Pubcaster TVNZ confirms aim to cut 10% of workforce in ongoing restructure

New Zealand public broadcaster TVNZ is embarking on a restructuring that will see it shed close to 50 staff – around 10% of its workforce – as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures.

Jodi O’Donnell

In an internal message to staff today, chief executive Jodi O’Donnell announced the network would be scrapping 90.5 roles and introduce 41 newly created positions, culling 49.5 current roles.

TVNZ currently employs 600 staff, compared with 750 under two years ago. It has been attempting to offset revenue declines with operational efficiencies through a series of shake-ups.

The latest restructure is part of stage two of the network’s strategic change consultation process.

Affected staff were sent meeting invitations today to discuss their future. O’Donnell said she was committed to “running a transparent process” and management would consider all feedback from employees.

“The proposals include proposed disestablished roles, proposed role reduction, proposed reporting line changes and proposed job title changes. We’re asking for feedback and no decisions will be made until after all feedback has been considered,” she said.

A TVNZ representative said the headcount reduction was part of a range of measures to deliver a cost savings target of NZ$30m (US$17.8m).

“We will also need to manage content costs, operational costs and deliver new revenue-generating activities to reach this. That work has been happening in tandem,” the rep said.

Last month, New Zealand’s media union E tū held talks with the broadcaster in an effort to preserve jobs and content services.