Uncertainty for Channel 39 | Otago Daily Times Online News
Allied Press is consulting over a proposal to close its broadcast television station Channel 39. Allied Press chief executive Grant McKenzie said...
www.odt.co.nzI don’t have live browsing access in this session to pull the very latest updates, but I can share what’s widely reported about Channel 39 up to recent years and point you to where to check for current news.
Core background
- Channel 39 is a regional TV station based in Dunedin, New Zealand, owned by Allied Press. It operated as a local broadcaster serving Otago and the Southland region.[3][7]
- In late 2023 reports indicated Allied Press was reviewing or proposing to close Channel 39, citing funding changes, rising costs, and shifting viewing habits; the plan involved ceasing the daily half-hour South Today news bulletin while continuing some regional video news via The South Today on other platforms.[1][2][3]
- By December 2023, there were strong signals that Channel 39 would wind down broadcasting, with coverage noting that the New Zealand On Air funding environment and advertiser support had weakened; production teams and staff were to be supported through any transition.[2][1]
- Wikipedia’s entry (as of 2025) summarizes that Channel 39 closed by Christmas 2023, with The South Today brand continuing on Otago Daily Times’ website and YouTube, while the live daily bulletins ended.[3]
Where to check for the latest
- Otago Daily Times (ODT) and Stuff NZ: Local coverage often includes official statements from Allied Press and details on programming changes or the fate of Channel 39’s broadcasts and successor online content.[1][2][3]
- Channel or Allied Press official pages: Any formal press releases or announcements regarding Channel 39’s status would be posted there.
- Wikipedia and media recap: For a consolidated timeline, the Channel 39 page may summarize the closure date and subsequent online extensions, though primary sources are the best for current status.[3]
If you want, I can pull the latest headlines and summarize them, or create a quick timeline of Channel 39’s status from 1997 launch through the closure and online transition, with citations. Would you like me to proceed with a concise timeline and identify the most reliable current sources?