Momentum is gaining at Matamata based FamilyTV as they prepare to broadcast into Hamilton and Bay of Plenty this week.

FamilyTV, which will be re-branded as tvCentral this Thursday, has been operating since 2002.

The official launch, which takes place this Thursday (November 15) from 7pm, is exactly seven years to the day of the formation of their charitable trust – the foundation of the whole group.

CEO Daryl Anderson says the launch is something the group has been working hard to achieve over the last few years. “This is very significant timing as the date to the launch was chosen prior to the knowledge that it was seven years to the day,” says Mr Anderson.

“I know people will enjoy what we have to offer. This has been a dream of ours since we first began operating FamilyTV and it is very exciting to finally be able to realize it and share it with our wonderful regions – the Waikato and Bay of Plenty”.

The tvCentral signal is coming from the Mt Te Aroha antennae, boosting viewer numbers from 40,000 to a potential 400,000.

The launch of tvCentral will mean viewers in the greater Waikato and Bay of Plenty area’s can enjoy and embrace a taste of regional television, broadcasting seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Plans to set up a studio in Hamilton next year are underway, with Matamata remaining as the administration and broadcasting hub.

With the imminent launch, exciting new shows are currently being looked into which will enhance an already entertaining line up of more than 30 per cent home grown programmes. Currently viewers can enjoy current affairs programme InDepth, magazine style chat show EveryDay, commercial ‘Let’s Go Shopping’ show, children’s show MishMash and seasonal rural programme Farming Today along with documentaries, news, sport and movies from around the globe.

In its own right, each FamilyTV produced show aims to bring up to date information on the latest technology, politics and market trends, as well as showcasing local people.

Mr Anderson says he is looking forward to bringing regional television back to our screens and is encouraging people to switch over and see what tvCentral has to offer.

tvCentral can be viewed on the free to air UHF analogue, channel 40. There is already a test pattern activated, so people can go there now and get prepared.

Operating under the banner of Television Media Group, FamilyTV operates along with AlphaMedia Productions (programming, commercials and DVD corporate work), AlphaMedia Concepts (web development and hosting) and more recently live web streaming of iTV Live (Information Television) in Rotorua and community regional station ‘TV Rotorua’.

Over the past five years FamilyTV has delivered quality programming suitable for family viewing at all times.

For further information, contact:

Daryl Anderson
CEO
Television Media Group

Phone: 07 888 5030
e-mail Daryl