TVNZ to axe 1News website from early next year

Summarised by Centrist

TVNZ has announced that it will shut down its 1News website in February 2025. This proposal was revealed to staff as part of a larger effort to restructure the broadcaster’s operations to save $30m.

TVNZ also plans to shift its focus towards TVNZ+, its digital streaming platform.  

“People know it’s bad news, and they’re finding out exactly how bad,” said a former TVNZ staffer. 

The company will also shut down traditional websites like 1News.co.nz and youth-focused Re: News, which will now focus entirely on video content.

Media insiders have weighed in on the decision to close 1News.co.nz, with some expressing surprise. The site had been attracting nearly a million visitors a month. 

Duncan Grieve of The Spinoff believes the decision, while difficult, is a strategic one. “1News.co.nz was largely focused on text-based news, competing with Stuff and the NZ Herald. What TVNZ excels at is video journalism, and this shift doubles down on what they do best,” he said.

A second round of consultations regarding structural adjustments is expected in November. 

Read more over at The NZ Herald