Set to go live on 13 March, a new free-to-air digital TVNZ channel called, simply, ‘U’ will offer real-life and factual entertainment programming, targeted at the 15-24 age group. ‘The backbone of the U schedule is U live, a hosted block from 4pm to 7pm daily,’ says TVNZ Head of Digital Media and Channels, Eric Kearley. ‘It will feature chat and commentary driven by a U live Facebook application – profile pictures, people’s comments and polling activity will be automatically pulled through into broadcast. It’s the first true technology-driven integration of online social media with television in New Zealand.’
In addition to the Facebook integration in U live, other parts of the U schedule will also feature audience interaction.
U will operate as a commercial channel and will replace the current advert-free TVNZ6.
More: www.facebook.com/tvnzu