TVNZ to axe 100 jobs

TVNZ is planning to cut around 100 jobs in the coming weeks in an effort to save $10 million, the Weekend Herald understands.

Chief executive Kevin Kenrick has been holding weekly Zoom meetings open to all staff and has communicated the message that redundancies are inevitable as of last week.

Amid TVNZ’s Covid-19 cost cutting measures, Kenrick also sent an email to staff announcing they would begin the recruitment process for a new head of news following the resignation of John Gillespie in February.

Some staff within the statebroadcaster had speculated the company would not immediately appoint a new person in the role of head of news and current affairs, which commands a substantial six-figure salary. “We have now re-engaged Kerridge & Partners to restart the recruitment process for John’s replacement,” Kenrick wrote yesterday.

“In the meantime, I’m pleased to announce that Graeme Muir has agreed to step into the role of acting HONCA from June 29 until a permanent appointment is made.”

TVNZ GM of corporate communications Rachel Howard said the company had nothing to announce in terms of restructuring plans.

“TVNZ has no announcements to make other than to indicate that its cost reduction initiatives will continue to focus on preserving investment in news and local content and maintaining jobs where possible,” Howard said.

Sources have said that TVNZ is looking to cut around 100 roles to find $10m in savings. The Covid-19 economic slump has led to a massive downturn in advertising revenue for all New Zealand media outlets. The 100 job losses will come from the programming, content and sales departments.

Kenrick detailed in a staff email that Gillespie’s last day will be June 26.