The Family Television Network (FTN or Family TV) was a New Zealand network of regional television stations, found largely on the North Island, which offered a family-friendly alternative to the programming seen on the larger commercial television networks. It was established in 1996 and defunct by the late 2000s.
History The Family Television Network Trust, a Christian group owned by Lifeway Ministries Trust, was established in mid-1996 in the Warkworth suburb of Auckland. Its philosophy was to "provide wholesome family entertainment and information", while evading programmes that showed "the ugly side of society", as well as providing more information for local communities. Trevor Yaxley was the trust's director. Although the channel was owned by a Christian trust, religious programming only made up 5 to 7% of the weekly programming, and mostly on Sundays. As of early August 1996, it was expected to have its national operations base in Warkworth, where a television station was already built, and had two UHF licenses plus cable carriage status.TOCKER, A. (1996, Aug 03). Christian group plans `family values' channel. Dominion That year, it installed its first transmitter to cover the metro Auckland area.KENNEDY, E. (1996, Aug 17). TV coming out your ears. Dominion
In April 1997, it announced its intent to lease two hours to Pounamu Television, created mostly by former Aotearoa Television Network staff, for a breakfast show. Pounamu was formed in the wake of a scandal involving politician Tuku Morgan using public funds to buy an NZ$89 pair of underpants at Politiks in Newmarket earlier in the year.PEEV, G. (1997, Apr 27). Maori TV rising from the ashes. Sunday News FTN in July 1997 was also planned to launch a second station in Christchurch (Canterbury Family Television Network or CFTN), but was faced with legal problems with Lifeway in Auckland.Legal step may stall family TV station: [2 edition]. (1997, Jul 12). The Press The channel was set to operate on Cry TV's former frequency, but the liquidator didn't sell its frequency or assets. CFTN was on air on 14 July and was reported by the local press to still be on air on the following evening.PETROVIC, H. (1997, Jul 16). TV station's rights queried. The Press All programming was replaced on 17 July by a live fish cam, which Cry TV aired after closedown.Fish take TV slot. (1997, Jul 19). Dominion The issue was solved by September when it was conducting new tests; CFTN carried a local programme, Marketplace, which used to air on another channel. A full launch for the local station was set for 1 October, that month, all of its equipment, which was "network-quality", was expected to arrive.'Marketplace' returns to TV. (1997, Sep 23). The Press With its full launch, CFTN carried Welcome to Canterbury, a tourism programme formerly seen on Canterbury Television, which shut down (though later resumed) following the closure of Horizon Pacific Television (CTV was private but sided with TVNZ's ill-fated local network).CFTN to screen canty promotion. (1997, Oct 01). The Press On 23 October, it was agreed that CFTN would move to UHF channel 44 and merge with CTV, creating CTV Family Television Network.Station moves to CTV. (1997, Oct 25). The Press
In March 1998, FTN acquired 50% of the shares of CRT Southland, operator of Mercury TV in Invercargill, but sold them in November.PEART, M. (1998, Dec 01). CRT sells more shares. The Southland Times In 2000, CFTN withdrew from CTV, withdrawing FTN from the South Island.NORRIS, P. (2000, Sep 22). Battle for local news. The Press
FTN later retreated from larger urban centres and refocused on smaller areas. A new station opened in Matamata, Waikato in January 2001.GILL, M. A. (2004, Jul 15). Matamata TV studio eyes bigger picture. Waikato Times The Waikato station obtained a funding boost in May 2005.TURNER, J. (2005, May 06). Community TV welcomes funding boost. Waikato Times In April 2006, FTN planned the launch of a new Family TV-branded station for the Bay of Plenty, initially due to launch in December.Family TV to beam into Bay The new Tauranga station opened in February 2008.New family-friendly channel for Bay
FTN supported the Northern Soccer League from 2010 to 2012.Brief History of Northern League from 1965 to 1969 It is unknown when FTN ceased its operations.
References
External links
Official website on the Wayback Machine