Save TVNZ 7 goes V V V V Viral!

For immediate release

Wednesday 27 April 2011

‘SAVE TVNZ 7’ GOES VIRAL

Fans of quality TV are invited to get busy writing, shooting, editing – or just wielding mobile phones – with the launch of the Save TVNZ 7 Viral Video Competition.

Save TVNZ 7 is calling for short, attention-grabbing videos with the message that NZ’s only public service channel is cherished – and shouldn’t be axed.

The winning clip will be screened on TVNZ 7’s Media 7 show, presented by Russell Brown. All entries will be posted online at www.savetvnz7.co.nz

‘Sadly, the Government has decided that New Zealanders don’t deserve or need non-commercial public service TV. This puts us well behind every other developed country in the world – and many third world countries.

‘We’re losing a valuable cultural asset – a place where we, as Kiwis, can tell our own unique stories. We’re expecting to see some punchy, thought-provoking and funny videos to get that message out to an even wider audience,’ said Save TVNZ 7 founder Myles Thomas.

‘The videos can be all one take, or a three-camera shoot. They can be made in three days or three minutes. We just want to see original videos that get the message out – Save TVNZ 7, save public service television.’

The competition closes on 7 May. Entrants can:

• post the video on You Tube and email the embedded code or URL to savetvnz7@gmail.com
• email the video itself to savetvnz7@gmail.com (make sure it is short and web quality to keep file size below 20MB)
• post it on a dvd (not authored, just a file on the disk) to Save TVNZ 7, c/- 88 Sackville Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021.

ENDS

For media queries please contact Myles Thomas, 021 666 297

Notes to editors

• Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman announced in early April that the Government would not fund TVNZ 7 after June 2012.

• In 2013, analogue TV broadcasting in New Zealand will cease and all Kiwi households will need digital receivers to get free-to-air TV.

• TVNZ launched its first digital channel TVNZ 6, in September 2007. TVNZ 7 followed six months later. The two channels were rationalised and TVNZ 6 ended, earlier this year.

• Save TVNZ 7 is a lobby group with members from across the political spectrum. It is not affiliated with any party or other interest group.

• The Save TVNZ 7 online petition has 1,300 signatures to date, and can be viewed at www.savetvnz7.co.nz.