These range from programmes for and about people with disabilities, religious programming, and programmes for the gay, rural and ethnic minority communities.
Because they are perceived as non-commercial and usually screen outside prime time viewing, these programmes are either 100% or nearly fully funded by NZ On Air.
Last year, NZ On Air allocated $8,498,000 for 196.5 hours of special interest programming (not including Teletext hours).
Special interest programmes include:
NZ On Air has commissioned major quantitative and qualtitative research projects into these six main special interest programmes. See also the policy and research section.
In addition to these special interest programmes, NZ On Air contributes significantly to the cost of producing New Zealand children's television programmes, and to Arts, Culture & Performance programming.
Last year, more than $11 million in NZ On Air funding contributed to the production of 395 hours of children's programmes, while $3.26 million was allocated towards the production of 223 hours of Arts, Culture & Performance programming.
