MediaWorks is to close its digital linear channels ThreeLife and ThreeLifePlus1 on 26th March, replacing them with The Edge TV and the Breeze TV.
MediaWorks Chief Executive, Michael Anderson said that his company was acting in response to audience preferences.
He said; “We’re in the business of delivering what our audience wants, and while there’s a lot of popular content on ThreeLife, this will find a home on Three and ThreeNow which will complement and strengthen our TV offering across all our channels – both peak and off peak.”
He went on to say; “Radio content on TV has been very popular and the launch of The Edge TV and Breeze TV will bring two of New Zealand’s most popular radio brands to the TV Market.
“We’re a business that continues to refine, adapt and evolve our offerings to our viewers. We continue to try new approaches to deliver what people want. The introduction of ThreeLife and ThreeLifePlus1 was an example of this. The launch of Edge and Breeze TV continues this process.”
These changes are unrelated to the current TV sale which is still ongoing. This is business as usual with the relationship between MediaWorks TV and radio continuing, which includes seeking opportunities for the businesses to work together and leverage one another accordingly.
Mediaworks’ ThreeLife FAQ’s
When does ThreeLife go off air?
The official changeover will happen after midnight on the morning of March 26th.
Why are ThreeLife and ThreeLifePlus1 going off air?
ThreeLife was a great channel and we are proud of the fans it found in a fragmented market. However, ultimately it didn’t find the audience we’d hoped for relative to its cost base and our priority is to continue to support and promote Three as a market leader on free to air TV.
What is replacing ThreeLife and ThreeLifePlus1?
On March 26 we are bringing back the ever-popular music channel The Edge TV to Freeview Channel 11. Previously only available on ThreeNow, Rova and theedge.co.nz, The Edge TV will now be HD. In April, The Breeze TV will replace ThreeLifePlus1(on Freeview channel 14 DTT)
What will viewers see on The Edge TV and The Breeze TV?
The Edge TV is targeted towards all people 18 – 39 providing a traditional music TV channel primarily offering viewers clip based music television. Catering to a mainstream audience The Edge TV will offer a Top 40 playlist. The Breeze TV will deliver a mix of the best music videos from The Breeze radio station playlist. From Ronan Keating to Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart and much more. The Breeze TV will offer the best classic music videos. Targeted at 35 – 59s with a female skew The Breeze TV is the perfect way to ‘take it easy’ everyday.
Will I still be able to watch ThreeLife and ThreeLifePlus1shows?
We’ve been working for some time now to find homes for our most loved ThreeLife shows over on Three and ThreeNow. This covers well over 150 lifestyle and entertainment titles including Millionaire Hot Seat, Bondi Rescue, Masterchef UK, Restoration Man and Better Homes and Gardens.