Summarised by Centrist
Job cuts are sweeping through the media sector, affecting nearly every major outlet as advertising revenue dries up. Changes include eliminating roles, reduced programming, and cancelled news shows. Newsroom co-founder Mark Jennings noted that “for those companies that are entirely dependent on advertising, it’s been grim.” He warns that constant cost-cutting is the industry’s only survival route, but dwindling audiences threaten its stability.
Stuff, NZME, Whakaata Māori, and TVNZ are all adjusting roles to cope with financial pressures. Stuff disestablished roles in Auckland but added some in other cities, NZME ended its Focus bulletin, and Whakaata Māori is realigning amid funding cuts.
Meanwhile, TVNZ has ended anchor shows like Fair Go and seeks $30m in savings, considering further
cuts, possibly even closing its website.
Industry sources say free-to-air television may not survive in its current form. Jennings noted that TVNZ+ lacks the competitive edge of global streamers and needs a subscription model, yet the technology isn’t there. “It’s probably now two or three years behind,” he added. The upcoming Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, aimed at securing payments from tech giants, could further impact the sector.
Google, in response, has warned it might stop linking to New Zealand news content if the legislation passes.
