New Zealand's original waiting room channel

Waiting room television is a globally proven idea with a consistently positive response from waiting room visitors, the health sector and advertisers.

Industry-standard digital technology

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivers the programme via a special PC at each location to a large flat screen. Each screen on the network can be personalised and localised - a content management system derived from digital signage. The programme plays automatically during each clinic's opening hours.

Predictable audience behaviour

The pattern of New Zealand's annual 14 million GP visits is clear and consistent - what varies is the community setting in which the clinic is located. MedTV is committed to wide geographic coverage and reaching the whole population. 

So what sets MedTV apart and how does that benefit its sponsors and advertisers?

Content is king

First and foremost, we are content producers and distributors. We are viewer driven. From the beginning MedTV has focused on viewer needs and a desire to make a real contribution to health promotion. Core concepts are improving access and reducing health inequalities.

Track record 

We have been developing our product for 5 years. We have a large and growing library of content - more than 200 health-related stories about New Zealanders. MedTV's pilot programme was trialled in 2002 with a positive evaluation funded by the Ministry of Health. 

More than just eyeballs

We are seen in a specific context and a trusted environment in which integrity of purpose and content are recognised by clinicians, nurses, patients and support visitors. 

More than just a distraction

A lot of people make regular visits to the GP, so continuity and consistency are improtant. Each time we want them to encounter something new, interesting and relevant. 

3-year horizon

The support of the clinicians and practise nurses and practise managers ensures the future of the channel and is why they sign for three years. More than 120 contracts are in place - either installed or in process. A further 60 primary care clinics are already in the pipeline. Gore Hospital is the first of a number of hospitals joining the network. 

This confidence translates into certainty for sponsors and advertisers as the network continues to expand - we will keep delivering the audience. 

Integration

MedTV is more than a narrowcast channel. As the network rolls out we will be adding the touch screen kiosk to the waiting room. This interactive self-service component will reflect topics on the MedTV channel and add layers of information for those who want it.

Interaction

The MedTV Digital channel can encourage reponse from individual patients via SMS or the kiosk. The touch screen in turn is a perfect vehicle for data capture, personal risk assessments and surveys of patients and staff.

Production capability

MedTV programming is mostly produced in-house. Production services include animation, motion graphics and video and DVD production. Low cost commercial production is also available.

Flexibility

We are open to innovative partnerships to deliver ROI to marketers - advertorial production, targeted placement, response mechanisms and multimedia.

Key partnerships

MedTV has developed working relationships across the sector - with the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, NGOs, primary care groups, hospitals, social marketers and professional health promoters.

The Advisory Board is chaired by Glenn Laverack, Director of the School of Population Health at the University of Auckland. Partnerships include Mauri Ora Associates and Webhealth.