M2 - Opening Titles (2001)
Channel: Patrick Te Pou
Date: 2022-01-29

In September 2001 TV2 (now TVNZ 2) launched M2, which was described as a sanctuary for music fans looking for a late night alternative to complement their weekend lifestyle.  

Produced by Satellite Pictures (now Satellite) for TVNZ with funding from NZ On Air, M2 was introduced as a channel-within-a-channel that ran from midnight to dawn every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night (overnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday). 

The schedule - presented by six young, dynamic hosts - was tailored to the preferences of TV2's target audience by featuring various music genres. The evening kicked off with energetic tunes and progressed through the different moods that a typical young music fan experiences during a night out, starting with high energy and ending with laid-back beats for a calm morning wind down.  

As stated by Stephen Smith, TV2's general manager at the time, M2 served as a tangible way for the network to fulfill the government's broadcasting charter by showcasing exceptional New Zealand music to an enthusiastic audience. 

"TV2 is a network devoted to delivering the best in contemporary entertainment and music for its viewers and M2 is an exciting new addition to the schedule. It's a significant investment for us and is a great opportunity to showcase the best music from New Zealand and the world." 

The continuous assistance of NZ On Air had allowed M2 to effortlessly merge top-notch production standards with exceptional Kiwi music. The self-imposed 33% New Zealand music requirement for the new show aligned with NZ On Air's Phase Four initiative to promote more homegrown music on radio by actively showcasing it on television. 

Jo Tyndall, CEO of NZ On Air at the time, said: "Television has the potential to greatly improve the prospects for getting more New Zealand music on the radio because music television helps create hits and hits are what radio stations play. 

"It is imperative that we get more New Zealand music back on television. Long term, we need a full-time music channel that plays free-to-air to as many New Zealanders as possible. Under the 'Phase Four' plan we are investing $400,000 in M2 to help give us the music channel we need. M2 is the start. It’s bold, brave and very exciting. 

"It will increase the free-to-air hours of music television available nationally more than threefold, from about seven hours a week at the moment to more than 25 hours. It's hard to beat the M2 project because it will reach 99.5% of the population with a healthy chunk of free-to-air Kiwi music." 

During 2001 Satellite Pictures, being an independent production house specialising in music television, had successfully produced its well-known shows for TV2, including Squeeze and Space. M2 then carried on the tradition of featuring locally produced music, thus maintaining the company's dedication to this aspect. 

David Rose, managing director of Satellite Pictures at the time, said: "M2 is confirmation of TV2 and NZ On Air's support of Kiwi music and a fantastic opportunity for Satellite Pictures to be involved in the amazing and continuing growth of the local music industry and fresh television. 

"It's a chance to start from scratch and develop a full-scale local music and entertainment identity." 

Prominent hosts who were featured on M2 for the duration of its three-year stint (2001-03) include Nick D, Jamie Bowen, Jane Yee, DJ Sir-Vere, Glen Puklowski, P-Money, Joe Cotton, Renee Mundy, Teuila Blakely and Kirsty Lingman. Francesca Rudkin served as the producer during this time. 

The final broadcast of M2 was in March 2003.

Special thanks to YouTube channel Nostalgia Duck for the use of this clip.