One Newsroom

NZME is one step close to merging all their news operations into one spot.  Journalists from the New Zealand Herald, Herald on Sunday, NZME news agency, Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport will relocate to the purpose-built media hub in central Auckland in December. 

The newsroom will be staffed with over 280 people including a multi-purpose video studio and state-of-the-art Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport production studios. With the centralisation they are expecting around 15 redundancies.

NZME managing editor Shayne Currie said: “We have been focused on becoming a ‘mobile-first’ media business for some time and the new newsroom further enables this. More than 250 journalists will work from the hub, with new roles introduced in digital and data journalism areas. Data journalism – using statistics and data as a source for interactive and indepth storytelling – is playing a critical role as we extend our quality journalism offering.”

Currie says the integrated newsroom is configured to operate on an “audience-first” basis, with a central ‘heartbeat’ comprising digital, print, visual, radio and production editors working closely alongside social media and audience analytic experts

“By bringing our digital, print, radio, video and photo teams together in one, integrated 24/7 operation, we harness a power that’s unique in New Zealand. We can deliver journalism and content to audiences and readers when they want it and how they want it,”said Currie.

NZME’s editorial leadership team includes New Zealand Herald Editor Murray Kirkness, Weekends Editor Miriyana Alexander, Digital Editor Irene Chapple – who joins NZME from CNN Money in London – General Manager Talk Radio Steve Kyte, General Manager Digital Innovation Marcus Forbes, Editorial Manager Laura Franklin, Head of Lifestyle Jacqui Loates, Head of Entertainment Joanna Hunkin, Viva GM Amanda Linnell, Head of Presentation Rob Cox, Head of Visuals Chris Marriner and Planning Editor Chris Reed.

“This is one of the best multi-media newsrooms in the world,” said Currie.