ANZAC BROADCAST A RATINGS SUCCESS FOR MĀORI TELEVISION

26 April 2006

Māori Television's unprecedented ANZAC Day broadcast grew its audience by more than 550 per cent, marking the special as a ratings success for the two-year-old channel.

AGB Nielsen Media Research data shows that the all-day ANZAC coverage on Tuesday April 25 attracted a cumulative audience of 215,000 New Zealanders. An analysis of audience figures based on viewing over the previous four Tuesdays indicates a record growth of
553 per cent.

Public reaction to yesterday's coverage was overwhelmingly positive with calls and emails of congratulations pouring into Māori Television's
Newmarket headquarters.

Māori Television chief executive Jim Mather says he is very pleased with the ratings results which are confirmation that New Zealanders valued television that not only remembers our history but that represents and celebrates New Zealand's nationhood.

Mr Mather acknowledged the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association, broadcast funders Te Māngai Pāho and Te Puni Kōkiri, and production company Screentime Limited – a partnership with Māori Television that was integral to the success of the broadcast.

He says the ANZAC special has raised awareness of Māori Television with a wide audience. He hopes more New Zealanders are now aware of Māori Television as a channel for all New Zealanders and will be encouraged to tune in and enjoy its programmes.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Mark Gosnell
Marketing Manager
Māori Television
DDI: 09 539 7171
MOB: 021 928 202
EML: mark.gosnell@maoritelevision.com