Newshub Closing In June: High-Profile Presenters Face Job Losses
Newshub Newsroom Set to Close, High-Profile Presenters and Journalists Affected, The New Zealand Herald reported.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to close Newshub, one of the largest newsrooms in New Zealand, by the end of June. This decision will impact dozens of high-profile presenters and journalists, including 6pm news anchors Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes, and the new 7pm show host Ryan Bridge.
Newshub staff have expressed shock at learning the media company is to close. The Asia-Pacific president of owners Warner Bros Discovery, James Gibbons, says the economic downturn has been severe, and a hoped-for bounce-back in revenue after Covid has not materialised. This staff member says it was unexpected.
The closure will also include shutting down the Newshub website. Currently, the company employs at least 57 journalists.
At an all-staff meeting held at 11 am, Warner Bros. Discovery NZ boss Glen Kyne expressed the unfortunate nature of the decision. He mentioned that the company would look to co-fund local news, with ThreeNow becoming the "core" of a future digital business.
In a statement, Warner Bros. Discovery said they had started consultation on a proposed restructuring of its ANZ free-to-air business in New Zealand. This proposal includes closing all of Newshub's multiplatform news operations and output, with new local programming only in collaboration with local funding bodies and other partners.
The new show hosted by Ryan Bridge has faced delays, primarily due to a hiring freeze at Warner Bros. Discovery. It was initially expected to be on air by now, but recent estimates point to April or even June.
Three’s Newshub Nation and Paddy Gower Has Issues have also experienced delays. Additionally, Sarah Bristow, the head of news, has left the business, and Richard Sutherland has taken over as interim head.
Discovery acquired MediaWorks' TV arm, including Three and Newshub, in December 2020. MediaWorks continues to operate as a radio and outdoor business owned by US company Oaktree Capital Management and outdoor advertising company QMS.
Warner Bros. Discovery's New Zealand operation posted a $35 million post-tax loss in 2022, raising questions about its American owners' commitment to the operation. However, the directors committed to providing sufficient financial assistance to continue operations for at least 12 months from May 31, 2023.
Glen Kyne has highlighted the company's focus on a digital future, seeking financial relief from the Government for the entire New Zealand sector, including relief from significant Kordia fees paid for broadcast infrastructure. He emphasized the strategic transition to a digitally-led operating model, where broadcast infrastructure would not be required, benefiting multiple players in the sector.