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Three (stylised as +HR=E) is a New Zealand nationwide television channel. Launched on 26 November 1989 as TV3, it was New Zealand's first privately owned television channel. The channel currently broadcasts nationally (with regional advertising targeting four markets) in digital free-to-air form via the state-owned Kordia on terrestrial and satellite. Vodafone also carries the channel for their cable subscribers in Wellington and Christchurch. It previously broadcast nationally on analogue television until that was switched off on 1 December 2013.

Key Information

Three is a general entertainment channel formerly owned by Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand, with a news element under the banner of ThreeNews. Three carries a significant amount of local content, most of which airs at prime-time. The channel has been owned by Sky Network Television from 1 August 2025.[1][2]

History

[edit]

Establishment

[edit]
Original TV3 logo from 1989 to 2003.
A version of the logo introduced in 1994.

Applications to apply for warrants to operate New Zealand's third national television network opened in early 1985 and closed on 29 March 1985. There were four regional channel warrants: Region 1 serving Auckland and Northland; Region 2 serving Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay; Region 3 serving Wellington, Manawatu and Taranaki; and Region 4 serving the South Island. Applicants for the warrants included Aotearoa Broadcasting System, Civic Enterprises (region 4 only), Energy Source Television Network, Impact Television, On-Shore Services (region 1 only), Southern Cross Television (except region 2), Tele-Vid Three group and United Telecast Corporation (region 2 only). Hearings began in August 1985.[3][4]

The Broadcasting Tribunal announced in August 1987 that the Tele-Vid Three group (TV3) had been awarded all four warrants. The four channels would be based in Auckland, Tauranga,[5] Wellington and Christchurch, with a jointly owned national news and current affairs service and a national advertising service. TV3 was proposed to launch in early 1989, with broadcasts initially covering 80% of the population.[6]

There were numerous delays to the launch date of TV3. Litigation surrounded the granting of the warrant, as did the share market crash in October 1987, which wiped out a large proportion of the capital that TV3 required to establish the channel. These problems resulted in the ambitious regional plans being rationalised before being shelved completely. The network was to be based in Auckland with limited studios and news and sales teams in the other main centres.[7]

External videos
video icon TV3 First Transmission, 26 November 1989 via NZ On Screen (video blocked outside New Zealand)

TV3 expected to take 30% of the television advertising revenue, rising to 36% by 1994.[8]

TV3 began broadcasting on Sunday 26 November 1989 at 8:00 pm with Governor-General Paul Reeves officially launching the station. This was followed by a two-hour special previewing the network's programmes, featuring comedians David McPhail and Jon Gadsby playing cameramen.[9] TV3's initial slogan proclaimed 'Come Home to the Feeling'; a derivative of the 'Come Home to the Best, Only on NBC' slogan used by NBC in the United States of America at the same time. At launch, TV3 could be received by an estimated 55 percent of the population, in Auckland, Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.[10]

Regular broadcasts began the following day, Monday 27 November 1989, at 7:00 am. The first day's programme schedule was as follows:[9][11]

One of the financial supporters of TV3 in its early life was America's NBC (through NBC International Ltd),[12] taking 14.9% of TV3's shares and had the biggest and effectively controlling interest.[13] Existing laws forbade foreign ownership beyond the 15% level,[8] what TV3 considers as "the main block to sell" itself.[14] NBC sold the stake when TV3 was into receivership in May 1990; by this time the share was at 16.4%.[15]

Despite breaking TVNZ's monopoly, TV3 had found itself in an uphill struggle. Its current affairs programmes and TV sports programmes were axed due to disappointing ratings and poor advertising income. Its staff were also laid off. It also had to face competition with the then-new Sky Network Television. TV3 was ready for any ratings battle.[16]

Westpac ownership

[edit]

TV3 failed to gain ground against a recently revitalised TVNZ and was placed into receivership on 2 May 1990. TV3 continued to broadcast with the major creditor, Westpac, supporting the network by taking a large shareholding. TV3 was delisted from the New Zealand Stock Exchange in December 1990 because it could afford to meet listing requirements.[17] Its board of directors had lost their confidence when TV3 was into receivership.[17]

As TV3 needed investment during a climate of economic recession, the government liberalised the rules on foreign ownership of television stations (raising the 15 percent cap to 49 percent and later removing all restrictions), allowing TV3 to search for an investor overseas. In December 1991, Canwest took a 20 percent shareholding in TV3 and secured a management agreement allowing it full control to operate the station. Canwest introduced tighter controls on budgets while targeting the lucrative 18- to 49-year-old audience. TV3's audience share and advertising revenue steadily increased, leading to significant profits. TV3 also steadily increased its coverage within New Zealand, adding dozens of transmitters and translators, often with the assistance of New Zealand On Air. By 1998 about 97 percent of the population could receive the channel.

On 2 October 1996, TV3 announced a reshuffling of its broadcast frequencies to enable it to launch a new network, to be called TV4 Network Limited, on the VHF band. TV4, which started on 29 June 1997, is a free-to-air network aimed at a younger audience than TV3. The launch was considered successful, with high brand recognition and ratings significantly higher than MTV, TV4's television rival. TV4's opening broadcast was the controversial Tyson–Holyfield boxing rematch.[18]

Canwest ownership

[edit]

In April 1997, Canwest purchased Westpac's 48 percent shareholding in TV3, taking Canwest's stake to 68 percent. In June Canwest picked up the More FM Radio network, followed in November with the purchase of the remaining 32 percent of TV3. In April 1998, Canwest announced that it had made Can$22 million in the six months to February 1998 in New Zealand, up a third on the same period the year before. TV4 contributed positively to the result, with some of the increase due to the inclusion of More FM, while TV3 was continuing to experience strong revenue growth.

In September 1999, the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) upheld a complaint over TV3's 20/20 story "Sex, Lies and Videotape" in June 1998. The story received twelve complaints and was upheld on the grounds of privacy, viewpoints on controversial Issues, accuracy, fairness and responsible programming. The BSA ordered TV3 to pay $100,000 in costs, to broadcast statements on-air regarding the upheld complaint, and the channel was banned from showing advertising between 6:00pm and 8:30pm on 10 October 1999.[19]

Canwest's investments in New Zealand had developed considerably in New Zealand over the period that it had interests in the country. TV4 continued to be a source of concern for the broadcaster, but the position of TV3 was strengthened by alliances with Sky Television for sport and a series of high-profile mistakes by TVNZ as it dealt with the dominance of Sky in pay television. The election of the Labour government in 1999 refocused TVNZ as a semi-non-commercial broadcaster, no longer ratings-driven and no longer attempting to dominate the free to air television market. As a commercial broadcaster, TV3 was in a position to take advantage of TVNZ's change of focus.

In October 2000, it used the TellyDOTS for a four-week period.[20]

TV3 logo used from 2003 to 2017

During 2004, the station was transferred into the ownership of Canwest MediaWorks (NZ) as a way of listing 30 percent of the Canadian company's New Zealand assets on the New Zealand share market. TV3's parent company Television Works announced its annual revenue at $124 million in October 2004, which was $13 million up from the previous financial year.

MediaWorks ownership

[edit]

In May 2007 it was announced that Ironbridge Capital, an Australian private equity firm, was paying $386 million or $2.43 a share for the 70 percent of CanWest MediaWorks (NZ) owned by CanWest Global Communications. It was also offering the same price to minority shareholders under a full takeover bid.

On 1 April 2008, TV3 became the first New Zealand television network to introduce high-definition television, to coincide with the launch of Freeview HD and MySky HDi in New Zealand. The first programme to broadcast in true 1080i high definition (i.e. not upscaled) was that night's screening of Boston Legal.

On 17 June 2013 the parent company of TV3 went into receivership, this being the second receivership for TV3. When TV3's parent company MediaWorks was purchased by Ironbridge Capital they took on $700 million of debt which could no longer be sustained. Following the receivership TV3 and the radio stations owned by MediaWorks remained on air and all staff have retained their jobs.[21] Shares in the company were gradually and completely bought out by US hedge fund Oaktree Capital Management.[22]

Since 3 July 2016, with the closure of sister channel Four, some of its programming, such as Sticky TV, moved over to TV3 in a new daytime lineup.

TV3 logo used from 2017 to 2023

On 9 February 2017, TV3 underwent a major re-branding, changing its name to Three and adopting a new logo and on-air imaging. The new brand was promoted as being "vibrant, playful, and inspiring"; chief content officer Andrew Szusterman explained that TV3 as a brand had not evolved with its programming, and that "a channel this strong, with content this strong, should be bigger than the sum of its parts and it should represent the content itself whereas the pieces of content were living in isolation." The new imaging was widely criticised by viewers, particularly the unusual design and stylization of its new logo as "+HR=E".[23][24][25]

A second sister channel, ThreeLife, was launched on 15 April 2018.

On 18 October 2019, MediaWorks announced Three was for sale.[26]

On 25 March 2020, ThreeLife and ThreeLife + 1 went off air, and were replaced by the return of The Edge TV and new channel Breeze TV.[27]

Discovery Inc./Warner Bros. Discovery ownership

[edit]
Main article: Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand

In early September 2020, MediaWorks confirmed that it would be selling its television media assets, which include Three, to U.S.-based Discovery, Inc.[28][29][30] The acquisition was completed on 1 December 2020.[31][32]

In April 2022, Discovery merged with WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery.[33] As a result, Discovery New Zealand and its assets including Three and Newshub became part of the new media company.[34] The Edge TV and The Breeze TV were both discontinued in December 2022, to be replaced with eden, eden +1 and Rush.[35]

In late February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery proposed eliminating Three's news service Newshub, effective 1 July 2024, citing declining advertising revenue.[36] Newshub's closure was confirmed on 10 April 2024, with 5 July being its final airdate.[37] On 16 April, Warner Bros. Discovery and newspaper company Stuff reached an agreement for Stuff to produce Three's 6pm news bulletin ThreeNews, commencing 6 July 2024.[38]

On 7 May, Stuff announced that seven former Newshub journalists including Samantha Hayes, Jenna Lynch, Laura Tupou, Ollie Ritchie, Juliet Speedy, Zane Small and Heather Keats would produce Stuff's 6pm news bulletin and other news content.[39]

Sky Network Television ownership

[edit]

On 22 July 2025, it was announced at the New Zealand's Exchange that Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand free-to-air television (Three, Bravo, eden, Rush and HGTV) and streaming operations (ThreeNow) would be acquired by Sky for NZ$1. The sale was completed on 1 August 2025 with Warner Bros. Discovery continuing to provide channels a continued supply of company's content under a multi-year commercial agreement.[1][2]

Content

[edit]
See also: List of programming broadcast by Sky Free

Output contracts

[edit]

Mediaworks acquired a first-run and re-run contract with HD sourced material for 20th Century Fox Television content (which includes films under the brands 20th Century Fox, DreamWorks Animation – 2008 to present, Fox Atomic, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Icon Films – 2007 to 2012, now belongs to Prime Television New Zealand and Regency Enterprises), which was previously held by TVNZ. When TVNZ outbid them for their previous Disney Media Distribution contract. In 2015, they had the rights to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for more recent films.

Exclusive contracts with CBS News, ITV News, and Seven News for international news coverage.

Mediaworks has long held first-option contracts with NBC Universal (which includes films under the brands Focus Features and Universal Pictures) with select HD material from February 2011.[40] As well as until the start of the US 2012 season,[41] a first-option contract with CBS Television Distribution (which included films under the brands Paramount Pictures and non-animated DreamWorks Pictures) with select HD material from the end of 2012, this deal came to an end for new content from the start of 2013. From mid-2013, TV3 secured a first option deal with Sony Pictures Television for new content for TV series and movies that will be scheduled for late 2013 and the 2014 season. This deal signals a move away from the more expensive exclusive Fox deal, which is still under re-negotiation following the broadcaster's change in ownership.[42]

On 20 December 2013, MediaWorks re-signed a revised down scaled exclusive deal with Fox.[43] As a result of their receivership, they lost their first-option rights over NBCUniversal shows, which resulted in TVNZ acquiring the rights to Brooklyn Nine-Nine in 2014. They also lost their rights to air 20th Television programmes, which resulted in Prime airing Sleepy Hollow, and TVNZ airing Empire.

Broadcasting details

[edit]

From launch in November 1989 until digital television transition was completed on 1 December 2013, TV3 broadcast terrestrially using the analogue PAL-B&G. In some areas, TV3's analogue broadcast was on a different transmitter from TV One and TV2's analogue broadcasts, and viewers needed an additional antenna to pick up the channel; these included Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo, Gisborne, Kapiti, Masterton, and Nelson.[44][45]

Three is a broadcasting member of the Freeview platform as well as broadcasting on Sky. TV3 began screening widescreen transmissions on both platforms on 11 April 2007, although TelstraClear InHomeTV which got most of its content from Sky, switched back to screening the cropped version of TV3 for a couple of months due to non-widescreen customer complaints. TelstraClear resumed broadcasting the widescreen version of TV3 on 24 July 2007. In April 2008 TV3 commenced 1080i high definition broadcasts on the Freeview terrestrial platform and on Sky's HD satellite platform.

Three also broadcasts a livestream of the Auckland feed on its ThreeNow website and app.[46]

ThreeNow

[edit]
Main article: ThreeNow

ThreeNow (previously called TV3 On Demand and 3Now)[47][48] is a free ad-supported[49] New Zealand streaming platform owned by Sky Free.[50] It is available on Apple, Android, LG, Panasonic and Sony devices and smart TVs.[51] The streaming service hosts content from Three and its sister channels Bravo, eden, Rush and HGTV.[52] It also hosts content from Warner Bros. Discovery's content library including the live-streaming channels WBTV Paranormal, WBTV Reality, WBTV House Hunters International, WBTV True Crime and WBTV 90 Day Fiancé.[53][51] Notable New Zealand and international programmes including Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Come Dine with Me New Zealand, Below Deck Mediterranean, Dancing with the Stars, Gogglebox, Chicago Med, Australia's Best Houses, and Hawaii Five-O. The streaming service also hosts content from ThreeNow.[52]

ThreePlus1

[edit]
ThreePlus1 logo

ThreePlus1 (previously called TV3 Plus 1) is a 1-hour timeshift channel. It was launched on 30 March 2009, as part of Three's contract with Freeview to provide at least four channels. It is a standard hour delayed timeshift channel of the Three broadcast taken from their Auckland feed that was created originally for the Sky platform, meaning the channel broadcasts Auckland regional advertising. ThreePlus1 is available on digital terrestrial and digital satellite.[54]

Defunct

[edit]

ThreeLife

[edit]
ThreeLife
CountryNew Zealand
Broadcast areaNational
Programming
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
Timeshift serviceThreeLife + 1
Ownership
OwnerMediaWorks New Zealand
Sister channelsThree, Bravo, The Edge TV
History
Launched15 April 2018 (2018-04-15)
Closed25 March 2020 (2020-03-25)
Replaced byThe Edge TV
Links
Websitewww.threenow.co.nz

ThreeLife was a New Zealand nationwide television channel that was launched on 15 April 2018. It aired lifestyle shows. The content aired on ThreeLife was themed, as follows:

  • Monday: Taste Life
  • Tuesday: Explore Life
  • Wednesday: Fast Life
  • Thursday: DIY Life
  • Friday: Love Life
  • Saturday: Lifestyle
  • Sunday: Wild Life

Good Chef Bad Chef, Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield and The Home Team were aired from 6 pm to 7:30 pm every night. During the day, the channel repeated programmes from the previous night. These aired from 9 am on Monday through Friday, from 11:30 am on Saturday, and from 6 am on Sunday. From midnight to 6 am, a simulcast of Magic Talk was broadcast.

ThreeLife was shut down at the end of 25 March 2020, and was replaced by the return of The Edge TV a little over an hour later.[27] The final show to air on ThreeLife was Good Chef Bad Chef.

ThreeLife + 1

[edit]

ThreeLife + 1 was a 1-hour timeshift channel. It was launched on 1 July 2019, in the place of The Edge TV. The station was shut down at 1 am on 26 March 2020, and was replaced on 16 April by The Breeze TV.[27]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Three (TV channel)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Three is a free-to-air commercial television channel launched on 26 November 1989 as TV3, establishing the nation's first privately owned national broadcaster and challenging the prior monopoly held by state-operated Television New Zealand. Rebranded to Three in February 2017 amid efforts to refresh its identity, the channel has primarily aired entertainment content, reality programming, and news bulletins under the 3 News banner until its discontinuation in April 2024. The channel's inception followed years of regulatory preparation and competitive bidding, introducing advertising-supported programming that expanded viewer options beyond models. Its news service, operational for 34 years, provided an independent alternative to TVNZ's offerings, covering national events and fostering journalistic competition despite periodic complaints over specific reporting practices. Ownership has shifted frequently due to financial pressures in a market strained by declining linear TV and rising digital competition, including a 2013 under MediaWorks with over NZ$700 million in debt, a 2019 attempt to divest the TV assets, and a July 2025 transfer to Sky Network Television for a nominal $1 from . These transitions highlight broader structural challenges in New Zealand's , where reliance on volatile ad has led to cost-cutting, program reductions, and the eventual axing of unprofitable news operations.

History

Establishment and Launch (1989–1990s)

TV3 was established by a local business after four years of legal challenges to secure approval for 's first commercial television station, ending the state monopoly held by Television New Zealand. The Broadcasting Tribunal awarded the in following competitive bidding, with the committing to nationwide coverage and diverse programming. Initial setup involved constructing transmission facilities to reach major population centers, though full national rollout occurred progressively. The channel commenced broadcasting on the evening of 26 November 1989 with an , followed by scheduled programming from 27 November. Sir officiated the launch, symbolizing the shift to private enterprise in broadcasting. Initial signals covered about 60 percent of households, primarily urban areas including , , , and parts of the . The debut lineup featured imported entertainment, , and current affairs, aiming to differentiate from public broadcasters through edgier content and focus. In its early years through the , TV3 navigated economic , achieving rapid audience growth but incurring heavy startup costs exceeding initial projections. By May 1990, mounting debts led to financial restructuring, though operations continued with innovations like late-night talk shows such as . The channel expanded regional opt-outs and news bureaus, solidifying its role as a commercial alternative despite early profitability struggles.

Early Ownership and Expansion (Westpac and Canwest Eras)

Following its launch on 26 November 1989, TV3 encountered severe financial strain amid New Zealand's recession, leading Banking Corporation to appoint a receiver on 2 May 1990 after the station accumulated debts exceeding its revenue from advertising and operations. , as principal lender, converted outstanding debt into equity, securing approximately 50% ownership while ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting to preserve the network's viability against state-owned competitor . The bank prioritized operational stability over immediate liquidation, retaining control through this period of and subsequent . By June 1991, TV3's assets were transferred to a newly formed entity following formal proceedings, with holding 48% alongside the receiver's 32% stake. Canadian broadcaster Global Communications entered as a 20% in late 1991, securing a management agreement that granted it operational control despite the minority holding; this arrangement was facilitated by regulatory changes easing limits to rescue the failing network. divested its remaining shares to in 1997, marking the end of banking-led stewardship and full transition to media-focused ownership. Under CanWest's influence from 1991 onward—and outright ownership post-—the network expanded beyond stabilization into network growth, launching youth-oriented TV4 on 29 June to target the 15-39 demographic with music videos, imported series, and lighter programming, thereby diversifying revenue streams and audience reach. This addition extended 's footprint in , complementing TV3's established news and entertainment slate; by April 1998, CanWest reported Can$22 million in earnings for its operations in the prior six months, a 33% increase year-over-year, reflecting improved yields from broader coverage and content variety. The era also saw incremental enhancements to TV3's transmission infrastructure for fuller national penetration, though profitability remained contingent on navigating competition from TVNZ's revitalized channels.

MediaWorks Ownership and Challenges (2000s)

In June 2004, Global Communications formed by merging its television assets, including TV3, under TVWorks with its radio operations under RadioWorks, creating a unified entity that listed 30% of its shares on the to raise capital while CanWest retained 70% ownership. This structure allowed to consolidate TV3's operations with radio stations and expand synergies in advertising sales and content distribution across . TV3 benefited initially from improved EBITDA, rising 55% in the year to October 2004, driven by stronger ratings among 18-49 demographics and cost efficiencies. By May 2007, Australian firm Ironbridge Capital acquired CanWest's 70% stake in MediaWorks for NZ$386 million, launching a full offer that valued the company at NZ$727 million including net debt, completing the shift to control later that year. This , totaling around NZ$551 million excluding existing debt, positioned MediaWorks for aggressive expansion but saddled it with substantial borrowings serviced through advertising revenues. MediaWorks faced mounting challenges in the latter , exacerbated by the 2008 global financial crisis, which sharply reduced television advertising income as businesses curtailed spending, significantly eroding profitability. The high debt load from the 2007 acquisition amplified vulnerabilities, with interest payments straining cash flows amid declining revenues, prompting operational adjustments and contributing to leadership changes, including CEO Brent Impey's departure in November 2009 after a decade in role. These pressures highlighted the risks of leveraged ownership in a cyclical -dependent industry, setting the stage for prolonged financial strain into the following decade.

Discovery/Warner Bros. Discovery Ownership (2010s–2024)

acquired the television assets of , including the Three channel, on December 1, 2020, following a binding agreement announced in September 2020. This transaction allowed MediaWorks to refocus on its profitable radio operations after years of financial strain in the television sector during the , characterized by declining revenues and high operational costs. The deal's value was not publicly disclosed but was rumored to be approximately US$20 million. Under Discovery's stewardship, Three maintained its position as New Zealand's leading commercial network, with enhancements to its streaming service ThreeNow and programming slate emphasizing reality formats and international content from Discovery's global library. The acquisition integrated Three with other channels such as Eden and , forming Discovery NZ, which aimed to leverage synergies in content distribution and digital advertising. On April 8, 2022, merged with to create , transferring ownership of Three and Discovery NZ's assets to the new entity without disruption. continued operations amid a challenging media landscape, marked by trends and competition from platforms like and local streaming services, resulting in persistent losses for linear TV. By 2023, the company initiated cost-reduction strategies, including staff reductions and programming adjustments, to stem financial bleeding, though Three's core broadcast infrastructure and audience reach were preserved through 2024.

Sky Network Television Acquisition (2025)

On 22 July 2025, Sky Network Television announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Discovery New Zealand Limited from for NZ$1 on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The transaction encompassed Discovery NZ's broadcast operations, including the Three channel, its associated streaming platform ThreeNow, and linear cable channels such as , Eden, and Rush. Completion of the deal was anticipated for 1 August 2025, subject to standard closing conditions. The acquisition marked Warner Bros. Discovery's exit from New Zealand's free-to-air television market, following its 2020 purchase of MediaWorks' television assets—including Three—for a reported US$20 million. Sky, a dominant pay-television provider in New Zealand, stated the move would enhance its content distribution capabilities by integrating free-to-air and subscription-based services, while securing a multi-year commercial arrangement for ongoing access to Warner Bros. Discovery's international programming library. This symbolic $1 valuation reflected the challenging economics of New Zealand's linear television sector, amid declining revenues and from streaming platforms, rather than the underlying asset value. Sky's CEO Moloney described the deal as a strategic opportunity to consolidate market position and invest in converged models. Post-acquisition, Three continued operations under Sky's oversight, with no immediate changes announced to programming or staff.

Programming and Content

Local Productions and Original Content

Three has prioritized local productions since its 1989 launch, emphasizing prime-time original content in , , , and factual genres to differentiate from state broadcasters. Early efforts included youth-oriented series like Being Eve (2001–2002), a coming-of-age that addressed adolescent issues and aired 52 episodes. Comedy programming featured satirical formats such as Pulp Comedy (1997–2003) and 7 Days (2009–present), a topical with local comedians that has run for over 15 seasons, fostering talent like and Brynley Stalker's. Drama emerged as a strength in the 2000s, with Outrageous Fortune (2005–2010) serving as a flagship production; the crime family saga spanned 65 episodes, achieved peak audiences exceeding 500,000 viewers per episode, and secured 14 New Zealand Television Awards, including best drama series multiple times. Spin-offs like Westside (2015–2019, 2019 reboot) extended the universe, focusing on a gang subplot with 40 episodes across seasons. Other notable dramas include The Almighty Johnsons (2011–2013), a 30-episode mythological comedy-drama about gods in modern that blended humor and fantasy, and The Gulf (2019–2020, 2024 revival), a 12-episode crime thriller set in rural starring . Reality formats adapted international models with local twists, such as (2010–present), a home renovation competition that has produced 20 seasons and drawn average audiences of 300,000–400,000, and (2015–present), which debuted with 30 contestants and has aired annually, emphasizing Kiwi ingredients and chefs. More recent originals include New Zealand Today (2019–present), a satirical hosted by Guy Williams exploring absurd everyday stories, and Paddy Gower Has Issues (2024–present), a factual series on social topics returning for a second season in 2025 with host Paddy Gower. Factual and investigative content, like David Lomas Investigates (ongoing seasons since 2010s), focuses on reuniting families via , producing emotional narratives across multiple episodes. Animated series such as (2004–2006) offered 26 episodes of urban Polynesian youth satire, while (2008) provided a single-season on immigrant life. These productions, often co-funded or partnered, have collectively garnered international sales and reinforced Three's role in sustaining New Zealand's screen industry amid funding challenges.

Imported Programming and Output Deals

Three imports a substantial portion of its programming from international sources, primarily the , through output deals with major studios that provide packages of series, films, and reality formats to fill non-local slots in its schedule. These agreements have historically included rights to high-profile Hollywood content, such as the 2001 deal securing pay TV and rights to blockbusters like Gladiator and from studios including DreamWorks and . Under MediaWorks ownership in the 2000s and early 2010s, Three maintained expansive output deals with Hollywood suppliers like and for US dramas, sitcoms, and movies, which formed a core of its primetime lineup but contributed to high licensing costs amid financial pressures. To improve profitability, MediaWorks scaled back these commitments around 2008–2009, shifting emphasis toward cheaper local reality productions while retaining select imported hits. The 2021 acquisition of MediaWorks TV by Discovery, followed by its integration into (WBD), provided Three with preferential access to the parent's global output, encompassing thousands of hours from Television, originals, and Discovery's unscripted library—enabling free-to-air premieres or delayed broadcasts of series otherwise premium-positioned. This internal synergy reduced reliance on third-party deals but was supplemented by external licensing for non-WBD content, such as and series. Following Sky Network Television's acquisition of Three on August 1, 2025, for NZ$1, the arrangement includes a separate multi-year content supply agreement with WBD, ensuring continued flow of Warner and programming to the channel and its digital platforms without interruption. This deal underscores Three's ongoing dependence on imported output for competitive scheduling, balancing cost with audience draw from established franchises.

Reality and Entertainment Formats

Three has aired several reality competition series, emphasizing local adaptations of international formats to appeal to New Zealand audiences. The Block NZ, a home renovation contest where teams compete to refurbish houses for profits, premiered on 4 July 2012 and spanned 10 seasons until 2022, often achieving top ratings during its run. The series featured couples or teams tackling weekly challenges under time constraints, with prizes exceeding NZ$100,000 in later seasons based on outcomes. Other notable reality formats include modeling competition New Zealand's Next Top Model, which ran from 2009 to 2015 and involved aspiring models undergoing photoshoots, runway challenges, and eliminations judged by industry professionals. In 2022, Three launched Tracked, a survival adventure race sending eight teams through rugged landscapes to complete physical and navigational tasks for a cash prize, highlighting endurance and teamwork. More recently, The Traitors NZ debuted in 2023, adapting the deception-based format where contestants form alliances to unmask hidden "traitors" sabotaging group missions, with seasons extending into 2024 and drawing praise for its psychological intrigue. In entertainment formats, Three has incorporated game shows like , hosted by , where participants select briefcases to win escalating cash amounts while negotiating with a banker. The channel introduced House Rules NZ in 2023, a renovation series similar to The Block but with homeowners swapping houses for redesigns by competing teams. By 2025, imported game show The Floor Australia premiered, pitting 100 contestants in trivia battles on illuminated floor tiles representing knowledge categories, expanding Three's lighter entertainment offerings. These programs reflect Three's strategy of blending high-stakes competition with accessible, viewer-engaged content to compete in New Zealand's fragmented TV market.

News and Current Affairs

Development of News Operations

TV3's news operations commenced shortly after the channel's launch, with the debut of the 30-minute 3 National News bulletin on 27 November 1989, anchored by veteran broadcaster Philip Sherry. This marked 's first privately operated prime-time news service, directly challenging the state-owned monopoly and introducing competition in daily journalism coverage. The bulletin aired at 6:00 p.m., competing against TVNZ's established offerings, and emphasized a fresh, alternative style amid the channel's limited initial coverage reaching approximately 60% of viewers. In early 1990, amid financial pressures from , TV3 shifted the bulletin to 6:30 p.m. to optimize scheduling, while expanding its duration to a full hour ahead of —a format that became standard for national news. This extension reflected growing operational capacity, including the development of in-house reporting teams and regional bureaus to support broader coverage, despite early resource constraints that led to the channel's delisting from the in December 1990. Complementary short-form programming, such as the late-night newsbreak originating as a three-minute segment in November 1989, further built the service's infrastructure for round-the-clock elements. By the mid-1990s, under CanWest ownership following Westpac's divestment, 3 National News solidified its role as a key revenue driver through advertiser appeal and audience differentiation, incorporating more investigative and entertainment-infused segments to distinguish from TVNZ's formal tone. A 1998 rebrand to simply 3 News coincided with studio upgrades and co-anchoring pairings, enhancing production quality and viewer engagement; this era saw the bulletin achieve competitive ratings in key demographics like Auckland's 25-54 age group. Investments in digital news-gathering tools and a dedicated newsroom in central Auckland supported expansion into current affairs specials, laying groundwork for multimedia integration by the 2000s. A new studio set debuted on 15 September 2008 under MediaWorks ownership, incorporating advanced graphics and multi-camera setups to modernize delivery, while maintaining the hour-long format and 6:00 p.m. slot reinstated earlier in the decade. These developments prioritized empirical reporting and in coverage, though operational challenges persisted due to cyclical , underscoring as a stabilizing element amid ownership transitions.

Newshub Era and Controversies

Newshub, the news division of MediaWorks' Three channel, launched on February 1, 2016, rebranding and integrating the existing 3 News service with RadioLIVE to create a unified multimedia news operation. This era marked a shift toward digital integration, with Newshub producing the channel's flagship 6pm bulletin, morning updates, and late-night programs, alongside current affairs shows such as Newshub Nation, rebranded from The Nation in February 2018. The service emphasized competitive reporting against TVNZ's 1News, covering major events including the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, while expanding online video and podcast content to reach younger audiences. Throughout its operation, Newshub faced criticism for perceived left-leaning bias in its editorial stance, particularly in political coverage, amid broader declining public trust in media—dropping from 53% in 2020 to 42% by 2023. Independent assessments rated it as left-center biased, noting mostly factual reporting but occasional failures in sourcing transparency and at least one documented fact-check error. Critics, including academic observers, highlighted instances of misleading framing, such as a 2022 report on a poll that emphasized selective data to downplay negative trends for the governing party, potentially skewing public perception of electoral momentum. Election coverage drew particular scrutiny, with accusations of unbalanced treatment favoring left-leaning narratives; for example, pre-2023 election segments were described by viewers and commentators as delivering "hit pieces" on Act Party leader while softer on Labour and Greens. Such patterns aligned with surveys showing 87% of respondents viewing Newshub's reporting as politically influenced rather than neutral, contributing to its reputation for reflective of broader institutional trends in journalism. These controversies intensified debates on media credibility, though Newshub maintained competitive viewership until financial pressures led to its announced closure in February 2024, ending operations on July 5, 2024, after sustaining annual losses exceeding NZ$70 million.

Post-Newshub Transition to Stuff Partnership

Following the closure of Newshub on July 5, 2024, sought external partners to sustain a 6pm news bulletin on Three, as part of broader cost-cutting measures amid financial losses in its operations. On April 15, 2024, Stuff announced a content partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to produce and broadcast an hour-long weekday 6pm news bulletin on Three, commencing shortly after Newshub's shutdown in early July 2024. Under the agreement, Stuff handles production, staffing, and content creation, while Warner Bros. Discovery manages broadcast distribution and retains editorial oversight on certain aspects; the bulletin integrates Stuff's digital journalism resources, including reporters and video production, but features a rebranded format distinct from Newshub's style. The new service, named ThreeNews, was unveiled on May 27, 2024, with a logo emphasizing and a focus on "news that matters," aiming to deliver national and international coverage alongside investigative reporting drawn from Stuff's network of over 200 journalists. Stuff retained control of the Newshub website and app post-transition, redirecting users to its own platforms by July 6, 2024, while archiving legacy content; this move preserved some continuity but shifted emphasis toward Stuff's ecosystem, which includes stuff.co.nz as New Zealand's largest site by audience reach. The partnership emerged from a competitive pitch process, where Stuff outbid rivals including NZME, leveraging its digital scale and cost efficiencies over traditional broadcast experience; initial rollout included hiring select talent and investing in studio upgrades at Stuff's facilities for live broadcasts. Critics noted potential risks in Stuff's limited TV production history, but the deal ensured Three's 6pm slot—viewed by approximately 300,000-400,000 nightly pre-closure—remained filled, averting a complete loss of news diversity alongside TVNZ's 1News. By late 2024, ThreeNews reported stable viewership, though audience fragmentation via streaming posed ongoing challenges to linear TV news viability.

Broadcasting and Technical Aspects

Transmission and Coverage

Three is transmitted as a digital channel using the standard on UHF frequencies, with signal distribution handled by the state-owned infrastructure provider Kordia. The channel is available via UHF aerial reception as part of the Freeview service, enabling access in urban and suburban areas equipped with compatible antennas and set-top boxes or integrated tuners. Satellite transmission supplements terrestrial coverage, broadcasting Three via the DVB-S standard on Sky's platform, which reaches households in remote or hilly terrains where UHF signals may be obstructed. This dual-mode approach ensures nationwide availability, with UHF covering approximately 86% of homes through regional transmission towers in major centers, while satellite extends to 100% of the population, including isolated rural and maritime locations. Regional variations in advertising occur across four primary markets—Auckland/Northland, Waikato//Hawke's Bay, Wellington/Wairarapa, and —allowing targeted commercials without altering core programming feeds. Since the transition to in the late , Three has operated in standard definition (SD) primarily, with no widespread high-definition (HD) terrestrial feed, though select events may utilize HD via or streaming adjuncts. Coverage gaps in UHF, such as parts of the excluding and , are mitigated by uptake, maintaining effective national reach exceeding 99% of potential viewers with appropriate .

Digital Multichannels (ThreePlus1 and Others)

ThreePlus1 is a digital multichannel service providing a one-hour delayed simulcast of the primary Three channel's programming schedule. This format enables viewers who miss live broadcasts to catch up shortly after, effectively offering a second viewing window for entertainment, news, and other content aired on Three. The channel occupies logical channel number 13 on the Freeview digital terrestrial platform and is also accessible via satellite services. Launched on 30 March 2009 as TV3 Plus 1 by MediaWorks TV, the service debuted at midday, aligning with the growing adoption of Freeview in to expand multichannel offerings in the digital era. It mirrors the full Three lineup without alterations, preserving the original broadcast integrity while accommodating time-shifted viewing preferences. Availability extends to streaming via the Freeview app, integrating seamlessly with other +1 services for on-demand access to delayed content. Beyond ThreePlus1, Three's digital multichannel portfolio has historically included companion feeds for sister networks, such as those under operations prior to the 2025 acquisition by Sky Television. These encompassed +1 variants for channels like Bravo and Eden, broadcast on dedicated Freeview slots to broaden content reach through time-shifting. However, specific multichannel expansions tied directly to Three remain centered on the Plus1 model, supporting Freeview's multiplex capacity for multiple standard-definition streams. Post-acquisition, integration with Sky's infrastructure may influence future multichannel configurations, though core +1 functionality persists as of October 2025.

Digital and Streaming Services

ThreeNow Platform

ThreeNow is a (FAST) platform operated by Three, providing on-demand access to programmes broadcast on the channel alongside live streams of Three and affiliated networks such as , Eden, Bravo, and . The service delivers thousands of hours of content, encompassing New Zealand-produced reality shows, comedies, dramas, lifestyle programming, , documentaries, and international imports. Originally developed under MediaWorks ownership, ThreeNow expanded its content library significantly in the early , with 2021 featuring approximately 40% more shows than the prior year, reflecting efforts to bolster its appeal amid competition from subscription services. acquired MediaWorks' television assets, including ThreeNow, in December 2020, integrating it into its New Zealand portfolio. In November 2023, relaunched the platform with an enhanced user interface, faster navigation, personalised recommendations, and five new channels dedicated to genres like movies and entertainment. This update aimed to position ThreeNow as a comprehensive destination beyond mere catch-up viewing, incorporating features like offline downloads and multi-device synchronisation. On 22 July 2025, Sky Television New Zealand acquired Three and ThreeNow from Warner Bros. Discovery for NZ$1, marking Warner Bros. Discovery's exit from New Zealand's free-to-air market and integrating the platform into Sky's ecosystem of pay-TV and streaming services. Post-acquisition, ThreeNow continues to offer free access without subscription fees, supported by advertising, though user reviews highlight occasional technical issues, evidenced by app ratings of 1.8 on Google Play and 1.7 on the Apple App Store as of late 2025. Access to ThreeNow is geo-restricted to due to licensing agreements for its content, limiting availability to users within the country via verification; the app and website are not downloadable or functional internationally without circumvention tools. It supports viewing on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, PCs, Macs, Apple TV, and , with live TV guides and episode catch-up available for recent broadcasts. In 2025, the platform announced an expanded slate of local content, including new dramas, comedies, and factual series, alongside returning international hits to sustain viewer engagement.

Integration with Sky Services Post-Acquisition

Following Sky New Zealand's acquisition of Discovery NZ Limited—owner of the Three channel and its associated streaming service ThreeNow—for NZ$1 on August 1, 2025, the integration process emphasized operational continuity and strategic alignment between broadcasting and 's established ecosystem. A structured transition plan was implemented, including transitional services provided by to support seamless handover of assets such as linear channels (Three, Bravo, ) and the broadcast video-on-demand (BVOD) platform ThreeNow, while 's CEO Sophie Moloney affirmed a "business as usual" approach to minimize disruptions for viewers and advertisers. Discovery NZ was promptly rebranded as Sky Free in August 2025, serving as an umbrella entity for the acquired and digital offerings, including Three and ThreeNow, to unify branding across Sky's portfolio and facilitate cross-platform content distribution. This aimed to leverage Sky's infrastructure for enhanced audience reach, positioning Three as a complement to Sky's subscription-based services like , with potential for shared inventory and content synergies without immediate merger of streaming apps. The deal diversified Sky's revenue streams, boosting its share of broadcast to approximately 35% and total digital to 24%, by integrating ThreeNow's BVOD capabilities with Sky's data-driven targeting tools. Integration efforts included team transitions from Discovery NZ to , with net costs estimated at NZ$6.5 million after contributions from , focusing on scaling digital operations and rebuilding local content production amid overlapping brands and audience fragmentation challenges. Early outcomes highlighted expanded content access for subscribers, such as prioritized availability of Three's live events on pay platforms 90 minutes post-broadcast, though ThreeNow operated independently to retain its free ad-supported model. These steps positioned to compete more effectively against by combining scale with pay TV loyalty, though full operational synergies remained in progress as of late 2025.

Defunct Channels and Services

ThreeLife and Lifestyle Programming

ThreeLife was launched by MediaWorks on 15 April 2018 as a digital multichannel dedicated to and programming, serving as a channel to Three. The channel aimed to provide lighter entertainment content, featuring themed nightly blocks such as reality shows, cooking competitions, and veterinary series to appeal to audiences seeking escapist viewing. Key programming on ThreeLife included international reality formats like Married at First Sight USA, New Zealand's Restaurant Revolution, and Australian veterinary series Bondi Vet, alongside other lifestyle-oriented shows focused on home improvement, food, and personal stories. The channel broadcast in standard definition and was available via Freeview on channel 13, with a +1 timeshift service later introduced on channel 14 in July 2019 following adjustments to other MediaWorks channels. Operations ceased on 25 March 2020 when MediaWorks discontinued ThreeLife, replacing it with the revived HD music channel and an SD version of Breeze TV as part of a strategic shift amid financial pressures in the market. This closure reflected broader challenges for niche digital channels, prioritizing and audio-visual content over lifestyle formats to align with streaming trends and cost efficiencies.

Other Discontinued Offerings

MediaWorks discontinued its youth-targeted channel C4 on 26 June 2014 at 1:00 a.m., citing the need to refresh its digital multichannel lineup amid declining viewership for music and pop culture programming. The channel, which had launched in as a rebrand of TV4 and focused on music videos, reality shows, and youth-oriented content, was immediately replaced by The Edge TV on 27 June 2014, a music channel extension of MediaWorks' The Edge aimed at capturing a younger demographic through . In July 2016, MediaWorks closed Four, a general channel targeting 18- to 49-year-olds with imported dramas, series, and local productions, as part of a strategic pivot to imported U.S. programming. Four, which had relaunched separately from C4 in February 2011 after a period of integration, was replaced by Bravo through a with International Networks, emphasizing shows like and Chicago Fire to attract advertisers seeking lifestyle and drama audiences. This shift reflected broader industry pressures on operators to prioritize high-engagement imported content over mixed local and youth formats amid rising competition from streaming services.

Reception, Impact, and Criticisms

Achievements in Competition and Innovation

Three's launch on 26 November 1989 marked the introduction of New Zealand's first privately owned , breaking the state-owned 's broadcasting monopoly and spurring deregulation-driven competition in the sector. This shift compelled to adapt its programming and scheduling to retain viewers, fostering a more dynamic market that eventually led to additional entrants like Sky TV. By prioritizing imported content alongside local productions, Three rapidly captured in urban areas, challenging the incumbent's dominance through aggressive advertising revenue models and diverse scheduling. In programming and news, Three achieved competitive edges through targeted successes, such as dominating the 2012 New Zealand Television Awards in news and current affairs, where 3 News secured Best Scheduled News Programme. The channel also notched ratings victories in key demographics, winning Tuesday and Friday nights among 25-54-year-olds in June 2017 via shows like The Project, and leading Wednesday nights with a 22.7% share for in November 2018. These wins highlighted Three's ability to outperform rivals in slots despite structural challenges. Three contributed to broadcasting innovation by pioneering high viewer engagement through early on-demand platforms, with flagship series Outrageous Fortune amassing 508,146 views post-launch of its revamped site in June 2010, outpacing many linear broadcasts. Over 25 years by 2014, the channel cultivated a national reach exceeding 3.7 million, integrating local content innovation with commercial viability to sustain competition against public broadcasters.

Financial Performance and Market Challenges

Warner Bros. Discovery's New Zealand operations, including the Three channel, reported a $77.6 million after-tax loss for the fiscal year ending in mid-2025, reflecting persistent unprofitability amid declining linear TV revenues. This followed a $138 million loss in 2023, during which overall revenue dropped 17% to $131.9 million, driven primarily by a $23.4 million decline in advertising income. Earlier, in 2022, Discovery NZ—Three's then-owner—recorded a $34.8 million net loss, underscoring a pattern of annual deficits that prompted substantial parent-company infusions, including approximately $35 million over the prior two years to sustain operations. These financial strains culminated in 's decision to exit New Zealand's market in July 2025, selling Three and associated assets to Sky TV for a nominal $1, a stark devaluation from prior estimates exceeding $20 million just five years earlier. The transaction highlighted Three's inability to achieve consistent profitability as a standalone entity, with executives citing structural weaknesses in the local media sector. Market challenges for Three stemmed from a broader contraction in television advertising, exacerbated by shifts in viewer habits toward streaming platforms and digital alternatives, which eroded traditional streams. Advertising spend on linear has faced headwinds from economic pressures and advertiser preferences for targeted online formats, leaving channels like Three vulnerable without diversified income models. Intense competition from state-owned , which reported a contrasting $10.7 million profit for its 2025 despite a 2.7% dip to $281.1 million, further intensified pressures and fragmentation. Regulatory and operational costs, including service sustainability—exemplified by the 2024 closure—compounded these issues, forcing repeated cost-cutting measures without restoring viability. The acquisition by aims to integrate Three into a pay- ecosystem for potential synergies, though skeptics question whether scale alone can reverse entrenched declines in a market favoring on-demand content.

Editorial Biases and Public Criticisms

Three's editorial output, particularly its service, has been characterized by a in story selection and positioning, favoring progressive perspectives on social and political issues. An analysis rates the channel as left-center biased due to frequent use of emotionally charged —such as terms like "slammed" or "suffer"—in coverage of events like or political controversies, alongside sympathetic framing of left-leaning topics including LGBTQ+ experiences and critiques of conservative policies. Critics have pointed to specific instances of perceived imbalance, such as Newshub's reporting on polling during the 2022 , which an academic commentary described as misleading and selectively presented to downplay unfavorable trends for the incumbent government. This aligns with broader patterns noted in sourcing practices, where hyperlinks to primary are often absent, potentially obscuring verification. Public criticisms frequently accuse Three of systemic left-leaning partiality, reflecting wider in New Zealand's amid perceptions of alignment with institutional progressive norms. A public opinion analysis found 37% of respondents viewing media outlets like TV3 as biased toward the left, versus 12% toward the right, correlating with declining trust—evidenced by Newshub's net distrust score of -8% in contemporaneous surveys. Such sentiments contributed to narratives around Newshub's closure, with viewers and commentators attributing viewer attrition to editorial stances diverging from centrist or conservative viewpoints held by roughly half the potential . Despite high factual reporting ratings overall, these biases have drawn for undermining in a small , where left-center tilts in outlets like Three amplify echo effects amid limited viewpoint diversity. Regulatory bodies have occasionally upheld complaints against MediaWorks (Three's parent until ) for fairness lapses in specific broadcasts, though systemic editorial probes remain rare.

Broader Influence on New Zealand Media Landscape

Launched on 26 November 1989, Three (originally TV3) marked the end of Television New Zealand's (TVNZ) broadcasting monopoly by becoming the country's first privately owned commercial television channel, introducing genuine market competition to a landscape previously dominated by state-controlled services. This deregulation-driven entry spurred ratings rivalries, prompting TVNZ to adapt its programming strategies and content offerings to retain audiences, while Three emphasized edgier, youth-oriented formats and imported hits that diversified viewer choices beyond public service models. Three's news operations, starting with a half-hour bulletin anchored by Philip Sherry and expanding to the nation's first hour-long evening program by 1990, challenged TVNZ's dominance in current affairs, fostering a of state and private that heightened scrutiny and in reporting styles. Over decades, as a persistent "challenger brand," it influenced local content production by prioritizing commercial viability, which accelerated the shift toward audience-driven scheduling and contributed to the erosion of non-commercial public media priorities amid rising subscription services like Sky TV from 1990 onward. In 2025, Television's acquisition of Three for symbolized further consolidation in New Zealand's fragmented media sector, merging free-to-air assets with pay-TV infrastructure and potentially revitalizing investments while raising concerns over reduced pluralism in an era of declining linear viewership. This transaction, following Discovery's struggles including the 2024 closure, underscores Three's in highlighting structural vulnerabilities—such as ad pressures from digital platforms—but also its legacy in sustaining competitive dynamics that have shaped debates on local content quotas and public .

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