For the first time ever, regional television will soon be available to the entire country. Triangle Television is set to make broadcasting history with the advent of Triangle Stratos, which will broadcast on the Freeview platform. Triangle's regional channels - in Auckland and Wellington - are the only non-commercial terrestrial television stations operating in their areas.

Image: Triangle Television's Chief Executive Officer, Jim Blackman.For the first time ever, regional television will soon be available to the entire country. Triangle Television is set to make broadcasting history with the advent of Triangle Stratos, which will broadcast on the Freeview platform. Triangle's regional channels - in Auckland and Wellington - are the only non-commercial terrestrial television stations operating in their areas.

Image: Triangle Television's Chief Executive Officer, Jim Blackman.Triangle Television's Chief Executive Officer, Jim Blackman says: "New Zealand is more than ready for a national, subscription-free channel that provides alternatives to mainstream viewing. Even before Freeview began broadcasting, it was clear to us that there was a significant demand from around the country for Triangle Television's style of programming. Now, through Triangle Stratos, that need can be answered."

Triangle Stratos will offer a mix of local and global programming, including shows provided by other regional stations around New Zealand; programmes provided by ethnic and minority groups around the country; and international news services and current affairs shows from prestigious global broadcasters including Germany's DW-TV, Voice of America and Al Jazeera. To add to the mix, not all programming will be in English.

"There will be the opportunity for new immigrants and those learning a new language to hear international news from other countries in their local language," says Mr Blackman.

While Triangle Television Auckland and Triangle Television Wellington will continue with their unique local schedules, Triangle Stratos will have its own programme schedule to meet the needs of a more national audience.

All Freeview viewers with a satellite set top box will have access to Triangle Stratos which will be transmitted via the transmission networks of broadcast and telecommunications provider Kordia „¢.

Freeview currently comprises free-to-air broadcasters Television New Zealand (TV One, TV2 and TVNZ Sport Extra), MediaWorks (TV3 and C4), Maori TV and Radio New Zealand.

13/8/07