Checkpoint with John Campbell launches this afternoon with a 'radio you can watch' format that is breaking new ground at RNZ.

The 90-minute programme, from 5pm weekdays, will be broadcast live on radio, and those keen to watch can see the show online and on TV via Freeview channel 50 .

John Campbell has been working with RNZ colleagues since September as the new format evolved and said he was thrilled to be returning to his radio roots.

"I'm nervous and excited and really looking foward to it," he told Morning Report.

"It's radio you can watch, so we're still making radio. There will be lots of stories that are radio stories, there will be no pictures, but you will be able to watch us do it, and I think that's the point.

"The idea is to use the kind of appeal of being able to see things after the fact.

"If we have an interview that you didn't hear at the time, instead of missing it or having it described to you by your mates or listening to it later, you probably will be able to watch it back if we have that person in the studio ... or I'm talking to them over Skype or LiveU from wherever they are.

"And we're hoping that will extend the reach of RNZ to a new audience who like to share content after the fact.

"Checkpoint like Morning Report is a show that's both entire of itself and very much part of the organisation so suddenly you start working with all these wonderful reporters and journalists that I haven't worked with before - so that's fantastic too."

The programme will be a mixture of video and audio packages, and live and pre-recorded interviews. Guests will join John via Skype, LiveU, in the Auckland or Wellington studios or on the phone, as will RNZ reporters around the country and around the world.

"It's a chance for our audience to see the newsmakers, reporters and producers - a real behind the scenes look at how the show is put together," said RNZ Head of Content, Carol Hirschfeld.

@CheckpointRNZ