WEEK 7: Saturday 13 February - Friday 19 February 2010

Local - The Good Word, Saturday 13 February, 9.10pm: New Zealand's exciting television book show, The Good Word, treats viewers with its lively mix of reviews, views and stories from the world of books.

The series stars novelist Emily Perkins (in the studio) and columnist Finlay Macdonald (in the field), along with an almost all-new all-star panel. Joining comic Te Radar, on The Good Word panel are newcomers, actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand, columnist Steve Braunias, One News presenter Miriama Kamo, journalist Gordon McLauchlan and - in what may be a worldwide book show first - the country's Chief Censor, Bill Hastings. The Good Word is an innovative mix of both studio and documentary elements. In the studio, the award-winning Perkins leads the panel in reviewing a book of the week, then brings in a special guest to talk about his or her favourite book. Filmed in the field each week is a visit with a real-life book club, and Macdonald's documentary series Under the Covers which, in each show, uncovers the story behind a famous New Zealand book. In this week's show, presenter Emily Perkins and panellists Gordon McLauchlan, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Te Radar discuss book of the week, The Bell Jar , by Sylvia Plath. Legendary New Zealand musician Dave Dobbyn reveals his favourite book, and Finlay Macdonald tells the story behind 1960s New Zealand novel, Sydney Bridge Upside Down, by David Ballantyne.

Local - The Gravy, Saturday 13 February, 9.10pm: Musician Warren Maxwell, Playwright Gabe McDonnell, and Graphic Artist Ross Liew present Aotearoa's creative culture show, The Gravy.

From words to bodies to technology, each episode is a journey of discovery into the hearts and minds of inspirational New Zealanders. The show continues its successful tradition while bringing in a contextual element born from a deep respect and engagement with the creative culture of the nation. Extraordinary stories continue to explode in your face in the weekly animated segment, The Truth. This week's show looks at creativity as a form of of rehabilitation within the New Zealand corrections system. The arts and creative expression can be powerful tools in the rehabilitation of prisoners and in helping ex-offenders re-integrate with society. Warren Maxwell meets the people who make and facilitate art within that system and visits the arts classes at Paremoremo and Rimutaka prisons. If you have missed an episode, check your guide for extra opportunities to view. Full episodes of The Gravy will also be available free online at www.tvnz.co.nz/thegravy.

WORLD'S BEST - Doco of the Week: The New Asylums, Wednesday 17 February, 7.10pm: The New Asylums explores the troubling and growing issue where America's severely mentally ill, who once would have been in state psychiatric hospitals, are now in state prisons.

There are nearly half a million mentally ill people serving time in America's prisons and jails. As sheriffs and prison wardens become the unexpected and ill-equipped gatekeepers of this burgeoning population, they raise a troubling new concern, are jails and prisons America's new asylums? With exclusive and unprecedented access to prison therapy sessions, mental health treatment meetings, crisis wards and prison disciplinary tribunals, this documentary goes deep inside Ohio's state prison system to present a searing exploration of the complex and growing topic of mental health behind bars, and a portrait of the individuals at the centre of this issue.

Local - The Ad Show, Thursday 18 February, 9.10pm: New to TVNZ 7, The Ad Show, which shines the spotlight on advertising, is going where no commercial has gone before - ironically, to TVNZ's ad-free channel.

The Ad Show is a ground-breaking series, the first in New Zealand to focus solely on advertising, marketing and PR. It's also the first to give audiences an ongoing opportunity to fire back at the advertising industry. The Ad Show is a studio chat show with interviews, panel discussions and stories. It will also feature a unique level of viewer participation both through the live studio audience and online feedback and contributions. The show will be hosted by New Zealand's leading advertising industry reporter, Hazel Phillips, whose weekly National Business Review column is a must read for those in the know. Phillips brings an unprecedented level of credibility and inside knowledge to the show and will be joined by Media7 reporter Simon Pound. The format will showcase some of the best creative talent in NZ and around the world. It will also discuss the challenges advertising faces, give a tantalising glimpse behind the industry's glossy image, and cast an irreverent eye over the commercials, PR and marketing constantly being churned out. While it may seem strange for a non-commercial channel to be pioneering a show about advertising, TVNZ commissioner, Philippa Mossman, says the series is a perfect fit with TVNZ 7's quest to provide information and discussion on issues relevant to New Zealanders. "Given the huge influence advertising has on us, it's important we provide a forum to examine not just the ads, but those who make them and the issues at stake," says Mossman. Producer, Raewyn Rasch, says while The Ad Show will focus on advertising, it won't just be a free ad for the industry. "On occasion our spotlight might be more like a blow torch. We know a lot of people watch commercials and wonder - what were they thinking? We'll not only ask the question, we'll demand an answer," says Rasch. If you have missed an episode, check your guide for extra opportunities to view. Full episodes of The Ad Show will also be available free online at www.tvnz.co.nz/theadshow.