TVNZ plans to shut down its 1News website early next year and outsource certain roles, according to a proposal shared with staff.
“TVNZ is entering into consultation with our people on proposed strategic changes to our business,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
As shared by TVNZ, the “proposed strategic changes” aim to achieve $30 million in savings.
The proposed changes included:
- Shutting down the 1News website in February 2025, shifting its focus for the youth platform Re: News exclusively to video storytelling.
- Outsourcing certain aspects of TVNZ’s content workflows and technology starting in FY26
- Investing in news content for TVNZ+ and forming a dedicated team for this purpose.
- Making adjustments to some roster patterns.
As per reports, the announcement also signifies the start of a new two-week period during which employees can provide their input on the strategic plan aimed at identifying savings. Following this, there will be an additional two-week consultation regarding a proposed structural change.
“We’ve been transparent with our people and publicly that we need to deliver $30 million in savings,” a spokesperson for TVNZ said.
“At this stage, we’re seeking ideas from our people for strategic changes we can make across TVNZ so we can continue to deliver for New Zealand audiences in an efficient and cost-effective way.”
TVNZ said it was exploring and evaluating various strategies to ensure its long-term viability as a media organisation.
“We don’t have the answers yet, and it’s something we will work through as a business with our people over the coming months.“
In September this year, TVNZ announced significant financial losses for the year ending June 30, 2024, reporting a net loss after tax of $85 million, which includes a non-cash impairment of $62.1 million.