Prime concentrates on serious drama and documentaries, mostly originating in Britain. Broadcasting hours vary, but average 15 hours per day. Check daily papers for programme details. Sky Network Television provides, to subscribers with a decoder, several 24-hour channels offering news, movies, sport and general entertainment. There are local UHF channels servicing Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Action TV shows coverage of horse racing and related comment .
Radio New Zealand's hilly terrain means that many radio stations, particularly FM stations, have a somewhat limited range, and this, along with deregulation of the airwaves, has led to a multiplication of public, private and non-profit stations catering to all tastes including classical, easy listening, rock and alternative, as well as several new Maori stations and Pacific Islands Radio. There are two national public non-commercial networks, the AM National Programme which carries mainly news, talk, documentaries and drama as well as light entertainment, and the FM Concert Programme which emphasises classical music with some plays and discussions. A national programme on the AM network caters for sport and carries commentaries on major sporting events. Information FM Tourist Information FM as been specially established to service the free and independent traveller. The presentation is exciting, informative, and authentic.