WBD to cut news & programming at Three in NZ

James Gibbons
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has revealed plans to overhaul its free-to-air business in New Zealand by cutting its news activities and curtailing local programming, with 200 jobs set to be cut.
The US outfit operates channels including Three and ThreeNow in New Zealand, as well as its Newshub brand, but said it is looking at “a proposed remodeling and restructure” of its channel operations in the country.
The proposal includes the closure of all Newshub’s multiplatform news operations and output, while new local programming would only be in collaboration with local funding bodies and other partners.
Around 200 jobs are set to be at risk as a result of the move, with a formal decision to be confirmed in April.
The move is part of an attempt by WBD to shift its operations in NZ to a “digitally led business”, with streamer ThreeNow at the center “supported by free-to-air linear channels.”
WBD said it wanted ThreeNow and Three’s shows to feature local programming “in conjunction with funding partners”, with acquisitions across drama, comedy, sport, reality and factual. The network currently carries shows ranging from a local version of Dancing With The Starsto The Block NZ and Black