Sky TV drops CNN news for Maori service on UHF

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX

A lack of interest has prompted Sky TV to can its UHF broadcasts of CNN news and the channel will instead become home to Maori Television.

Sky spokesman Tony O'Brien said of around 100,000 subscribers to the UHF service only 1.5 per cent were avid CNN watchers, which was "incredibly low".

"Consequently it's uneconomic for us to continue operating a whole UHF network for a very small number of viewers."

He said the CNN review coincided with the Maori Television Service quest for a platform from which to broadcast its free-to-air programme.

UHF users will be able to tune into a Maori Television Service test signal from March 1.

Sky digital viewers have a Maori Television promo on channel 33.

Mr O'Brien said the move was a "win-win situation" for Maori Television and Sky TV.

But canning CNN was not a ploy to entice people to the more expensive and extensive digital service.

"UHF is a very good business for SKY, a good low-cost entry business for people to sample our wares.

"The last thing we want to do is move subscribers from UHF to digital."

Mr O'Brien said refunds for the absence of CNN would depend on each subscriber's package.

The refunds would range from $3 to $7.

The date for the Maori Television Service to go to air was expected to be announced in March. Construction and refit of the channel's Auckland studio was nearing completion.