and Kidzone24, the decision to broadcast a free to air ‘plus one’ channel was only made once we looked carefully at what other options might be commercially viable.

“We believe this is a desirable and appropriate use of the frequency that offers an additional opportunity for viewers, particularly those without PVRs, to fit their individual circumstances,” Mr Parker says.

TVNZ 7 was launched in 2008 but the government effused to extend its funding further, claiming low ratings.

But campaigns to save the channel are under way, with one online petition attracting 17,000 signatures.

Labour broadcasting spokeswoman Clare Curran has also joined the fight.

Freeview in New Zealand already has another time-shifted channel, TV3+1, which was launched three years ago.

Time-shifted channels are commonplace in Europe, with the British Freeview equivalent, for example, having them for all its main five channels, plus others.