‘Mainland Touch' Has Good Start (Press, 2 April 1980)

On 2 April 1980, a new television programme titled "The Mainland Touch" premiered on TVI, bringing much-anticipated coverage of Christchurch to the television screen. The debut was welcomed in light of the often minimal coverage the city received on national news, which predominantly focused on the North Island. Set to air every weeknight at 7:30 p.m., the programme aims to provide a comprehensive regional news bulletin for the top portion of the South Island. The show began with host Rodney Bryant, who introduced himself and handed over to Bob Sutton, who presented a selection of five news items, one sports item, and the weather. The lead story focused on a rise in passenger numbers for the Christchurch Transport Board buses, clearly communicated with the help of graphics and captions. Following this, a light-hearted segment featured a controversial window cleaner, providing a humorous touch to the evening. The second half of "The Mainland Touch" was particularly engaging, tackling significant local issues. It featured a discussion prompted by a series of events in Christchurch, including controversies over morality tied to local incidents like "Statements," "Confessions of a Window Cleaner," and the banning of a student magazine. Rodney Bryant moderated a debate between guests: Father Felix Donnelly, Councillor Newton Dodge, and a representative from the New Life Centre, who explored the question of whether Christchurch was on the verge of a religious revolution. The debate was charged with opinions on the moral landscape of the community, with Father Donnelly remarking on the South Island's perceived desire to detach itself not only from the North Island but also from modernity. The guests presented their perspectives on safeguarding community morals through Christian values, while Bryant had to intervene as the discussion heated up and the programme approached its time limit. He concluded by encouraging viewers at home to continue the conversation that had been sparked by the evening's discussions. Overall, "The Mainland Touch" received positive feedback for its informative and locally relevant content, which resonated with the Christchurch audience. The successful launch suggested that the programme could play an essential role in regional news coverage.

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