The recent cutbacks at NZME are not only affecting the staff but also impacting readers who rely on the newsroom for important information, according to a union. E Tu union is urging the government to take more action to support New Zealand’s struggling media industry after NZME announced plans to cut nearly 40 roles in its newsroom, including 14 reporters and a significant portion of production staff. This move is expected to diminish the newsroom’s capacity to report on crucial issues.
E Tu union spokesperson Michael Wood expressed deep concern over the impact of these cutbacks on NZME’s ability to produce news that many New Zealanders depend on. He highlighted the importance of NZME within the news ecosystem and emphasized that losing 14 reporters and 24 supporting roles would have a significant impact. The restructuring plan includes grouping journalists into team-based structures across different beats and developing a specialist print team to cater to print audiences.
Wood criticized the government for delaying the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, which aims to require big internet platforms to pay for news content on their sites. He stressed that while the bill may not solve all the issues, it would provide much-needed support for struggling media outlets. The government’s responsibility is to ensure a healthy environment for the media, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
Minister for Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith expressed empathy for those losing their jobs at NZME and emphasized the need for businesses to constantly re-evaluate their strategies to ensure profitability. He stated that engaging audiences in different ways is crucial for the industry’s sustainability.
Overall, the cutbacks at NZME highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the media industry in New Zealand and underscore the need for government intervention to support the sector’s viability.
