TVNZ building in Auckland Central. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
TVNZ's youth news platform, Re: News says proposed cuts will severely limit its ability to reach young and underserved audiences.
Its staff were told on Friday about a "deeply shocking" proposal to reduce its team from 10 to six as part of a restructure at the broadcaster, which has also seen Sunday, Fair Go and the midday and late news bulletins on the chopping block.
"We are gutted by what this means for us, our audience and our journalism," Re: News said in an Instagram post.
"While we would continue to exist in name, we would no longer be able to maintain our service in the same meaningful way."
The platform was launched in 2017, to reconnect young and underserved audiences who were turning away from the mainstream media, it said.
"For many young people, we are their only source of news and current affairs.
"We are deeply concerned at what the cuts would mean for young New Zealanders."
A screenshot of Re: News' Instagram post responding to TVNZ proposed staff cuts. Photo: Screenshot / Re: News
As it prepared to give feedback on the proposal, its audience took to the post's comments section to share their concern.
Many said Re: News was their sole source of news.
"Re:News is my main news outlet in the world. You make it easy for me to engage with contemporary issues and relevant kaupapa."
"You are LITERALLY the only news I consume. You're so dedicated to telling stories in simple and easily consumable ways ... I feel like an informed NZ citizen thanks to your team!"
Others slammed the broadcaster for tearing into a platform that was created to serve youth.
"To hear that Re: will be transitioning away from social media and it's current format not only sounds very out of touch, it feels as though TVNZ is telling us that having young people engage in news isn't a priority for them. That is very disappointing."
"It seems baffling that in this time of media organisations trying to "adapt to the digital landscape" TVNZ would consider reducing the team that is doing it the best in Aotearoa. "It would be such a loss for youth-focused, underrepresented, conversation shifting stories, told by a team of people who genuinely care. TVNZ you might gain some quick financial savings, but at what cost?"
RNZ understands staff have been given a week to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
But E Tū union negotiations specialist Michael Wood said that was nowhere near long enough, and urged the employer to give them more time.