More N.Z. Features For Extended TV Hours

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30342, 18 January 1964, Page 2

More N.Z. Features For Extended TV Hours

"The Press" Special Service

WELLINGTON Jan. 15. More New Zealand-pro-duced features were being planned to cope with the longer hours during which television stations would operate from April 1, said the controller of TV programmes (Mr T. Shankland) today. Various new series of halfhour features would be produced in each of the centres for distribution to all four stations. In Christchurch young people and experts in various fields would combine in seven question-and-answer sessions of “Youth Wants to Know.” The Dunedin station would produce six “After Dinner” discussions of well-known quotations in which local people would appear in a relaxed atmosphere of coffee and cigars. “Dateline,” a weekly halfhour programme of interviews and films on current problems in New Zealand and overseas, would appear later in the year. From the various New Zealand museums a series of natural history features was planned and already the

Christchurch theme of moa hunters had been decided. The Sunday “Focus,” on New Zealand arts," would be continued, and there would be 15-minute features for do-it-yourselfers on 11 sorts of things such as motoring, dressmaking, and home science. It was hoped that a series on medical and scientific research projects could be produced, said Mr Shankland. Graham Kerr would continue his cookery demonstrations and Peter Read would talk about the stars. All stations were planning sessions of serious music featuring New Zealand singers and instrumentalists as well as light entertainment. From April 1 the hours of television will be from 5 p.m. till 11 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, from 5 p.m. till midnight on Friday, 2 p.m. till midnight on Saturday, and 2 p.m. till 11 p.m. on Sunday. The increased number of New Zealand-produced programmes would give opportunity for the employment of more New Zealanders with talent for television appearances, said Mr Shankland.