Four Plus 1 launched on Freeview and SKY

MediaWorks has launched the ‘plus one’ version of popular entertainment channel FOUR on the Freeview and SKY platforms. The new channel is an exact duplicate of FOUR, broadcast an hour later, and is available on Freeview channel 9 and SKY channel 512.

FOUR Plus 1 began broadcasting on Freeview Satellite and SKY at 10am today (Thursday 17 July, 2014). The channel has been available on the FreeviewHD service since June 26, and has already proven popular with those viewers. Now it is available to all New Zealanders.

MediaWorks TV CEO, Paul Maher says: "With FOUR Plus 1 now added to the existing TV3 Plus 1 channel and the 3NOW Video On Demand service, our viewers have more options for watching their favourite TV3 and FOUR shows than ever before.

"It’s part of our commitment to provide more choice and flexibility for viewers, and increased reach for advertisers."

Plus one channels significantly increase overall audience share, locally and internationally. In the three weeks since FOUR Plus 1 launched on FreeviewHD, it has contributed 4% of FOUR’s total primetime share of the 18-49 audience.

Launched in 2011, FOUR is the fourth most significant TV channel in the New Zealand market, a popular entertainment channel aimed at 18-49 year-olds. Its schedule includes hit shows like The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother, The Witches of East End, Bad Teacher, Face-Off, Community, Top Chef, America’s Next Top Model, The Crazy Ones and Family Guy, plus a range of blockbuster and classic movies.

FOUR is known for its innovative fast-tracking of international programming where hit American shows are broadcast within a week of their worldwide premieres. In September, when the US new season begins, FOUR viewers can look forward to fast-tracked series of New Girl, American Dad, Bob’s Burgers, Survivor, The Goldbergs and the final season of Glee.