Bravo goes free-to-air for the first time

Cable net Bravo will become a free-to-air offering for the first time after NBCUniversal and Mediaworks in New Zealand inked a deal to rebrand Channel Four.

A commission was also announced for the new Kiwi Bravo channel, with a local version of the Real Housewives reality format – The Real Housewives of Auckland – being produced by NBCU-owned production company Matchbox.

The new net launches in July. It will be run as a joint venture between NBCU and Mediaworks, the Kiwi media company that runs TV and radio stations as well as producing content.

The Kiwi Bravo will have shows from the US channel including Million Dollar Listing, Top Chef and The Real Housewives. International series will include UK constructed reality hit Made in Chelsea.

“Asia-Pacific is an important growth region for NBCUniversal International and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to invest further in New Zealand,” commented Belinda Menendez, President, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks. “Having enjoyed a long-standing, strong relationship with MediaWorks, we are excited to expand our relationship in order to bring Bravo – a premier free-to-air entertainment-lifestyle channel – to the market.”

“We are delighted to introduce one of the most popular TV brands in the US to New Zealand – and we look forward to partnering with Mark [Weldon, CEO, MediaWorks] and the MediaWorks team to bring this exciting channel to life,” added Chris Taylor, MD, New Zealand & Australia, NBCUniversal International Distribution & Networks.