A dreadful week for our media

It’s been a dreadful week to work in New Zealand’s media. 

The announcement today of 68 job losses at TVNZ comes hot on the heels of news of Newshub’s closure and other job losses at Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as restructures at Stuff. More than 370 media personnel will lose their livelihoods - not to mention the countless contractors and support staff.

These journalists, producers, editors, camera operators, sound engineers and scriptwriters are also daughters, sons, partners, friends, mothers, fathers and caregivers.

They are also our colleagues 

We feel their pain keenly. It’s heartbreaking to see these media organisations crumbling and the devastating impact it will have on so many families.

Amidst the emotional chaos of the last fortnight, CBA’s team of media chaplains have been seeking to be a comforting presence, meeting with affected media personnel, sending cupcakes to newsrooms, and providing a listening ear – in person, and via phone calls and messages.

We invite you to join us in prayer for all these real people, with mouths to feed, bills to pay, and mortgages to service, who are wondering what their next job will look like. 

Phil Guyan | CEO