Partner wanted: NZ On Air seeks partner for online children's content

NZ On Air is reaching out to the public for ideas on how it can better provide audiovisual content to children online.

The move has come out of discussions held with the television and digital production industry last year about a new approach to funding children's content. It follows research into children's media use NZ On Air commissioned last year.

According to NZ On Air, it is seeking options for a 'cohesive online local content solution'.

A call for Expressions of Interest asks for concepts to curate a new platform and/or app for primary aged-children, where they can find and enjoy entertaining and informative online local content specifically for them.

"Our challenge is to ensure we are funding what children want, and ensuring content is available where they are consuming media. Increasingly where they are is online," explains NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson.

Wrightson says NZ On Air seeks to partner with an organisation that can invest in or extend a suitable online platform and/or app made especially for New Zealand children and focused on their needs.

"This is an opportunity to create something exciting that reflects to New Zealand kids their own identity and culture in the online world," she says.

"We already invest in a wealth of fabulous children's content and see the potential to provide a safe, fun, interactive and culturally diverse viewing environment for local kids, to enjoy this content and more.

The EOI calls for responses from either strong media entities or effective media partnerships.

Submissions close 27 April.