Newshub with six presenters Samantha Hayes and Mike McRoberts.
photograph: Supplied
Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposed “revamp and restructuring” of its free-to-air broadcast business in New Zealand will bring major changes to the Newshub brand.
The plan means multi-platform news operations and output will be shut down and all news production, including the Newshub website, will cease from June 30th.
The proposed new model includes a shift to a “digital-driven business.”
ThreeNow, the brand’s online streaming service, will be at the core of that model and will be supported by free-to-air linear channels, the company said.
Founder of Media Critic Duncan Grave spin-offSaid Daytime report: “My understanding is that what we’re going to see is Three becoming a New Zealand brand in name only.”
The company reiterated that no final decisions had been made on individual programs, but Warner Bros. Australia/New Zealand boss Glenn Cain said under the proposal all programming related to news and current affairs would be scrapped. said that it would be done.
Commentators said the global conglomerate’s statement suggested the following:
- 6 p.m. newscast brought to you by Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes
- They fell in love at first sight and got married in New Zealand, which was thought to be in full swing.
- AM Show, hosts Lloyd Barr and Melissa Chan Green
- Paddy Gower has a problem
- ‘Newshub Nation’ (co-hosted by Simon Shepherd and Rebecca Wright) has not resumed airing since late last year.
- The new 7pm current affairs show, which replaced Project on Three, was to be hosted by Ryan Bridge.
- The Block NZ, host Mark Richardson.
A new 7 p.m. current affairs show that was scheduled to replace it project Its organizers were recently announced. But Cain said he hadn’t signed up for the new show just knowing what people know now.
Specifically, I asked: times and news publishing nation, “If there are funding partners, all partners will be considered after final consultation decisions are made,” he said.
“They are all part of newsroom operations and I want to reiterate that no decisions have been made yet, but yes, these are all part of newsroom operations as part of this proposal. .”
The plans could also impact Sky TV, as Newshub has a deal to provide daily 5.30pm newscasts on the Sky Open (formerly Prime) channel.
Mr Cain said he would consult with Sky over the next 24 hours.
Ask questions about taxpayer-funded programs such as: Newshub NationCain said their plan is to continue such programs or return the money.
“We will never inappropriately accept taxpayer funds.
“It’s a commitment that everything we fund will continue to be played on air. Outside of New Zealand On Air funding, we’re looking at a broader content portfolio, but as I said, As previously stated, no decision has been made yet and no decision will be made until the post-consultation period. ”
ThreeNow and Three programming, in conjunction with funding partners, is proposed to feature local programming including drama, comedy, sports, reality and fact, and “key titles” from Warner Bros.’ Discovery Library. There is.
Bravo, Eden, Rush, and HGTV will continue their current formats with the same content slates.
New local programming is only created in collaboration with local funding bodies and other partners.
“I suspect it will include things like the Patrick Gower documentary and occasionally other Newshub-branded documentaries.” Media Watch”Colin Peacock said:
Cain said they plan to include as much local content as possible on the channel “in collaboration with our funding or co-production partners” but could not say what percentage that would be.
“The three core content pillars of this business will be local programming in conjunction with co-production or funding partners. There will also be third-party acquisitions, as they are now, and will continue to be. such as those that are Marriage at First Sight Australiaetc.,” he said.
The consultation process will continue until mid-March.
After consideration of feedback, a final decision is expected to be made in early April.
All other Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ operations, including theatrical production and distribution, content licensing, pay TV channel affiliate partnerships and independent local production business WBITVP NZ, are not part of this discussion .
