TVNZ has formally announced its intentions to seek a replacement for the long-running queer lifestyle series Queer Nation, following on from its stated intentions to do so at a queer television symposium held late last year. Independent producers are being asked to submit proposals for a programme that "will keep viewers informed and entertained with a mix of news, issues, entertainment, arts and lifestyle stories pertaining to the gay community." Queer Nation's executive producer Johnny Givins says that QN has been kept on air this year while TVNZ has been doing market research to help them prepare their programme brief. NZ On Air allocated funding for 13 shows this year, and Livingstone have now applied for funding for a further 10. Givins says that this is a positive moment, showing that TVNZ are absolutely committed to queer programming, and that Livingstone will definitely be putting in their own proposal. “We've made queer TV programmes for some time now, we're proud of what we've done, so we're looking at the research – which we've never had before – to come up with a great product,” he says. TVNZ's proposal brief sounds like a mixture of the existing “Queer Nation” format and TV2's youth news show “Flipside”, describing the show they're looking for as “possibly studio-based, this programme will feature stories from the regions, as well as covering key events on the gay calendar. Audience interaction via text message, email and internet will be a part of the format...Intended for a late primetime TV2 slot, the programme will be aimed at the 18-39 demographic.” Interested parties need to submit their proposals by 16 April to Annie Murray, assistant commissioner of documentary and special interest programmes, at TVNZ, PO Box 3819, Auckland.