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Newshub Closure: All You Need To Know

Written by RNZ | Feb 28, 2024 3:15:42 AM
Newshub, one of the key media companies in New Zealand, is to close its newsroom in New Zealand on 30 June, multiple sources have told RNZ. The staff were informed about the company's closure  in the midst of an emergency meeting.
 
It is owned by global entertainment giant Warner Bros Discovery, which also owns Eden, Rush, HGTV and Bravo.In 2020, it took over the channel's assets, which had been then part of Mediaworks.
In October 2023, Warner Bros Discovery announced it was axing The Project, its 7 p.m. news and current affairs show.
 
A spokesperson said: "We have commenced consultation to discontinue The Project on Three from the end of the year - our primary focus is to support our people as we work through this process."
 
Warner Bros Discovery put out a statement citing a proposed remodelling and restructuring. It also says new local programming would be in collaboration with funding bodies and other partners.
 
 
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Also Read: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/newshub-newsroom-closing-in-june-high-profile-presenters-face-job-losses
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Under the plan, the multiplatform news operations and output will close, meaning all news production - including the Newshub website - will stop from 30 June.

The proposed new model includes a transition to a "digitally led business".

ThreeNow - the brand's online streaming service - would be at the core of that model, supported by free-to-air linear channels, the company said.

Media commentator Duncan Greive founder of The Spinoff, told Midday Report: "What we're going to see, as I understand it, is that Three will be a brand in New Zealand in name only."

While the company has not come out with a specific list of programmes to be cut, commentators say the statement from the global conglomerate suggests it would include the likes of:

  • Newshub at 6pm, presented by Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes
  • Married at First Sight New Zealand, which was believed to be in production
  • the AM Show, with hosts Lloyd Burr and Melissa Chan-Green
  • Paddy Gower Has Issues
  • Newshub Nation, which had not returned to air since late last year, with co-hosts Simon Shepherd and Rebecca Wright
  • the new 7pm current affairs show which was set to replace The Project on Three and would have been hosted by Ryan Bridge,
  • The Block NZ, with host Mark Richardson.

It is proposed ThreeNow and Three's shows would feature local programming in conjunction with funding partners, including drama, comedy, sport, reality and factual, and "key titles" from Warner Bros. Discovery's library.

Bravo, Eden, Rush and HGTV would continue in their current form with the same content slate.

New local programming would only be in collaboration with local funding bodies and other partners.

"I'm guessing that involves things like documentaries by Patrick Gower, and occasional other documentaries under the Newshub brand," Mediawatch's Colin Peacock said.

The consultation process runs until mid-March.

A final decision is expected early April after feedback has been considered.

All other Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ operations are not part of this consultation, including Theatrical Production and Distribution, Content Licensing, Affiliate Partnerships for Pay TV Channels, and independent local production business, WBITVP NZ.
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