New Zealand’s largest television charity event of 2009, ‘Big Night In’ will now screen on TV3 during the weekend of 8th and 9th August, later than the June dates originally announced.

The change of dates has occured to allow event organisers and the network the extra time needed to organise community fundraising, to ensure the event’s success.

TV3 is dedicating 23 hours of television airtime to ‘Big Night In’, which is being held to raise money for KidsCan, a charity that helps children living in poverty throughout New Zealand.

The aim of the event is to raise as much money as possible for the KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust, which will help disadvantaged children around the country.

Executive Producer John McDonald says the extension in time will allow the fundraising to really take shape.

He says “These extra few weeks will really give the grassroots initiatives time to reach their full potential too before the broadcast later in August.”

Viewers can look forward to some Telethon-style moments, but with a 21st century twist. There will be a fantastic line up of local and international celebrities who will carry out dares and stunts as well as music, comedy, dance and there will be appearances from some surprise guests.

Below are TVNZ and TV3’s television news programs’ viewership figures for 29th April 2009.

Source: AGB NMR (Measurement: All people 5 years and over – average audience nationwide)

Below are TVNZ and TV3’s television news programs’ viewership figures for 28th April 2009.

Source: AGB NMR (Measurement: All people 5 years and over – average audience nationwide)