Regular calls for quality local shows, amid fears of the unstoppable advance of cultural imperialism in the form of blanket American programming, have long been a feature of the New Zealand media conversation.
With the likes of Outrageous Fortune and other local shows that people actually watch, rather than just say they would like to watch, that debate has finally, over the last few years, become quiet.
One can't help but think the latest locally hatched go at serious programming, The Court Report, would bring plaudits from those of a serious bent demanding quality programming.
It may not attract the Outrageous Fortune crowd, but there is room for everyone with the expanding number of channels available.
The Court Report (Thursdays at 9.30pm on TVNZ 7) presents current legal issues in what its publicity describes as an "in-depth and interesting format".
Each week a panel of experts debates the hot legal topics of the day, hosted by defence lawyer Greg King.
The idea is to develop debates that don't generally get a look-in in news items.
Or, as Mr King says: "Generally, media coverage of court and the law in New Zealand usually reduces issues down to black and white, victim versus criminal, all compressed into short soundbites. The people who know what they're talking about don't ever speak out; they think it's a waste of time."
Last week's episode was particularly topical, with a look at the media coverage of the Christchurch earthquake, and a discussion about where the line should be drawn between news coverage and privacy.
It covered issues of consent in relation to images taken in public and, while the legal technicalities may be of interest, the idea of reporters on the ground giving them more than a second thought in a situation like the recent earthquake is questionable.
Watch it on the TVNZ website and decide for yourself.
Most importantly, TVNZ 7 has a show about a subject not everyone might connect with - the aforementioned legal technicalities - and made it interesting.
That is a good thing.
And Mr King brings a certain gravitas to the show, considering his prominent role in New Zealand law.
He has a nationwide reputation for both trial and appellate advocacy, and has been counsel in some of the country's most controversial and high profile criminal cases.
And he was, of course, educated at the University of Otago.
To cap off the show, viewing pleasure is enhanced by a high percentage by Mr King's haircut.
It features a wave of dark, well groomed hair sweeping boldly from left to right, rising majestically above the crown of his solemn visage, and diving, tumbling earthwards, never out of control, before tapering neatly off into a hairy conclusion.
It is spectacular and almost as interesting as the legal arguments produced in the show.
Please watch this.
