Summarised by Centrist
TVNZ has announced that it will shut down its 1News website in February 2025. This proposal was revealed to staff as part of a larger effort to restructure the broadcaster’s operations to save $30m.
TVNZ also plans to shift its focus towards TVNZ+, its digital streaming platform.
“People know it’s bad news, and they’re finding out exactly how bad,” said a former TVNZ staffer.
The company will also shut down traditional websites like 1News.co.nz and youth-focused Re: News, which will now focus entirely on video content.
Media insiders have weighed in on the decision to close 1News.co.nz, with some expressing surprise. The site had been attracting nearly a million visitors a month.
Duncan Grieve of The Spinoff believes the decision, while difficult, is a strategic one. “1News.co.nz was largely focused on text-based news, competing with Stuff and the NZ Herald. What TVNZ excels at is video journalism, and this shift doubles down on what they do best,” he said.
A second round of consultations regarding structural adjustments is expected in November.
