More cuts at TVNZ, more growth at RNZ – is the future a news merger?
Sep 23, 2024
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Joining the discussion are Glen Kyne, a veteran commentator on New Zealand broadcasting, Shayne Currie, a seasoned journalist, and Jodi O'Donnell, the CEO of TVNZ. They tackle TVNZ's significant cost-cutting measures and the rapid growth of RNZ, suggesting a potential newsroom merger. The conversation probes the challenges of transitioning to digital media, the rise of sponsored content, and how independent talent is reshaping the landscape. They also contrast New Zealand's centrist media with the polarized U.S. environment.
TVNZ is facing financial challenges and potential cuts, prompting discussions about its shift towards a more digital-focused strategy amidst declining revenues.
RNZ's significant growth in audience highlights a shifting media landscape, raising questions about its commitment to critical journalism versus entertainment content.
Deep dives
Challenges Facing TVNZ's Future
TVNZ is grappling with significant financial challenges, needing to find considerable savings as media consumption shifts away from traditional linear television. Discussions reveal that there is a focus on improving its digital platform, TVNZ+, with questions surrounding the viability of its less profitable websites and its content strategies. As the organization faces declining revenues, the transition to a predominantly digital model raises concerns about communicating the long-term strategy to both staff and viewers. Furthermore, TVNZ struggles to balance its historic strength in video news while trying to expand into long-form journalism, which traditionally requires a different revenue model.
RNZ's Growing Audience Dynamics
RNZ has seen a substantial increase in its audience, reaching more than 1.5 million viewers, highlighting a shift in news consumption patterns, particularly amidst the decline of competing commercial news organizations. This growth partly results from strategic investments and hiring goals that have emphasized quality journalism, aided by a significant funding boost. However, there are concerns regarding the editorial directions taken by RNZ, including the prominence given to entertainment stories rather than critical public interest journalism. As RNZ continues to evolve, it raises questions about its role in the media landscape relative to commercial competitors, especially considering the shift of audiences away from traditional channels.
Potential Collaboration between TVNZ and RNZ
The financial pressures on both TVNZ and RNZ suggest a potential opportunity for collaboration that could strengthen New Zealand's media landscape. By merging resources, the two organizations could pool investments in journalism and operate more efficiently while addressing the economic challenges faced by traditional media. Such a partnership could potentially create a more robust news service, reducing duplicated costs and improving editorial strategies. However, overcoming historical differences and navigating potential government reluctance poses significant hurdles to realizing this collaborative prospect.
Evolving Content in New Zealand's Broadcasting
The shift in New Zealand's broadcasting landscape is illustrated by the rise of sponsored content and home improvement shows that have taken prime time slots, previously occupied by traditional news programming. These new formats reflect the economic pressures on broadcasters to deliver viable content budgets while appealing to audiences. The growing prominence of brand-funded shows signifies a changing relationship between content creation and sponsorship, raising questions about editorial integrity. As audience preferences evolve, broadcasting strategies must adapt to ensure viewer engagement without compromising quality journalism.
Glen Kyne returns to join host Duncan Greive to discuss a pair of different stories which seem to head to the same conclusion. The first is Shayne Currie's report on a leaked email from TVNZ CEO Jodi O'Donnell flagging more cuts at the broadcaster, potentially at 1news.co.nz. The second is a Newsroom story about fast-rising ratings at RNZ's website. It all points to a newsroom merger, something disruptive but increasingly necessary. We also discuss the new wave of commercially funded primetime TV, and country superstar Luke Combs' rise to announcing two Eden Park shows in January.