NZME is proposing to close 14 of its community newspapers. Photo: RNZ/ Brad White
NZME is proposing to shut down 14 of its community newspapers.
Local papers on the chopping block include the more than 100-year-old Te Awamutu Courier.
In an email seen by RNZ, the media company said its community publication network was no longer profitable.
"Unfortunately, our community publication network has suffered a decline in advertising.
"This morning we shared a proposal with our community teams that would see us closing 14 of our community print publications.
"Although NZME has performed well, we are not immune to the impacts of a weaker market."
It said the Waikato Herald and The Weekend Sun would not be included in the cuts.
"The Waikato Herald is not included in the proposal as it is a section within the NZ Herald and part of our core subscriber value proposition in the Waikato.
"The Weekend Sun is not included because of its scale, reach, digital offering, and potential to consolidate audiences and revenues."
The publications included in the proposal are:
- Hauraki Coromandel Post
- Katikati Advertiser
- Te Puke Times
- Taupō and Tūrangi Herald
- Napier Courier
- Hastings Leader
- CHB Mail
- Bush Telegraph
- Stratford Press
- Whanganui Midweek
- Manawatū Guardian
- Horowhenua Chronicle
- Kāpiti News
Checkpoint asked NZME chief executive Michael Boggs to be on the programme but he declined.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said she was "devastated" at the news that the Central Hawke's Bay Mail could close.
"It feels like a big word to use for a little newspaper but this is glue in our community and we are devastated."
The local newspaper was something that all members of the community could rely on turning up every week, she said.
It played an important role in local democracy and included analysis of local issues, community news and linked businesses, she said.
"It's a really tangible link that brings the community together and if this business model doesn't work we really have to find another one that reinstates good local media."
Central Hawke's Bay mayor Alex Walker Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
Central Hawke's Bay Mail tells stories that other media do not, she said.
"They [community groups] know that their story will be told, it won't just be overshadowed by the big cities, they know that it will be told in our local community."
Rural communities should not always be the first ones to go without, she said.
"Without the independent perspective of media channels how do we continue to keep our locally and regionally elected officials on the task of what's happening in community and hold them to account like national media does on national issues?"
Walker said she had contacted other mayors from affected districts who were also upset about the potential loss of their local paper.
"We will certainly be letting NZME know how we feel about this and then look at what kind of actions we might be able to take individually or collectively."
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