Newshub led its 6pm bulletin tonight with news of its own imminent closure, with presenters Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes putting on a brave face.
After going through numerous iterations of the brand throughout its 34-year lifespan, investigations correspondent Michael Morrah said staff received an email about "significant changes" to the business 48 minutes before they were told the axe was falling.
Clips on the broadcast showed a tearful Warner Bros. Discovery NZ boss Glen Kyne delivering the news to staff.
"This is a terrible announcement. There is no sugarcoating it, and I wish I could be standing up here with better news," Kyne said.
"I've been very proud to be part of this organisation and part of the newsroom – nothing prouder, actually. Nothing will ever compare, so this is the most difficult day."
The broadcast also showed a video of Newshub journalist Patrick Gower delivering an "impromptu" speech to the staff after the news. Staff can be heard crying in the background of the clip.
"I know lots of you are frightened and sad, but we just have to remember that everything happens, once we get out of here, that you've been part of something amazing," said Gower.
McRoberts was also interviewed for the story, and said: "It was a bombshell."
"We're TV3, we've had cuts and we've survived cuts in the past but to lose the whole news operation, an entity so entwined within the fabric of our society here in Aotearoa, it's absolutely heartbreaking."
Morrah said the news was "out of the blue" and "utterly devastating" for himself and his colleagues.
"Many of us have worked together for decades. Management says there will be an opportunity for feedback on the proposal, although most I've spoke to don't believe that will change anything."
Kyne said the feedback "has the potential" to change matters.
Morrah reported Kyne was told about the plan to possibly cut the news operation in late January.
About 300 staff are expected to be affected by the restructuring of the business.
At the end of his story, Hayes commented: "This isn't the story we thought we'd be covering today. We're all feeling it."
"And that is Newshub Live at 6pm for today," Hayes later closed the 6pm bulletin.
"And every other day for the next couple of months," McRoberts added. "So keep tuning in. We really appreciate your support."
Earlier today, Hayes took to Instagram to deliver her reaction to the news of the closure.
Media commentator Gavin Ellis also spoke on Newshub's closure, and said it has "not just an effect on journalism, but on democracy".
SHARE ME