Media company NZME has revealed plans to close 14 of its community newspapers in a proposal that would see around 30 jobs affected.
In a statement to 1News this morning, NZME chief executive Michael Boggs revealed the company had met with its communities’ team about proposed changes to its local newspaper network.
Boggs said that while the company’s local papers play a “hugely important role” in the communities they serve, the changing media landscape and a “substantial increase in costs” meant they were no longer profitable.
If implemented, the proposal would see 14 of NZME’s community papers shut down – likely affecting around 30 jobs in editorial, sales and operations.
According to the NZ Herald, the papers proposed for closure are the Hauraki-Coromandel Post, Katikati Advertiser, Te Puke Times, Taupō & Tūrangi Herald, Napier Courier, Hastings Leader, CHB Mail in Hawke’s Bay, Stratford Press, Bush Telegraph in Tararua, Whanganui Midweek, Manawatū Guardian, Horowhenua Chronicle and Kāpiti News.
“We know this will be tough news for our team and our local communities,” Boggs said.
“Every member of our communities’ team plays an important role in their local community – whether providing local news to audiences or supporting local advertisers, and our focus is on supporting our people at this time.”
He insisted that NZME would remain “committed to delivering a strong print portfolio across our regional dailies and the NZ Herald, alongside our newspaper inserted magazines”.
NZME is responsible for publishing the New Zealand Herald alongside its radio offerings which includes stations like NewstalkZB and ZM.
The proposal is another blow to New Zealand’s media industry, which has seen massive cuts across all commercially funded organisations.
In July, Newshub closed its doors after 34 years on air, with close to 300 staffers losing their jobs.
In May, TVNZ axed long-running and celebrated current affairs programmes Fair Go and Sunday. It also cut roles from Re: News and other parts of its business.
Earlier in October, TVNZ announced a proposal to shutter 1News.co.nz as it faces a $30 million financial hole.
The state-owned but commercially funded broadcaster has since revealed it plans to retain the site but later announced proposed widespread cuts across the business. It has proposed getting rid of 90 roles and creating 41 new ones – meaning 49 jobs would be lost.
The are also changes proposed at Whakaata Māori and in Stuff’s audio and visual teams.
