View source for Three (TV channel)

{{Short description|New Zealand television channel}}
{{For|other channels that use the numeral 3|Channel 3 (disambiguation){{!}}Channel 3}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Three
| logo = Three NZ 2023.svg
| logo_size = 220px
| logo_caption = Current Three logo, introduced in 2023.
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1989|11|26|df=yes}}
| owner = *[[Westpac]] (1990&ndash;1997)
*[[Canwest]] (1997&ndash;2004)
*[[MediaWorks New Zealand]] (2004&ndash;2020)
*[[Discovery, Inc.]] (2020&ndash;2022)
*[[Warner Bros. Discovery]] (2022&ndash;2025)
*[[Sky (New Zealand)|Sky Network Television]] (2025&ndash;present)
| parent = [[Sky Free]]
| sister_channels = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]]
* [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|Eden]]
* [[HGTV#New Zealand|HGTV]]
* [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]]
}}
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[576i]] for the SD feed)
| country = [[New Zealand]]
| area = National
| former_names = TV3 (1989&ndash;2017)
| timeshift_service = ThreePlus1
| website = {{URL|http://www.threenow.co.nz}}
| terr_chan_1 = [[Digital Video Broadcasting|DVB]] [[64-QAM]] on band IV
}}
'''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 [[private broadcasting|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.

Three is a general entertainment channel formerly owned by [[Sky Free|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 (New Zealand)|Sky Network Television]] from 1 August 2025.<ref name="1News 22 Jul 2025">{{Cite news |title=Sky TV agrees to buy Three for $1 |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/22/sky-tv-agrees-to-buy-three-for-1/ |access-date=22 July 2025 |date=22 July 2025 |work=[[1News]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722112759/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/22/sky-tv-agrees-to-buy-three-for-1/|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stuff 22 July 2025">{{Cite news|last1=Burr |first1=Lloyd |title=From US$20m to $1 in five years: The Three-Sky deal explained |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained |access-date=22 July 2025 |date=22 July 2025 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722113101/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===Establishment===
[[File:TV3 New Zealand original logo.svg|thumb|72px|right|Original TV3 logo from 1989 to 2003.]]
[[File:Tv3nzlogo2.PNG|thumb|72px|right|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 Region|Auckland]] and [[Northland Region|Northland]]; Region 2 serving [[Waikato]], [[Bay of Plenty Region|Bay of Plenty]] and [[Hawke's Bay]]; Region 3 serving [[Wellington Region|Wellington]], [[Manawatū-Whanganui|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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 1985 |title=TV3 group in warrant bid |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1985/03/30/1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 August 1985 |title=Hearing begins for third channel |pages=25 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1985/08/16/25}}</ref>

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]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 March 1988 |title=Tauranga H.Q. for TV3 region |pages=9 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1988/03/05/9}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 August 1987 |title=TV3 to get third channel |pages=1 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1987/08/26/1}}</ref>

There were numerous delays to the launch date of TV3. Litigation surrounded the granting of the warrant, as did the [[Black Monday (1987)|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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malthus |first=Nigel |date=30 March 1989 |title=New television channel on air in November |pages=3 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1989/03/30/3}}</ref> {{External media|video1=[https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/tv3-begins-1989 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.<ref name="to" />

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 [[cameraman|cameramen]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brookes |first=Emily |date=2019-11-26 |title='Run out of money before we got on air': Mark Jennings on Three's first day |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/117679505/run-out-of-money-before-we-got-on-air-mark-jennings-on-threes-first-day |access-date=2021-10-16 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 August 1989 |title=In brief - TV3 in November |pages=8 |work=[[The Press]] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1989/08/16/8}}</ref>

Regular broadcasts began the following day, Monday 27 November 1989, at 7:00 am. The first day's programme schedule was as follows:<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 1989 |title=Television and radio |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/press/1989/11/27/15 |work=[[The Press]] |pages=15}}</ref>

{{div col}}
* 7:00am − ''[[The Early Bird Show]],'' with news and weather at 7:00am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am and 9:00am with Joanna Paul.
* 9:00am − ''[[Dinosaucers]]''
* 9:30am − ''[[Welcome Back, Kotter]]''
* 10:00am − ''[[Chico and the Man]]''
* 10:30am − ''[[Check It Out! (Canadian TV series)|Check It Out!]]''
* 11:00am − ''[[9 to 5 (TV series)|9 to 5]]''
* 11:30am − ''Holiday World''
* 12:00pm − Film: ''[[Rio Grande (1950 film)|Rio Grande (1950)]]''
* 2:00pm − ''[[Fame, Fortune and Romance]]''
* 2:30pm − ''[[Bring 'Em Back Alive (TV series)|Bring 'em Back Alive]]''
* 3:30pm − ''[[The Mickey Mouse Club]]''
* 4:00pm − ''[[The Real Ghostbusters]]''
* 4:30pm − ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 TV series)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''
* 5:00pm − ''[[Get Smart]]''
* 5:30pm − ''Perfect Match''
* 6:00pm − ''[[Newshub|3 National News]]'' with [[Philip Sherry]], Greg Clark and [[Belinda Todd]]
* 6:30pm − ''A Current Affair'' with [[Genevieve Westcott]]
* 7:00pm − ''[[The Golden Girls]]'' 
* 7:30pm − ''Laughinz'' with [[Jay Laga'aia]], [[Rawiri Paratene]], [[Rima Te Wiata]], Brenda Kendall, [[Mark Hadlow]] and Alison Wall.
* 8:30pm − ''[[The Shiralee (1987 film)|The Shiralee]]'' (part one)
* 10:30pm − ''[[Bee Gees]]: Live in Australia''
* 1:00am − Closedown
{{div col end}}

One of the financial supporters of TV3 in its early life was America's NBC (through NBC International Ltd),<ref>{{cite news |title=NZ suspends failed private TV |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19901222-1.2.12.1.2?qt=tv3&q=tv3 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=22 December 1990}}</ref> taking 14.9% of TV3's shares and had the biggest and effectively controlling interest.<ref>{{cite news |title=Trouble at two NZ media companies |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19900315-1.2.16.4 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=15 March 1990}}</ref> Existing laws forbade foreign ownership beyond the 15% level,<ref name="to">{{cite news |title=New network to hit NZ airwaves |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19891108-1.2.39.11.4?qt=tv3&q=tv3 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=8 November 1989}}</ref> what TV3 considers as "the main block to sell" itself.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sale of TV3 Network stalled |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19901025-1.2.14.1.3?qt=tv3&q=tv3 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=25 October 1990}}</ref> NBC sold the stake when TV3 was into receivership in May 1990; by this time the share was at 16.4%.<ref>{{cite news |title=NBC sells NZ TV3 stake |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19900504-1.2.17.1.5?qt=tv3&q=tv3 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=4 May 1990}}</ref>

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 (New Zealand)|Sky Network Television]]. TV3 was ready for any ratings battle.<ref>{{cite news |title=Competition likely to hit NZ's smaller TV broadcasters |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19900412-1.2.23.7 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=12 April 1990}}</ref>

===Westpac ownership===
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.<ref name="private">{{cite news |title=NZ's private TV channel delisted |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19901220-1.2.75.23?qt=tv3&q=tv3 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=20 December 1990}}</ref> Its board of directors had lost their confidence when TV3 was into receivership.<ref name="private" />

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 [[budget]]s 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 [[transmitter]]s 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. [[Four (New Zealand TV channel)|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 [[Holyfield-Tyson II|Tyson–Holyfield boxing rematch]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austvhistorynz.tripod.com/tv4.htm|title=aus.tv.history :: TV4|publisher=Austvhistorynz.tripod.com|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref>

===Canwest ownership===
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 [[Canadian dollar|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 (New Zealand Television programme)|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-09-09 |title=Diocese of Dunedin and 12 Others and TV3 Network Services Ltd. - 1999-125–1999-137 |url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/diocese-of-dunedin-and-12-others-and-tv3-network-services-ltd-1999-125137/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Broadcasting Standards Authority |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

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 (New Zealand)|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 [[1999 New Zealand general election|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 [[DOT (mileage system)|TellyDOTS]] for a four-week period.<ref name="spinoff">{{cite news |title=Remember when Tellydots took over our TV screens? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/28-09-2023/remember-when-tellydots-took-over-our-tv-screens |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=September 28, 2023}}</ref>

[[File:TV3 New Zealand logo.svg|thumb|150px|right|TV3 logo used from 2003 to 2017]]

During 2004, the station was transferred into the ownership of Canwest [[MediaWorks New Zealand|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===
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/137826/tv3's-owners-in-receivership|title=TV3's owners in receivership|date=17 June 2013|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref> Shares in the company were gradually and completely bought out by US hedge fund [[Oaktree Capital Management]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11460715|title=Oaktree takes full ownership of MediaWorks|author=Paul McBeth|date=6 June 2015|access-date=25 December 2017|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] }}</ref>

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

[[File:Three (New Zealand) logo.svg|thumb|180px|right|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".<ref name="nzh-threebacklash">{{cite news|title=Backlash begins over TV3's 'playful and inspiring' rebranding to '+HR=E'|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11797310|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=9 February 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="nzh-+hr=3">{{cite news|title=So long TV3, MediaWorks announces new channel name|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11796942|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=8 February 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="newshub-rebrand">{{cite web|title=From 3 to Three: MediaWorks re-brands channel|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/02/from-3-to-three-mediaworks-re-brands-channel.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210171646/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/02/from-3-to-three-mediaworks-re-brands-channel.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 February 2017|website=[[Newshub]]|date=9 February 2017|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref>

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

On 18 October 2019, MediaWorks announced Three was for sale.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/401246/mediaworks-to-sell-tv-three-everyone-is-in-a-state-of-shock |title=MediaWorks to sell TV Three: 'Everyone is in a state of shock' |publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>

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]].<ref name="threelifedeath">{{cite news |last1=Downes |first1=Siobhan |title=The Edge TV is coming back, Breeze TV to launch on Freeview |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/119411471/the-edge-tv-is-coming-back-breeze-tv-to-launch-on-freeview |access-date=16 May 2021 |publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=11 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210223302/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/119411471/the-edge-tv-is-coming-back-breeze-tv-to-launch-on-freeview |archive-date=10 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Discovery Inc./Warner Bros. Discovery ownership===
{{Main|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.|Discovery, Inc]].<ref name="Stuff 7 Sep 2020">{{Cite news|date=7 September 2020|title=MediaWorks TV arm sold to Discovery channel owner|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300101113/mediaworks-tv-arm-sold-to-discovery-channel-owner|access-date=7 September 2020|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907113013/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300101113/discovery-takes-bet-on-nz-by-buying-television-channel-three|archive-date=7 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Newshub 7 Sep 2020">{{cite news |title=MediaWorks confirms sale of TV operations to Discovery Inc |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/mediaworks-confirms-sale-of-tv-operations-to-discovery-inc.html |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=7 September 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907044839/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/mediaworks-confirms-sale-of-tv-operations-to-discovery-inc.html|archive-date=7 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="RNZ 7 Sep 2020">{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Colin |title=Global media giant set to be NZ's biggest private TV broadcaster |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018762909/global-media-giant-set-to-be-nz-s-biggest-private-tv-broadcaster |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=7 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907045058/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018762909/global-media-giant-set-to-be-nz-s-biggest-private-tv-broadcaster|archive-date=7 September 2020}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on 1 December 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Discovery, Inc to combine businesses across NZ, Australia following completion of MediaWorks TV Ltd acquisition |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/discovery-inc-completes-acquisition-of-mediaworks-tv-ltd.html |access-date=16 May 2021 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=1 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130105111/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/12/discovery-inc-completes-acquisition-of-mediaworks-tv-ltd.html |archive-date=30 January 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=[[Discovery, Inc.]] |title=Discovery, Inc. Completes Acquisition of New Zealand's Mediaworks TV Ltd y|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2012/S00019/discovery-inc-completes-acquisition-of-new-zealands-mediaworks-tv-ltd.htm |access-date=16 May 2021 |publisher=[[Scoop (website)|Scoop]] |date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416113423/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2012/S00019/discovery-inc-completes-acquisition-of-new-zealands-mediaworks-tv-ltd.htm |archive-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>

In April 2022, Discovery merged with [[WarnerMedia]] to form [[Warner Bros. Discovery]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-close-warner-bros-discovery-1235200983/|title=Discovery Closes Acquisition of AT&T’s WarnerMedia|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=8 April 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503213315/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-close-warner-bros-discovery-1235200983/|archive-date=3 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, [[Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand|Discovery New Zealand]] and its assets including Three and Newshub became part of the new media company.<ref>{{cite news |title=Discovery and Warner Media join forces to form new entertainment company |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/05/discovery-and-warner-media-join-forces-to-form-new-entertainment-company.html |access-date=6 May 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613202016/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/05/discovery-and-warner-media-join-forces-to-form-new-entertainment-company.html |archive-date=13 June 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Edge TV and The Breeze TV were both discontinued in December 2022, to be replaced with [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|eden]], eden +1 and [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Freeview announces major changes to its channel line-up |url=https://freeviewnz.tv/news/channel-change-0322/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Freeview |language=en}}</ref>

In late February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery proposed eliminating Three's news service [[Newshub]], effective 1 July 2024, citing declining advertising revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Du Plessis-Allan |first=Heather |date=29 February 2024|title='The best way forward': Warner Bros. Discovery boss on Newshub closure |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/james-gibbons-warner-bros-discovery-asia-pacific-president-says-shutting-down-newshub-newsroom-the-best-decision/ |access-date=29 February 2024|work=[[Newstalk ZB]] |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228132139/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/james-gibbons-warner-bros-discovery-asia-pacific-president-says-shutting-down-newshub-newsroom-the-best-decision/|archive-date=28 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Newshub's closure was confirmed on 10 April 2024, with 5 July being its final airdate.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |last2=Harris |first2=Katie |date=10 April 2024 |title=Newshub closure live updates: Staff emotional after meeting - TVNZ’s Sunday team |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/newshub-closure-tvnz-sunday-job-cuts-staff-prepare-for-meetings-to-hear-fate-of-news-brands-shows/5RELN4BXSNBWPMH5ZZ7MVQU5CE/ |access-date=10 April 2024 |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |department=Media Insider |publisher=[[NZME]] |location=Auckland |language=en-NZ}}</ref> On 16 April, Warner Bros. Discovery and newspaper company [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] reached an agreement for Stuff to produce Three's 6pm news bulletin [[ThreeNews]], commencing 6 July 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Currie |first=Shayne |date=16 April 2024 |title=Newshub closure: TV3 news saved - Stuff to provide new-look news bulletin under deal with Warner Bros Discovery |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/newshub-closure-tv3-news-saved-stuff-to-provide-new-look-news-bulletin-under-deal-with-warner-bros-discovery/F5SEKQS7Z5AFJFWKL4SF6EVRIA/ |access-date=16 April 2024 |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |department=Media Insider |publisher=[[NZME]] |location=Auckland |language=en-NZ}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Samantha Hayes to front Stuff’s new 6pm TV bulletin alongside other key talent |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350269580/samantha-hayes-front-stuffs-new-6pm-tv-bulletin-alongside-other-key-talent |access-date=11 May 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511030940/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350269580/samantha-hayes-front-stuffs-new-6pm-tv-bulletin-alongside-other-key-talent |archive-date=11 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sky Network Television ownership ===
On 22 July 2025, it was announced at the [[NZX|New Zealand's Exchange]] that Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand free-to-air television (Three, [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]], [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|eden]], [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] and [[HGTV New Zealand|HGTV]]) and streaming operations ([[ThreeNow]]) would be acquired by [[Sky (New Zealand)|Sky]] for [[New Zealand dollar|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.<ref name="1News 22 Jul 2025" /><ref name="Stuff 22 July 2025" />

==Content==
{{See also|List of programming broadcast by Sky Free}}

===Output contracts===
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenscribe.net/channels/tv3-yet-to-get-house-in-hd-order/|title=TV3 Yet to Get House in HD Order|publisher=ScreenScribe.tv|date=6 February 2011|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref> As well as until the start of the US 2012 season,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenscribe.tv/channels/prime-coup-bad-news-for-hd-fans/|title=Prime Coup Bad News for HD Fans UPDATED|publisher=ScreenScribe.tv|date=30 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601083702/http://www.screenscribe.tv/channels/prime-coup-bad-news-for-hd-fans/|archive-date=1 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/NEW-ERA-FOR-MEDIAWORKS/tabid/465/articleID/1930/Default.aspx|title=New Era for Mediaworks|publisher=MediaWorks|date=7 November 2013|access-date=18 January 2015|archive-date=18 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118172722/http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/NEW-ERA-FOR-MEDIAWORKS/tabid/465/articleID/1930/Default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 20 December 2013, MediaWorks re-signed a revised down scaled exclusive deal with Fox.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/MEDIAWORKS-TV-INKS-NEW-CONTENT-DEAL-WITH-20th-CENTURY-FOX-TELEVISION-DISTRIBUTION/tabid/465/articleID/1972/Default.aspx|title=Mediaworks TV Inks New Content Deal with 20th Century Fox Television Distribution|publisher=MediaWorks|date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103011839/http://www.mediaworks.co.nz/MEDIAWORKS-TV-INKS-NEW-CONTENT-DEAL-WITH-20th-CENTURY-FOX-TELEVISION-DISTRIBUTION/tabid/465/articleID/1972/Default.aspx|archive-date=3 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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 (New Zealand TV channel)|Prime]] airing ''[[Sleepy Hollow (TV series)|Sleepy Hollow]]'', and [[TVNZ]] airing ''[[Empire (2015 TV series)|Empire]]''.

==Broadcasting details==
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.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 March 2008 |title=New Zealand Television Transmission Stations in Operation – North Island |url=http://www.freeviewnz.tv/userfiles/pdfs/north-island-all-freq.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307044831/http://www.freeviewnz.tv/userfiles/pdfs/north-island-all-freq.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2014 |access-date=22 July 2013 |publisher=Kordia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=31 March 2008 |title=New Zealand Television Transmission Stations in Operation – South Island |url=http://www.freeviewnz.tv/userfiles/pdfs/south-island-all-freq.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418003559/http://www.freeviewnz.tv/userfiles/pdfs/south-island-all-freq.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2013 |access-date=22 July 2013 |publisher=Kordia}}</ref>

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 [[Vodafone New Zealand#Television|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.threenow.co.nz/live-tv-guide|title=Live TV & Guide|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref>

==ThreeNow==
{{Main|ThreeNow}}
'''ThreeNow''' (previously called '''TV3 On Demand''' and '''3Now''')<ref name="StopPress 31 Mar 2013">{{cite web |last1=Ahmed |first1=Sim |title=TV3 On Demand service for mobile suspended because of content breach |url=https://stoppress.co.nz/news/tv3-demand-service-mobile-suspended-because-content-breach/ |website=StopPress |publisher=SCG Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506070505/https://stoppress.co.nz/news/tv3-demand-service-mobile-suspended-because-content-breach/ |archive-date=6 May 2024 |date=31 March 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="StopPress 18 Feb 2024">{{cite web |last1=Sachtleben |first1=Amanda |title=MediaWorks revamps on demand offering with 3NOW app |url=https://stoppress.co.nz/news/mediaworks-revamps-demand-offering-3now-app/ |website=StopPress |publisher=SCG Media |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506070506/https://stoppress.co.nz/news/mediaworks-revamps-demand-offering-3now-app/ |archive-date=6 May 2024 |date=18 February 2024}}</ref> is a free [[advertising|ad]]-supported<ref name="The Spinoff Ranked 2023">{{cite news |last1=Shultz |first1=Chris |title=All the TV streaming services available in New Zealand, ranked |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/28-04-2023/all-the-tv-streaming-services-available-in-new-zealand-ranked |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130033409/https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/28-04-2023/all-the-tv-streaming-services-available-in-new-zealand-ranked |archive-date=30 November 2023}}</ref> New Zealand streaming platform owned by [[Sky Free]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Burr |first1=Lloyd |title=From US$20m to $1 in five years: The Three-Sky deal explained |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained |access-date=22 July 2025 |date=22 July 2025 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722113101/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>  It is available on [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[LG]], [[Panasonic]] and [[Sony]] devices and smart TVs.<ref name="Newshub 22 Nov 2023">{{cite news |title=ThreeNow relaunches with 'enhanced viewing experience', five new live streaming channels |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/11/threenow-relaunches-with-enhanced-viewing-experience-five-new-live-streaming-channels.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506050909/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/11/threenow-relaunches-with-enhanced-viewing-experience-five-new-live-streaming-channels.html |archive-date=6 May 2024}}</ref> The streaming service hosts content from Three and its sister channels [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]], [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|eden]], [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] and [[HGTV]].<ref name="Finder">{{cite web |last1=Plesa |first1=Alexandra |title=ThreeNow review: Price, features and content |url=https://www.finder.com/nz/internet-tv/three-now |publisher=[[Finder (website)|Finder]] |access-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027182910/https://www.finder.com/nz/internet-tv/three-now |archive-date=27 October 2020 |date=25 May 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="Newshub 15 Sep 2023">{{cite news |title=ThreeNow can now stream directly to Samsung TVs |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/09/threenow-can-now-stream-directly-to-samsung-tvs.html |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=15 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506070443/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/09/threenow-can-now-stream-directly-to-samsung-tvs.html |archive-date=6 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="Newshub 22 Nov 2023" /> Notable New Zealand and international programmes including ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit|Law & Order: SVU]]'', ''[[Blue Bloods (TV series)|Blue Bloods]]'', ''[[Come Dine with Me New Zealand]]'', ''[[Below Deck Mediterranean]]'', ''[[Dancing with the Stars (New Zealand TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]'', ''[[Gogglebox]]'', ''[[Chicago Med]]'', ''[[Australia's Best Houses]]'', and ''[[Hawaii Five-O (2010 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]''. The streaming service also hosts content from [[ThreeNow]].<ref name="Finder" />

==ThreePlus1==
[[File:TV3NZ-plus-1-colour.png|thumb|200px|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.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 November 2008|url=http://www.freeviewnz.tv/site/news_article/media_works_announce_new_freeview_channel|title=MediaWorks announce new Freeview channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202072919/http://www.freeviewnz.tv/site/news_article/media_works_announce_new_freeview_channel|archive-date=2 February 2009|access-date=25 November 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Defunct==
=== ThreeLife===
{{Infobox television channel
| name = ThreeLife
| logo = ThreeLifeNZ.png
| logo_size = 280px
| logo_caption = 
| launch_date = {{start date|2018|4|15|df=yes}}
| closed_date = {{end date|2020|3|25|df=yes}}
| replaced_by = [[The Edge TV]]
| owner = [[MediaWorks New Zealand]]
| picture_format = [[1080i]] ([[HDTV]])
| country = [[New Zealand]]
| area = National
| sister_channels = Three, [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]], [[The Edge TV]]
| timeshift_service = ThreeLife + 1
| website = {{URL|http://www.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.<ref name="threelifedeath" /> The final show to air on ThreeLife was ''Good Chef Bad Chef''.

===ThreeLife + 1===
'''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]].<ref name="threelifedeath" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official website}}

{{Sky (New Zealand)}}
{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}
{{Television in New Zealand}}
{{Subscription television channels in New Zealand}}
{{Video on Demand Services in New Zealand}}

[[Category:Sky (New Zealand)]]
[[Category:Television channels in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1989]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in New Zealand]]
[[Category:1989 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Former Warner Bros. Discovery subsidiaries]]
[[Category:2020 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions]] 
[[Category:2025 mergers and acquisitions]]