KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's first advertising-free public service television channel, TVNZ 6, started broadcasting today on Freeview.
Freeview offers free-to-air digital versions of TV One, TV2, TV3, C4, Maori Television, and Radio New Zealand and TVNZ 6 will feature between 50 per cent and 70 per cent local content, with no advertising.
TVNZ CEO Rick Ellis said today that having a channel free from advertising-driven ratings pressures makes it possible to give the channel a more distinctive Kiwi flavour than any channel before it.
"We'll be screening far more quality local programmes in primetime.
"Around 70 per cent of all programming after 4.30 will be local content. That's more than New Zealanders have seen before and it makes a very distinctive viewing experience. It really is TV with a kiwi accent."
- NZPA
