Across the world communities are developing new and exciting ways to communicate and to share their thoughts and ideas with others. Without doubt television plays a major role in this and in a country where broadband internet is lagging behind other countries the need for a strong, vibrant and diverse television service is even more important

Stratos Television is leading the way in the new digital television era by making regional, ethnic,  educational, and international programming available at no cost to all New Zealanders.

Stratos is different to other television channels because not only is it available to all viewers with a satellite dish and set-top-box, the feed can be used by terrestrial regional broadcasters to share and build their programme schedules as they wish. It is also a vehicle for enthusiastic film and video makers, communities, special interest groups, educational organisations – in fact anyone – to provide programming to the service.

Based on the proven formula adopted by Auckland’s Triangle Television, Stratos offers a slice of the diversity that is New Zealand, concise and thought provoking international news and current affairs programming from respected international news services.

The Stratos schedule comprises a series of bands to ensure that the interests of viewers and programme suppliers are met and programme screened viewable times for the intended audience.

As long as a programme has screened on one of the more than a dozen regional terrestrial broadcasters, programmes may be screened on Stratos at no cost. You can get a list of these stations by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Programmes are ingested into massive video servers in Auckland then compiled into a daily schedule before being transferred by IP link to Wellington for up-linking to the Freeview satellite service.