Maori TV reports successful first year

Maori Television has reported a successful first full year as a broadcaster, meeting its objectives and posting a surplus of $3.2 million.

In its annual report, released today, chairman Wayne Walden said it was the leading broadcaster in terms of local programming content.

Locally-made programmes comprised more than 90 per cent of its schedule and the production Pepi won best information programme in the Qantas Awards.

Mr Walden said te reo Maori was at the core of Maori TV's purpose, and 71 per cent of its programmes were in Maori, with 67 per cent during prime time.

At the end of the 2005 financial year there was a surplus of $3.2 million and its bank loan repayments were two years ahead of schedule.

"We enter 2005/06 still in our infancy but nevertheless in a strong position and with a clear and relevant strategy for a sustainable, successful future," Mr Walden said.

Chief executive Jim Mather said a significant achievement was the creation of cultural advisory team of 10 kaumatua.

"We are able to receive independent guidance on how we are operating the channel from the perspective of many of those who contributed to its establishment."

He said "an obvious measure of customer satisfaction was ratings".

The number of viewers increased from a monthly cumulative average of 327,800 in July 2004 to a peak of 426,300 in April this year.

Cumulative averages count viewers who have tuned in at least once over a period, and are not comparable with rating figures used by the other channels.

- NZPA