Public Broadcasting Agencies

• Broadcasting Commission (NZ On Air)

• Freeview

• Broadcasting Standards Authority
• National Pacific Radio Trust
• Radio New Zealand International
• Television New Zealand Limited
• Other agencies we fund
• Funded broadcasting outcomes

Freeview

Freeview Ltd is a consortium of free-to-air broadcasters who have developed an open access platform that enables the broadcast of free-to-air digital television and radio. It is an incorporated joint venture with shareholding broadcasters TVNZ, TVWorks (TV3 and C4), Māori Television and Radio New Zealand.

The then government recognised that moving to digital television is in the national interest, and announced its decision to support Freeview to the amount of $25 million over five years in November 2006. This support offsets the cost to broadcasters of transmitting services in both analogue and digital during New Zealand's transition period from analogue to digital free-to-air television transmission. This process is called digital switchover.

A cost benefit analysis has estimated the net national benefit of digital switchover to New Zealand at $317 million if it is achieved by 2015, and $405 million if it is achieved by 2013.

Freeview offers consumers both a direct-to-home (DTH, or satellite to dish) service or terrestrial (DTT to a UHF aerial) service.

DTH transmission started in May 2007 and the service is branded Freeview satellite^®. It is available to nearly 100% of New Zealand households. The Freeview website has information about how to receive Freeview satellite.

DTT transmission started in April 2008 and is branded as Freeview|HD^® because it allows for the reception of high definition pictures and surround sound. Freeview|HD^® is currently available to 75% of New Zealand households. The Freeview website has coverage maps for Freeview|HD^®, and information about how to receive the service.

Television channels broadcast on Freeview include: TVONE, TV2, TV3, TV3+1, C4, Māori Television, TVNZ6, TVNZ7, Prime, Stratos, Parliament TV, TV Central, CUE, CTV8, Te Reo.

Radio stations broadcast include: Radio New Zealand Concert, Radio New Zealand National, George FM, and Base FM.

Page last updated: December 15, 2009

page top