This Sunday sees the launch in Auckland of a new Chinese television channel that will feature locally produced content, in addition to overseas sourced material, and will set a new standard for Chinese broadcasting in New Zealand.
The launch follows recent successful trial broadcasts of NCTV on Freeview Channel 32. NCTV will initially broadcast only in Auckland but the owners intend to eventually extend to national coverage.
The new 24/7 channel will provide news and entertainment programmess for New Zealand’s Chinese community, with a secondary important audience being Chinese tourists to New Zealand, as well as Kiwis and Asian Kiwis interested in Chinese culture.
English & Chinese
The channel, owned by Ellerslie-based Asia Pacific News Corporation, will also feature locally produced English language programmes, and domestic content will feature both English and Chinese subtitles.
Asia Pacific News Corporation President Frank Peng says the primary NCTV aim is to build a bridge between New Zealand and China by increasing understanding and enjoyment of each nation’s culture. A secondary aim is to significantly improve the standard of Chinese broadcasting in New Zealand.
This initiative is well-supported by advertisers and the Asia Pacific News Corporation says it has committed “significant resources” to NCTV to ensure its success over time.
Ad support
“NCTV has been well-supported by advertisers and we expect to rapidly increase revenue following the launch on Sunday,” Peng says.
“Long term, the audience potential is massive.” While the Asian population in New Zealand is presently nudging 600,000, of which Chinese is the largest ethnic group. Asian population is forecast to increase to up to 900,000 by 2025 and more than 1.2 million by 2038.
“We employ about 20 local people at our Ellerslie headquarters and we actively seeking more staff as we gear up production,” Peng says.
Future plans include synergising the media platform to include NCTV, website, WeChat account and mobile website, across which NCTV partners can promote products and services through video, audio, pictures and text.
“The moment our audience wants to access their favourite products or services, they can scan the QR code and get it,” said Peng. “We aim to combine television viewing, shopping and services on one media platform.”
- Asia Pacific News Corporation owns and operates NCTV, Asia Pacific Production Limited and Asia Pacific Entertainment Limited. The website is not yet available – but the company can be found at Level2, 49b Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland 1023.
- For more information, contact Zhuying Shi at Sweeney Vesty – 027 340 1060 or zhuying.shi@sweeneyvesty.com
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