6,346 votes later, the results have been tallied and the awards dished out in the second round of Freeview awards, which honour almost anything and everything, from decoders and retailers, to satellite receivers and television shows.
“After the success of last year’s awards and the boost that the wins gave to many broadcast partners and suppliers, we expected a high level of engagement and were thrilled that the awards generated such a high number of votes,” says Freeview general manager Sam Irvine.
And in what has proved to be a particularly rough period for TVNZ 7 as of late, with news confirming this week the channel will bow out in June next year due to a lack of government funding, comes a spot of vindication that in an ideal world would give the government food for thought.
Media7, which celebrated its 150th episode milestone this week, was a double awards winner, picking up the win for best digital-only TV show available on Freeview and best TV show on a channel on Freeview. Back Benches was the runner-up in both categories.
Meanwhile TVNZ 7 won the accolade for best digital-only TV channel available on Freeview, beating out TV3 Plus 1.
“We’re especially delighted to be named not only best digital-only programme, but the best programme available on Freeview. And of course TVNZ 7, the home of Media7, has deservedly been voted the best digital-only channel,” says Media 7’s Russell Brown.
But of course with 12 categories it wasn’t all about TVNZ 7, so without further ado, here are the rest of the results.
Best in-store retail experience
Winner: Noel Leeming
Runner-up: Dick Smith Electronics
Best online retail experience
Winner: Dick Smith Electronics
Runner-up: Noel Leeming
Best installation experience
Winner: Alf from AV1.co.nz
Best Freeview-approved HD receiver
Winner: Dish TV UHF aerial
Runner-up: Zinwell
Best Freeview-approved satellite receiver
Winner: Dish TV
Runners-up: Zinwell
Best Freeview-approved digital television recorder
Winner: Panasonic
Runners-up: Magic
Best Freeview-approved iDTV brand
Winner: Panasonic
Runner-up: Samsung
Best digital-only TV channel available on Freeview
Winner: TVNZ 7
Runner-up: TV3 Plus 1
Best digital-only TV show available on Freeview
Winner: Media7, TVNZ 7
Runner-up: Back benches, TVNZ
Best TV show on a channel on Freeview
Winner: Media7, TVNZ 7
Runner-up: Back benches, TVNZ 7
Best high-definition TV show on a channel on Freeview
Winner: CSI, TV3, TV3 Plus 1
Runners-up: Criminal Minds, TV ONE
Best radio station on Freeview
Winner: Radio New Zealand National
Runner-up: George FM
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