A NEW CHRISTIAN CHANNEL
IN NEW ZEALAND
WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SKY TV IN DECEMBER
News release from Rhema Broadcasting Group, Auckland, New Zealand
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (ANS) -- Called Shine TV, the channel’s programming intentions can be summarised by the acronym PRAISE – Professional, Relevant, Authentic, Intelligent, Scriptural and Entertaining. Shine will go to air on December 1st, a free addition to Sky’s basic digital service with a potential audience of 800,000. Shine CEO Denis Delaney says the channel will broadcast 24 hours a day with a mix of international and local programmes.
The international programmes will be selected for their New Zealand
audience appeal. While the locally produced programmes will “reflect the
wide range of interests in the Christian community and encourage viewers
to consider and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in every day life.”
Mr. Delaney sees the launch of the channel “as a significant milestone
for Christian broadcasting in New Zealand.” He went on to say, “I would
like to see Shine become a focal point for the Christian community and
an encouraging, worthwhile viewing option for all New Zealanders. This
project is exciting, challenging and has the potential to realise a vision
for Christian television many New Zealanders have shared over the past
20 years.”
While Christian television has been available in Wellington for nine years and Christchurch for five, Mr. Delaney sees Shine’s national coverage as the next step.
“Economically this is an appropriate time to launch a TV channel with standard digital technology available at reasonable cost. Creatively we are experiencing resurgence of the arts and especially among young people, more openness and interest in Christian faith. Shine TV is committed to see this creativity channelled into contemporary expressions of Biblical truth which will benefit the quality of life for all New Zealanders,” he said. (Pictured: Control Room).
The name Shine
was inspired by Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise and shine, for your light has come
and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you…” - and Matthew 5:13-16, in
which Jesus talks about not hiding your light but letting it shine.
Mr. Delaney says, “The aim of the channel will be to shine – not compare, not judge – just shine. Shine aspires to be salt and light in the New Zealand community. Shine sees itself as just one of many light stands in the community with programmes transmitting the light of good deeds and thoughts to the nation.
“Shine is committed to delivering a wide range of positive programmes, compatible with Christian beliefs that respect our bi-cultural heritage and multi-cultural society. The purpose is to encourage believers and attract “seekers” to the Christian faith.”
He says Shine aims to “become a self-sustaining broadcaster by attracting a strong base of supporters and a viable audience through imaginative programming which appeals to New Zealand viewers.” (Pictured: Playout Station).
Shine plans to steadily increase the proportion of New Zealand produced content which will include Polynesian and contemporary music programmes, interviews with notable New Zealanders, discussions of relevant issues, game shows and even Christian fitness programmes.
From Christian networks in Australia, America and Europe, Shine will provide a strong line-up of children’s programmes, from pre-school to late teen, teaching and preaching from some of the world’s best communicators, thought provoking documentaries, programmes on health, marriage, parenting and plenty of wholesome family entertainment.
Shine TV was established in 1999 when Freedom TV in Christchurch joined with United Christian Broadcasters, Alpha Video Trust and Dove Ministries to explore the potential of establishing a national Christian television channel.
These groups combined resources to build a television network centre in Auckland, which has been providing programming services for Freedom TV in Christchurch since November 2000.
A key factor in Shine proceeding with a Sky broadcast is the channel’s amalgamation with the Rhema Broadcasting Group (RBG), which broadcasts three Christian radio networks to over 250,000 regular listeners throughout New Zealand.
Shine TV will operate as an independent company within the Rhema Group, with Shine and Rhema sharing management, marketing and technical resources.
Rhema Broadcasting Group Chief Executive, John Fabrin says surveys show New Zealanders spend nearly 20 hours a week watching television, making the medium a vital area for Christian input. While Rhema has specialised in radio coverage, he says, his board has unanimously agreed on taking a “faith step” into television.
“Rhema and Shine have such similar visions and missions,” says Mr. Fabrin.
“New Zealand’s two national Christian broadcasters need to be in unity
and promotions across both radio and TV can provide very real synergies.
As has often been the case in Rhema’s history, this is another big faith
step. We believe the climate is right for this new channel.”
For more information contact Denis Delaney – CEO - Shine TV Ltd --
by e-mail at delaney@ihug.co.nz.
John Fabrin – CEO – Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc. -- e-mail: fabrin@rhema.co.nz.
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