Broadcasting Minister Melissa Lee speaking to media on her way into the House, Parliament, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Broadcasting Minister Melissa Lee speaking to media on her way into the House, Parliament, Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Media and Communications Minister Melissa Lee says she’s “not a magician” as TVNZ confirms a range of job cuts and the end of several shows, including Fair Go after 47 years.
TVNZ confirmed today that the Fair Go show and the Midday and Tonight news bulletins would end in mid-May- part of up to 68 job losses - although it has come up with an option to retain the Fair Go brand on digital platforms.
The state broadcaster plans to create four new roles with a specific focus on long-form consumer and current affairs for TVNZ digital platforms.
“There would be an opportunity for this team to continue reporting under the Fair Go brand and viewers would still be able to share their consumer concerns by writing to the Fair Go inbox,” TVNZ said in a statement.
Later Fair Go posted about the digital plan on its Facebook page.
“You may have seen it reported in the news today today that there is a proposal for Fair Go to carry on,” the post said.
“We’ve looked at a problem - and with TVNZ - we think we’ve found a solution.
“While how you see our stories could change, it’s important Fair Go still be there to fight for New Zealanders, so keep writing in and we’ll update you when we can.”
Some commenters were less than impressed with TVNZ’s plan for Fair Go.
Karen Morgans said; “You need to stay on air!!! You have resolved so many issues for people with your exposure to bad practices/companies/people!!! We cannot afford to lose this informative programme!”
Michelle Horn said; “I hope someone’s listening. Fair Go needs to stay. Fighting for everyday NZers is important and Fair Go (or threatening to go to Fair Go) is often the last option for people who have been treated unfairly.”
Other commenters praised the decision and called it “great news”.
TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said the consultation process had been robust and all feedback had been considered. “In response to current market conditions and business realities facing TVNZ, we do need to move forward with this difficult but necessary proposal.
“I want to acknowledge again the significant value and contribution that these shows have made over many years. While these decisions are incredibly difficult, we must bring our costs more in line with our revenue and get our business in shape for a digital-first world,” O’Donnell said.
“However, we’ve listened to our people and we’re pleased to propose a new team to take the lead on long-form consumer and current affairs reporting for TVNZ’s current and future digital products.”
Tomorrow, Sunday staff will learn the fate of their roles and the current affairs show. One Sunday source said staff held little hope that the show would be saved in light of today’s announcements.
TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said all feedback about the cuts had been considered. Photo / Dean Purcell
Lee says the TVNZ job cuts are “very upsetting” and “distressing” for staff - “I feel for them” - but there was no easy solution to the range of challenges facing the media industry.
“I am working towards a solution,” Lee told journalists at Parliament today, referring to a long-awaited Cabinet paper that has no set timeframe for a release, or when decisions might be made.
“I know that it is very slow. If only I was a magician, if I could actually just snap up a solution, that would be fantastic.
“But I’m not a magician and I’m trying to find a solution to modernise the industry... there is a process happening.”
Communications and Media Minister Melissa Lee says she is "working towards a solution" to the various challenges facing the media industry. Photo / Mark Mitchell
TVNZ’s staff cuts will also affect the Re: News youth news department and video content producers.
Lee acknowledged audiences and staff would be upset about the moves but they were TVNZ’s decisions to make.
She would not talk about potential Government policy options or what might be in the Cabinet paper.
“There is a convention that we don’t actually talk about what is before Cabinet or the Cabinet committee. It is a process and I can’t talk about it.”
She said she knew it was “frustrating” but she hoped to have news “soon”.
She hoped any solutions would be implemented this year.
Changing legislation such as the Broadcasting Act took “a long time”. “I wish it was fast but it’s not.”
It was something she would be talking to RNZ and TVNZ about, but it was wider than the state broadcasters. “Media plays a very, very important role in our democracy.”
“In terms of what the actual event is, I haven’t had confirmation from Warner Brothers that it is actually happening. So we will await announcements.”
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.
