TVNZ plans job cuts to save $8.9 million

TVNZ plans to save approximately $8.9 million through job cuts and other measures. The state-owned broadcaster cut 48.5 full-time positions last year, expecting to save $5.6 million from these reductions. An additional $3.3 million will come from not filling vacant roles. These job cuts were part of TVNZ's efforts to save $30 million by the end of the 2026 financial year. The cuts were announced in November, following a previous restructuring that ended several key programs. Recently, consultations have begun regarding potential cuts to the popular show Shortland Street. However, the job cuts came with significant upfront costs. TVNZ spent over $16,000 on legal fees and about $3.1 million on redundancy payments. This situation has affected the morale of remaining staff, leading to increased workloads. Some teams have shrunk, leaving fewer people to handle the same amount of work. In addition to workforce reductions, TVNZ is looking to boost revenue and cut content costs. Experts believe the media industry may be recovering from tough financial conditions seen in 2024. There is a call for TVNZ to invest in high-quality New Zealand content to attract audiences and increase loyalty. Concerns about future outsourcing of workflow and technology roles have arisen among staff. TVNZ did not provide further details on this proposal, stating that it is still in preliminary stages. Critics argue that outsourcing could lead to less control and impact quality. A TVNZ spokesperson reassured staff that the organization is communicating openly about changes. The broadcaster remains confident it can meet its financial targets through a combination of increased revenue and reduced costs.