Close Up is a New Zealand current‑affairs television programme that was produced and broadcast by Television New Zealand (TVNZ). The series aired on TVNZ 1 from its launch in 2004 until its final episode in early 2012. It was positioned as a nightly investigative and interview‑driven show, focusing on political, social, and economic issues of national relevance.
Broadcast history
- Premiere: 2004, scheduled in a prime‑time slot on weeknights.
- Conclusion: The programme was discontinued in 2012, with TVNZ subsequently introducing other current‑affairs formats such as Seven Sharp and Q+A.
Format and content
Close Up combined in‑depth reportage, interviews with public figures, and feature segments. Episodes typically ran for 30 minutes, though special editions could be longer. The editorial approach emphasized investigative journalism, with reporters conducting on‑the‑ground investigations, as well as studio‑based discussions.
Presenters and personnel
The programme employed a rotating roster of journalists and presenters over its run. Notable hosts included:
- Paul Holmes – Served as a presenter during the early phase of the series.
- Rita Chuang – Presented investigative segments and conducted interviews.
- James Taylor – Anchored the studio edition in later years.
(Exact presenter tenures varied, and the lineup changed periodically to reflect TVNZ’s staffing decisions.)
Reception
Close Up received moderate viewership numbers for a current‑affairs slot and was recognised within the New Zealand broadcasting industry for its investigative pieces. The programme earned several New Zealand Media Awards nominations, particularly in categories related to investigative reporting and documentary journalism.
Legacy
Although the series ended in 2012, its emphasis on investigative storytelling contributed to the development of subsequent TVNZ current‑affairs offerings. Former reporters from Close Up have continued to work in New Zealand media, both in television and digital news platforms.