Warner Bros Discovery to Close New Zealand TV News Provider, Cutting 200 Jobs
Proposed Closure of New Zealand TV Newsroom and Loss of Jobs
One of New Zealand’s free-to-air television networks is considering shutting down its newsroom operations, television news broadcasts, and website by June 30, potentially leading to the loss of up to 200 media jobs. Warner Bros Discovery, the owner of Newshub on television channel Three, cited the need to reduce costs as the reason for the major changes, including the closure of the newsroom.
Legal Requirements and Impact on Broadcast News in New Zealand
According to New Zealand law, any proposed restructure or redundancies must undergo consultation before a final decision is made. If the closure is implemented, it would mark the end of 35 years of broadcast news on network Three, leaving state-owned TVNZ as the primary producer of broadcast news in the country.
Rationale Behind the Decision and Future Plans
Glen Kyne, a senior vice president at Warner Bros Discovery in Australia and New Zealand, explained that the economic challenges faced by free-to-air and news businesses have necessitated these changes. While acknowledging the importance of Newshub in the media sector, he emphasized the necessity of the proposed changes despite the anticipated difficulties.
Impact on Media Industry and Continued Operations
Newshub’s website highlighted that up to 200 staff members, including journalists, producers, editors, and camera operators, could be affected by the potential closure. Warner Bros Discovery intends to maintain digital platform ThreeNow and network channel Three, showcasing existing programming and local content where feasible funding is available.
Overall, the proposed closure of the newsroom signifies a significant shift in New Zealand’s broadcast news landscape, raising concerns about the future of journalism and media employment in the country.
