Nothing to celebrate: TVNZ warns of job losses

TVNZ headquarters, Hobson St, central Auckland. Photo / Sarah Ivey

TVNZ told staff it could cut 30 jobs - two weeks after it invited everybody to a party celebrating getting to the end of the financial year under budget.

Staff were told late last week that executives were carrying out "consultation for a proposal to reorganise our business".

"The proposal includes changes to some business areas and reporting lines, and the potential for approximately 30 positions to be disestablished."

It followed an email a few weeks ago which invited staff to the "annual, official-ish TVNZ FY15 Wrap Party". The party is to be held at the Empire Tavern, over the road from the broadcaster's Auckland headquarters this Thursday.

They were told chief executive Kevin Kenrick would kick off festivities with a speech about 5pm.

"We'll supply the food, music and party balloons, plus three free drink tickets per person."

Staff were told to bring cash if they wanted to turn the celebration of making budget into a bigger night.

The first email said the company proposed scrapping its digital media area and having all parts of the business carry the responsibility for developing the area.

There could also be a new commercial area and a new product development business, it said.

The changes could also see a cut in "labour costs by combining and reducing a number of leadership roles".

The Herald has approached TVNZ for comment.

The proposals come as media companies seek new audiences.

Radio NZ chief executive Paul Thompson recently announced 14 jobs going among its staff of 280 people but a greater investment in video and youth-targeted platforms. The National Business Review has likewise broken non-traditional ground by launching its own radio broadcasts.

The broadcaster currently employs about 750 people.

A TVNZ spokeswoman said it had "entered into consultation with business leaders in relation to a proposed reorganisation".

She said the new structure coming out of the consultation would be announced in early August.

"This is about responding to the rapidly changing media market and aligning resources towards shaping TVNZ's future - particularly in the digital space."