MediaWorks employees' plead on social media for someone to buy company

MediaWorks talent have taken to social media in the wake of the news the company is planning to sell its TV network.

Guy Williams, who had his show New Zealand Today cancelled earlier this week despite high ratings, thanked the network for launching his television career.

"Sincerely, thank you to TV3 and Mediaworks for launching my career and employing me for 9 years," he wrote.

He joked he was the reason for network's downfall.

"9! [years] I don't want to say that's the reason you're in the position you're in now...but it certainly can't have helped! I owe my mates there a lot.

"Alright...LET'S START LOOTING!" he added.

Williams also asked viewers to "remember the good times!"

"Hillary Barry [sic], John Campbo Live, Mike McRoberts in a flak vest carrying a tripod for no reason. Sam Hayes, Ali Ikram and David Farrier on nightline! C4! It was the best place I've ever worked."

Comedian Ben Hurley, who is a regular member on 7 Days, had a request for "whoever won Powerball the other day".

"Have you ever thought about owning a TV company?," he asked on Twitter, signing it "Sincerely, Ben".

Dear whoever won Powerball the other day,

Have you ever thought about owning a TV company?

Sincerely,
Ben

— Ben Hurley (@benhurleycom) October 17, 2019

Former Newshub sports reporter Sam Ackerman backed his former colleagues, writing:

"Anyone who buys Three off Mediaworks will find themselves with a workforce containing some of the most talented, hard working, genuinely good people you'd ever hope to meet.

"NZ has no idea how much it needs TV3 and Newshub, it would be devastating if they found out the hard way."

Anyone who buys Three off Mediaworks will find themselves with a workforce containing some of the most talented, hard working, genuinely good people you'd ever hope to meet.

NZ has no idea how much it needs TV3 and Newshub, it would be devastating if they found out the hard way.

— Sam Ackerman (@LeagueFix) October 17, 2019

Other former employees from MediaWorks reminisced about the good times they had with the company.

"Also RIP Mediaworks, you gave me my start in comedy and didn't even call me a dirty traitor once when I left," writes Melanie Bracewell.

"7 Days and The Project were my first proper jobs (not inc kids parties and Weight Watchers) and I truly appreciate the work and experience they gave me."

Also RIP Mediaworks, you gave me my start in comedy and didn't even call me a dirty traitor once when I left. 7 Days and The Project were my first proper jobs (not inc kids parties and Weight Watchers) and I truly appreciate the work and experience they gave me.

— Melanie Bracewell (@meladoodle) October 17, 2019

#MediaWorks was an absolute legend to work with.
I can't imagine how all the staff feel about the sale & all this fear mongering. I do believe the staff bring so much to the table. I hope the sale not only SAVES the network but expands on its enormous potential. #love #starmakers

— ColinMathura-Jeffree (@colincitizen) October 17, 2019

Mediaworks is full of great, GREAT people, they ooze talent and I love working alongside them all. Today's news just sucks.

— Nadine Higgins (@NewsNadine) October 17, 2019

Thoughts go out to my pals and former colleagues at @NewshubNZ today. We need TV3 and Newshub to succeed, and it would be a bloody awful day in New Zealand media if it was discontinued. Sending #BigLove

— Katarina Fauvel (nee Williams) (@Kat_Fauvel) October 17, 2019

I, along with NZ, have a lot to thank MediaWorks for. I had the best job I’ll ever have in my career at @TheProject_NZ alongside @JesseMulligan @KanoaLloyd @JaquieBrown @jonbridges66 @patrickgowernz - just some of the most talented people I’ve ever, ever, ever worked with.

— Rory O'Sullivan (@ThreeLampsFilms) October 17, 2019

My first ever paid comedy writing job was with Mediaworks working on Jono and Ben. I wouldn't have been able to say I was a full time comedian if it wasn't for that place. Genuinely gutted to hear the news today.

— James Roque (@jamesroque) October 17, 2019

It is understood staff were told just six minutes before the announcement was made public.

TV presenters had been called to one-on-meetings - though some of the network's biggest names are currently away. Newshub Live at 6 anchor Mike McRoberts is in Japan for the Rugby World Cup and Samantha Hayes is on maternity leave.