Television New Zealand (TVNZ) staffers are rallying outside the broadcaster’s Auckland HQ today in a bid to save SundayFair Go and the Midday and Tonight news shows from being pulled off air.

About 100 protesters gathered in opposition to the cancellations, which are part of widespread job cuts as TVNZ battles a big drop in traditional TV advertising revenue as audiences move to digital platforms.

Up to 68 jobs, including about 35 in news and current affairs, are being axed.

Sunday presenter Miriama Kamo told the Herald as journalists, they don’t want to be on the other side of the microphone and it felt unusual.

“Diversity in our sector is really important and we need to make sure that every voice has the chance to tell stories on behalf of every voice in our country. And the fourth estate is a very important pillar of our democracy, and I’m not sure how much that’s understood by our power brokers.”

Kamo said Sunday was the last long-form current affairs show of its kind, and once it goes, there will never be anything like it again.

NZ Herald

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A contribution from The BFD staff.