Draft:Giggle
Draft:Giggle is a topic that has captured the attention of people around the world in recent years. Whether due to its relevance in society or its impact on daily life, Draft:Giggle has taken a central place in current conversations and debates. Since its emergence, Draft:Giggle has generated curiosity and controversy, making it a fascinating topic to explore and discuss. In this article, we will thoroughly explore all facets of Draft:Giggle, from its origin to its impact on the world today, with the aim of shedding light on this topic and providing a deeper understanding of its importance.
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Giggle Entertainment Network (also known as Giggle TV) is a digital signage network that originated in New Zealand, broadcasting humorous content interspersed with local advertising in waiting areas such as cafés, clinics, gyms, and hospitality venues. Giggle operates a license-based business model, and as of 2025, it is active in both the United States and New Zealand.
History
Giggle TV was founded in 2008 by New Zealand entrepreneur Del Shaw, who sought to create a low-overhead, passive income business that would allow him the flexibility to travel. Having previously operated multiple traditional businesses, Shaw aimed to avoid high staffing costs and the standard 9-to-5 structure.
The initial rollout involved 40 screens in Palmerston North and quickly expanded across the central North Island to include Hawke's Bay, Taupō, Tauranga, and New Plymouth. By 2013, the network had over 250 active screens.
In 2013, Giggle transitioned into a franchise model, selling its first franchise in Palmerston North. This was soon followed by new territories including Nelson, Timaru, Christchurch (North and South), Whangārei, and Hamilton, establishing a national footprint. The company-owned regions in Hawke's Bay, Tauranga, Taupō, and New Plymouth were also sold as franchises.
Seeking a more professional identity, the company rebranded to the \"Giggle Entertainment Network\" with a revised logo and brand direction. A business partnership was formed to expand the franchise system, and the company headquarters was moved to Wellington, where three new franchise regions were developed: Wellington North, Hutt Valley, and Wellington City.
Transition and Legal Dispute
As part of a broader plan to enter overseas markets such as Australia and the United States, Shaw made arrangements to sell the New Zealand operations to business partner Chris Brown. According to Shaw, the sale was agreed at a discounted price to support Brown in owning his own business. However, subsequent legal disputes arose. Shaw alleges that Brown used aggressive legal tactics to gain full control of the New Zealand business without fulfilling the original financial terms of the agreement.
This dispute drained Shaw of capital and legal resources, ultimately resulting in the loss of the New Zealand Giggle operation to Brown. Since the departure of Shaw, the New Zealand operation has reportedly experienced limited growth, and the tone and humor style of the original content has changed, leading to criticism from former supporters.
International Expansion
Despite the setbacks in New Zealand, Shaw continued to pursue his original vision. In 2024, he re-launched the Giggle model in the United States, selling business licenses in states such as South Dakota and North Carolina. As of 2025, Giggle is expanding its presence across additional regions.
Giggle Brand
In 2025, Shaw introduced a new business model under the name \"Giggle Brand.\" This service creates bespoke, branded in-house TV channels for national or regional franchise chains. These channels mix humorous content with brand-specific messaging, providing entertainment while promoting products, services, and values to customers in waiting environments.
Business Model
Giggle provides digital screens free of charge to venues in high dwell-time areas. The screens loop short humorous content—jokes, memes, trivia—interspersed with local or regional advertising. Local business owners, called licensees (previously franchisees), purchase the rights to operate in a geographic territory. They sell ad space to nearby businesses while paying a recurring fee for access to Giggle’s content platform and brand.
Reception
Giggle has received a mix of praise and criticism in New Zealand media. A 2017 article by Sixteen:Nine called the 1,200-location network "anything but laughable", citing its massive reach and unique humor-driven engagement model.[1] A 2023 article on StopPress highlighted its bilingual content initiatives and positive impact on viewer mood.[2]
However, a 2019 article in The Spinoff offered a more critical perspective, describing the content as "moronic", "sexist", and "hypnotically bad", yet acknowledged its effectiveness in capturing attention in captive environments.[3]
See also
References
- ^ "New Zealand's 1,200-Site Giggle Network Seems Anything But Laughable". Sixteen:Nine. August 28, 2017.
- ^ "Laughter and language: Inside Giggle Entertainment Network's success - stoppress.co.nz" (Press release).
- ^ Crawford, Johnny (July 16, 2019). "Giggle TV: the moronic video service taking over New Zealand's shop walls". The Spinoff.