Lively regional television and compelling international programmes available right across the country - that's what new national broadcaster Triangle Stratos is offering New Zealand on the Freeview platform and on Sky's Channel 89. The new station is taking regional television to the entire country for the first time ever.The channel was officially 'switched on' recently by the Minister of Broadcasting, Steve Maharey, during a special ceremony at Triangle Television's station in Grey Lynn, Auckland. The Minister and Triangle staff were joined by broadcast industry leaders and long-time Triangle Television supporters to celebrate the occasion.

Triangle Stratos brings New Zealanders a unique mix of local and global programming from a number of sources: programmes that have been provided by other regional stations around New Zealand; programmes provided by many of New Zealand's ethnic and minority groups; and international news services and current affairs shows from prestigious global broadcasters including Germany's DW-TV, Voice of America and Al Jazeera.

Jim Blackman, Chief Executive Officer of the three stations, says: "Underlying the launch of Triangle Stratos is our belief in the importance of subscription-free, regional broadcasting. Triangle is all about diversity - by providing a national platform for regional programmes, we really can reflect the diversity of New Zealand life.

"We are experiencing tremendous support from regional television stations and are especially thrilled to give programme providers from all over New Zealand the chance to screen their programmes nationally."

Though many of the programmes are in English, some are in languages other than English, offering new immigrants and people learning a new language the opportunity to listen to international news from other countries in the local language.

Triangle Television already operates two successful regional channels: Triangle Television Auckland, which has been broadcasting for nine years, and Triangle Television Wellington, which launched almost a year ago.

The two stations, which are the only non-commercial terrestrial television stations operating in their areas, continue with their unique local schedules. Triangle Stratos has its own programme schedule to meet the needs of a national audience.

Triangle Stratos is transmitted via the networks of broadcast and telecommunications provider Kordia „¢. Freeview currently comprises free-to-air broadcasters Television New Zealand (TV One, TV2, TVNZ6 and TVNZ Sport Extra), MediaWorks (TV3 and C4), Maori TV and Radio New Zealand - and now Triangle Stratos.

25/10/07

Image: Stratos CEO Jim Blackman (left) and Minister of Broadcasting Steve Maharey unveil the Stratos launch plaque at the start of transmission on October 3 2007.