In a poignant video released today, familiar faces such as Miriama Kamo from Sunday, Garth Bray from Fair Go, Anna Burns-Francis from Breakfast, and Jack Tame from Q+A, alongside others like Barbara Dreaver, Indira Stewart, and Zoe Madden-Smith, stand united in their plea to preserve the essence of storytelling in New Zealand.

For these stalwarts, it’s not merely about losing jobs; it’s about the loss of a platform to share the narratives that shape our nation’s identity. As Anna Burns-Francis poignantly states, “As our newsrooms diminish, so too does our ability to tell the stories that matter to New Zealanders.”

The proposed cuts, which include axing shows like Fair Go and Sunday, and significantly downsizing Re: News, have sparked outcry not only from within TVNZ but also from the wider community. E tū negotiation specialist Michael Wood emphasizes that this campaign is a collective response to safeguarding the integrity of New Zealand’s media landscape.

“TVNZ isn’t just another business; it’s a cornerstone of our society,” Wood asserts. “It’s imperative that we remind TVNZ of its fundamental role in shaping Aotearoa’s narrative and holding power to account.”

Indeed, the campaign transcends individual interests—it’s a call to action for every New Zealander who values the diversity of voices in media. Wood extends an invitation to all stakeholders, urging them to lend their support to the cause.

With a compelling video featuring voices from across TVNZ’s workforce and an open letter, the campaign aims to harness the collective strength of viewers, workers, and supporters alike. Wood emphasizes that the outpouring of support from various quarters underscores the significance of TVNZ’s role in shaping public discourse.

As the campaign gains momentum, supporters are encouraged to sign the open letter, share the video widely, and send a resounding message to decision-makers: New Zealand’s media landscape is worth protecting, and the stories it tells are invaluable.-TIN Bureau