Prime Television says 15 fulltime jobs will be lost as a result of ending its regional news service and lifestyle programme Prime Living in Christchurch.
Prime Living will also be canned in Hamilton, although the city will keep its regional news bulletin. The Hamilton closure will affect up to three fulltimers
- although one or two of those could be absorbed by news - and five casual "stringers," says Prime Television general manager Warwick Syphers.
Prime Living will be broadcast nationwide from Auckland, he says.
Mr Syphers blames competition from regional operators in Christchurch for squeezing out Prime. The area is served by two local television companies, CTV and Now TV.
He says Prime wants to redirect resources into expanding its network, which at present covers 75 per cent of the country.
The New Zealand company reported an operating loss of $6.6 million last year, compared to $6.03 million the previous year.
