April 12, 2007

TVNZ proposes to gut NZ journalism

TVNZ's decision to make nearly sixty news and current affairs staff redundant is a short-sighted move that poses a major threat to New Zealand journalism, say the unions that represent journalists.

The proposal includes the total closure of the news reference library, the closure of Wellington's 'Sunday' office, the closure of the Wanganui and Queenstown offices, a serious reduction of camera operators in Wellington and Auckland, and smaller cuts across almost every other news and current affairs division.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little says the redundancies are a serious attack on New Zealand journalism.

"This means more news is going to have to be covered by fewer people, which can only lead to a reduction in quality. The decision to scrap the news reference library alone will have a serious impact on the quality and depth of New Zealand journalism for years to come.

"What we're seeing here is the nation's public broadcaster slowly becoming the Auckland broadcaster. This proposal would gut New Zealand journalism and pose a major threat to TVNZ's ability to deliver on its Charter obligations."

The Public Service Association also represents members at TVNZ. PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff says the redundancies will hurt TVNZ in the long term.

"TVNZ needs to lift its game to win back viewers, not get rid of highly skilled and experienced staff. This is a panic-induced measure that I predict will come back to haunt TVNZ. New Zealanders as well as TVNZ staff are being ill-served by this action."

The redundancies at TVNZ coincide with redundancies at another major New Zealand news provider, APN, which is proposing major cuts to its editorial department.

ENDS

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