Glen Kyne, an expert commentator on the New Zealand media landscape, dives into TVNZ’s recent proposal to merge news with entertainment. He discusses the implications for editorial independence and the future of journalism. The conversation also explores TVNZ’s search for $30 million in savings amidst financial pressures and evolving audience expectations. Kyne reflects on the debut of Stuff's HOW:TO and what it signals for the media landscape in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for innovative audience engagement strategies.
TVNZ's proposal to merge its news division with content raises significant concerns about maintaining editorial independence and journalistic integrity.
The shift towards a 24/7 agile news model necessitates rethinking newsroom operations and adapting to innovative storytelling methods to engage modern audiences.
Deep dives
Transformation of TVNZ's News Division
TVNZ plans to integrate its news division into TVNZ+, merging it with the overall content strategy. This shift raises concerns among journalists regarding editorial independence, as news is traditionally seen as a distinct product tailored for reliable reporting, unlike other entertainment content. The move has been characterized as consultant-driven, potentially diluting the unique identity and operational needs of newsrooms. Maintaining a balance between audience engagement and news credibility will be a significant challenge as the organization navigates this realignment.
Revenue Pressures and Market Dynamics
The urgency behind these changes stems from TVNZ's need to secure $30 million in savings or new revenue amidst a challenging advertising environment. Recent trends show that even as traditional media has declined, the ad market pressures have persisted and intensified, leaving local broadcasters struggling to maintain market share against global tech platforms. This economic shift calls into question the longstanding revenue models and highlights the need for local media to adapt beyond traditional advertising strategies. The evolving landscape demands innovation that balances journalism's integrity with the financial realities faced by media organizations.
The Future of News Production and Distribution
The future of news production is projected to migrate towards a more agile, 24/7 model, facilitating live reporting and responsiveness. There is an emphasis on rethinking newsroom operations, including roster adjustments and leveraging technology for efficient content delivery. This transition involves greater audience interaction and the need for talent to adapt to multifunctional roles that enhance viewer engagement across multiple platforms. Additionally, new formats and innovative storytelling methods will be crucial as audiences increasingly consume news online rather than through traditional broadcasts.
Potential Collaboration Between TVNZ and RNZ
A possible merger between TVNZ and RNZ's newsrooms is seen as a strategic move to strengthen public media while addressing economic challenges. This collaboration could leverage both organizations' strengths in delivering trusted news content and might also attract government support for public media initiatives. While the idea of merging newsrooms presents operational and cultural hurdles, it may create financial efficiencies and a unified approach to public journalism. As both organizations seek to uphold journalistic standards amid economic pressures, joint efforts could fortify their roles as key news providers.
It's a week since TVNZ shocked the media with a proposal to shut down 1news.co.nz and merge news with content. Glen Kyne joins Duncan Greive on The Fold to discuss the merits of the approach, what it implies about the future of the business, and other ways it might save $30m and provide a pathway to a sustainable future. Plus – reflections on the debut of Stuff's HOW:TO, and what it might mean for New Zealand media.