The winner of the TMP contract, led by Puhi Rangiaho, Tawini Rangahau, Morehu McDonald, Robert Pouwhare and Tukuroirangi Morgan,[1] was announced on March 7 and broadcasting commenced on May 1.
TMP's budget only allowed a 500-watt transmitter which resulted in weak or no signal in the ATN catchment area.
[2] ATN was also the owner of Max TV for a short period in 1996, when Reston Griffiths sold production company Vidcom to the new network.
[3] Insufficient funding and related uncertainties resulted in the closure of this pilot service in early 1997.
[4] One of the main examples was Tuku Morgan spending NZ$89 of the station's budget on a pair of underwear.