{{Short description|New Zealand media subsidiary}} {{Redirect|MediaWorks TV|the former parent company, MediaWorks|MediaWorks New Zealand}} {{Redirect|Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand|the former parent company|Warner Bros. Discovery}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox company | name = Sky Free Limited | logo = Sky Free 2025.svg | former_names = MediaWorks TV Limited (2013–2020)<br />Discovery NZ Limited (2020–2025) | type = [[Subsidiary]] | industry = Media | predecessor = [[Three (TV channel)#Westpac ownership|TVWorks]] | founded = {{Start date and age|2013|08|09}} | hq_location_city = [[Auckland]] | hq_location_country = [[New Zealand]] | area_served = New Zealand | brands = {{Plainlist| * [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|Eden]] * [[HGTV#New Zealand|HGTV]] * [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] * [[Sky Open (TV channel)|Sky Open]] * [[Three (TV channel)|Three]] * [[ThreeNow]] }} | parent = [[Sky Network Television]] | website = {{URL|skyfree.co.nz}} | footnotes = <ref name=pro>{{cite web |website=Bloomberg |date=8 September 2013 |title=Mediaworks Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/1680066D:NZ |access-date= }}</ref> | logo_class = skin-invert }}
'''Sky Free Limited''' is a subsidiary of [[Sky Network Television]] that operates six national free-to-air television channels and the ad-supported streaming television service, [[ThreeNow]] in New Zealand.
The subsidiary company was formed in 2013 as '''MediaWorks TV Limited''',<ref name=pro/> a division of [[MediaWorks New Zealand]] and successor to '''TVWorks''' (1990–2013).
In 2019, MediaWorks announced that they were selling their television operations. In September 2020, [[Discovery, Inc.]] purchased MediaWorks TV with the acquisition being finalised on 1 December 2020.<ref name="Stuff 7 Sep 2020">{{Cite news|date=7 September 2020|title=MediaWorks TV arm sold to Discovery channel owner|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300101113/mediaworks-tv-arm-sold-to-discovery-channel-owner|access-date=7 September 2020|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907113013/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300101113/discovery-takes-bet-on-nz-by-buying-television-channel-three|archive-date=7 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Newshub 7 Sep 2020">{{cite news |title=MediaWorks confirms sale of TV operations to Discovery Inc |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/mediaworks-confirms-sale-of-tv-operations-to-discovery-inc.html |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=7 September 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907044839/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/mediaworks-confirms-sale-of-tv-operations-to-discovery-inc.html|archive-date=7 September 2020}}</ref> The subsidiary was subsequently rebranded as '''Discovery New Zealand''', and the company was renamed to '''Discovery NZ Limited'''.<ref name="TV3 acquisition">{{Cite web|date=1 December 2020|title=Discovery, Inc. completes acquisition of MediaWorks TV.|url=https://www.tv3.co.nz/home/about/news/manu-vatuvei-and-loryn-reynolds-win-dancing-with-the-stars-nz-fo.html|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Discovery New Zealand}}</ref> In late July 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery announced it would exit New Zealand and sell its assets to [[Sky (New Zealand)|Sky TV]], effective 1 August 2025.<ref name="1News 22 Jul 2025">{{Cite news |title=Sky TV agrees to buy Three for $1 |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/22/sky-tv-agrees-to-buy-three-for-1/ |access-date=22 July 2025 |date=22 July 2025 |work=[[1News]] |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722112759/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/07/22/sky-tv-agrees-to-buy-three-for-1/|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Stuff 22 July 2025">{{Cite news|last1=Burr |first1=Lloyd |title=From US$20m to $1 in five years: The Three-Sky deal explained |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained |access-date=22 July 2025 |date=22 July 2025 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722113101/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360766529/us20m-1-five-years-three-sky-deal-explained|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Sky TV also confirmed that Discovery NZ would be rebranded as '''Sky Free''' for trademarking reasons.<ref name="Currie 28 Jul 2025">{{cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |title=Media Insider: Sky TV lodges a new name, logos after buying Three and ThreeNow for $1 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-sky-tv-lodges-a-new-name-logos-after-buying-three-and-threenow-for-1/CGG2VL7P35A4XDJYWIZOWCHVMU/ |access-date=29 July 2025 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=28 July 2025|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Background === [[Three (TV channel)|Three]] was founded as TV3 in 1989 after the [[Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand|Fourth Labour government]] allowed for a private television broadcaster. CanWest obtained TV3 between 1991 and 1997 after the [[Fourth National Government of New Zealand|National government]] loosened rules on foreign ownership. In March 1998, Under CanWest control, TV3 relaunched with a new brand and a ''[[3 News]]'' bulletin hosted by [[John Campbell (broadcaster)|John Campbell]] and [[Carol Hirschfeld]].
[[MediaWorks New Zealand|MediaWorks]] was created in 2004 following the merger of TVWorks and RadioWorks, and owned TV3 and [[C4 (New Zealand TV channel)|C4]]. In 2005, [[Hilary Barry]] & [[Mike McRoberts]] became the station's news anchors. TV3 staff also launched youth station TV4 in 1997, and replaced it with C4 on October 3, 2003.<ref name="mediaworks.co.nz">{{cite web |title=Mediaworks Corporate |url=https://www.mediaworks.co.nz/home.html |publisher=[[MediaWorks New Zealand|MediaWorks]] |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420111116/https://www.mediaworks.co.nz/home.html |archive-date=20 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2009, the timeshift channel [[TV3 Plus 1]] was launched. C4 2 was launched in 2010, then, when TV4 returned as [[Four (New Zealand TV channel)|FOUR]], taking over C4's Channel 4 position in early 2011, C4 converted C4 2 into a music show as it was moved to Freeview Channel 9.
=== MediaWorks New Zealand (2013–2020) === In 2014, timeshift channel [[Four Plus 1]] was launched, and [[The Edge TV]] replaced C4.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} In May 2016, MediaWorks and [[NBCUniversal Television Distribution]] entered into a joint venture and revamped FOUR as the new reality television channel [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]].<ref name="Newshub May 2016">{{cite news |title=MediaWorks partners with NBC to turn channel Four into Bravo |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2016/05/mediaworks-partners-with-nbc-to-turn-channel-four-into-bravo.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215141303/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2016/05/mediaworks-partners-with-nbc-to-turn-channel-four-into-bravo.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2018 |access-date=18 October 2019 |publisher=[[Newshub]] |date=2 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="Stuff May 2016">{{cite news |last1=Black |first1=Eleanor |title=Mediaworks dumps FOUR for new reality channel Bravo |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/79523257/mediaworks-and-nbcuniversal-form-a-new-company |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=3 May 2016}}</ref> In August 2016, Michael Anderson was appointed as CEO of MediaWorks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pullar-strecker |first1=Tom |title=MediaWorks names new CEO – lobby group says he should fill 'gaps left' by TVNZ |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/82719308/mediaworks-picks-industry-veteran-for-top-job |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=2 August 2016}}</ref>
In 2017, TV3 was rebranded as Three. On 15 April 2018, MediaWorks launched [[ThreeLife]], a lifestyle channel.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/02/mediaworks-announces-new-channel-threelife.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215084105/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/02/mediaworks-announces-new-channel-threelife.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 February 2018|title=MediaWorks announces new channel ThreeLife|date=15 February 2015 |work=[[Newshub]]|access-date=15 February 2018}}</ref> On 1 July 2019, The Edge TV moved exclusively online, and was replaced on TV by [[ThreeLife + 1]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.screenscribe.net/channels/hot-off-the-press-release-edge-tv-to-go-hd/ |title=Hot Off the Press Release: Edge TV to Go HD |date=14 June 2019 |website=ScreenScribe |access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref>
On 18 October 2019, it was announced that MediaWorks was intending to sell off its television division, including Three, ThreeLife, and Bravo. MediaWorks also intends to sell its Flower Street head office and studios in Auckland's [[Eden Terrace]]. Several Three television programs and shows have also been canceled. Media commentator Bill Ralston has claimed that hundreds of jobs could be lost if a buyer is not found.<ref>{{cite news |title=Live: Mediaworks' TV business has been put up for sale |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116684153/live-mediaworks-tv-business-up-for-sale |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=18 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=MediaWorks staff reeling at plan to sell off TV network, Auckland headquarters |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12277757 |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=18 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="Spinoff 18 October 2019" />
ThreeLife and ThreeLife + 1 went off air on 26 March 2020. ThreeLife was replaced by The Edge TV. ThreeLife + 1 was replaced by a simulcast of [[The Breeze (New Zealand radio station)|The Breeze]], then [[The Breeze TV]] on 16 April.<ref name="threelifedeath">{{Cite web |url=https://www.threenow.co.nz/tv/threefans/home/ThreeLife.html |title=ThreeLife |date=10 February 2020 |website=ThreeNow |access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref>
On 25 May 2020, MediaWorks CEO Michael Anderson announced that the company would be eliminating 130 jobs in its sales, out-of-home, and radio divisions as a result of the economic effects of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news |title=MediaWorks announces 130 job losses |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/417449/mediaworks-announces-130-job-losses |access-date=25 May 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525051248/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/417449/mediaworks-announces-130-job-losses|archive-date=25 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Edmunds |first1=Susan |last2=Pullar-Strecker |first2=Tom |title=MediaWorks planning to cut 130 roles in restructure |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/121613713/mediaworks-planning-to-cut-130-roles-in-restructure |access-date=25 May 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525051415/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/121613713/mediaworks-planning-to-cut-130-roles-in-restructure|archive-date=25 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dreive |first1=Duncan |title=Stuff bought by its CEO, MediaWorks announces mass layoffs in historic day for NZ media |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/25-05-2020/stuff-bought-by-its-ceo-mediaworks-announces-mass-layoffs-in-historic-day-for-nz-media/ |access-date=25 May 2020 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525051514/https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/25-05-2020/stuff-bought-by-its-ceo-mediaworks-announces-mass-layoffs-in-historic-day-for-nz-media/|archive-date=25 May 2020}}</ref>
=== Discovery, Inc. (2020–2022) === [[File:DiscoveryNewZealand.svg|200px|thumb|Former logo between 2020 and 2022.]] On 7 September 2020, MediaWorks confirmed that it would be selling its entire television arm including [[Three (TV channel)|Three]], [[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]], [[The Edge TV]], [[The Breeze TV]], streaming service ThreeNow, and current affairs service [[Newshub]] to [[Discovery, Inc.|Discovery, Inc]].<ref name="Stuff 7 Sep 2020" /><ref name="Newshub 7 Sep 2020" /><ref name="RNZ 7 Sep 2020">{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Colin |title=Global media giant set to be NZ's biggest private TV broadcaster |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018762909/global-media-giant-set-to-be-nz-s-biggest-private-tv-broadcaster |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=7 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907045058/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018762909/global-media-giant-set-to-be-nz-s-biggest-private-tv-broadcaster|archive-date=7 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="Spinoff 18 October 2019">{{cite news |last1=Greive |first1=Duncan |title=MediaWorks quits television: Three will be sold – or closed |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/18-10-2019/mediaworks-quits-television-three-will-be-sold-or-closed/ |access-date=18 October 2019 |work=[[The Spinoff]] |date=18 October 2019}}</ref> The acquisition of MediaWorks was finalised on 1 December 2020, with the subsidiary being rebranded as Discovery NZ Limited.<ref name="TV3 acquisition" />
On 27 April 2021, Discovery Inc. confirmed that it would be restructuring its business operations in Australia and New Zealand with the goal of incorporating Three, Bravo, and Newshub into a single trans-Tasman organisation. Earlier in the month, Discovery announced that this new trans-Tasman organisation would be headed by two general managers, the [[Sydney]]–based Rebecca Kent and Glen Kyne in Auckland. Discovery had also separately acquired New Zealand's TopTV operations in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pullar-Strecker |first1=Tom |title=Discovery restructures operations as it beds down purchase of TV3 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124958973/discovery-restructures-operations-as-it-beds-down-purchase-of-tv3 |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427034943/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/124958973/discovery-restructures-operations-as-it-beds-down-purchase-of-tv3 |archive-date=27 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 13 May 2021, Newshub closed its [[Dunedin]] office as part of a restructuring of Discovery's business operations in Australia and New Zealand. Following the closure of the Dunedin newsroom, the network's South Island operations will consist of its [[Christchurch]]–based bureau as well as freelancers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=John |title=Newshub to close Dunedin office |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/newshub-close-dunedin-office |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=[[Otago Daily Times]] |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513083936/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/newshub-close-dunedin-office |archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=George |last2=McNeilly |first2=Hamish |title=Newshub to close its Dunedin newsroom |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/300306992/newshub-to-close-its-dunedin-newsroom |access-date=14 May 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513203903/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/300306992/newshub-to-close-its-dunedin-newsroom |archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 10 November 2021, it was announced that Choice TV would be rebranded as Gusto in March 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=What are the new TV channels Eden and Rush launching in New Zealand?|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/127986590/what-are-the-new-tv-channels-eden-and-rush-launching-in-new-zealand|access-date=10 March 2022|work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |date=10 March 2022}}</ref> However, shortly before launch the name Gusto was scrapped and changed to "eden"<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/127986590/what-are-the-new-tv-channels-eden-and-rush-launching-in-new-zealand |title=What are the new TV channels Eden and Rush launching in New Zealand? |publisher=Stuff |date=10 March 2022 |first=Sarah |last=Nealon}}</ref> in order to avoid confusion with the former [[TVNZ+|TVNZ OnDemand]] food channel of the same name. The rebranded channel will retain most of Choice's programming, with the major additions of ''Newshub Live at 8pm'', an extension of Discovery New Zealand's news brand [[Newshub]], and more drama programming.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|title=Discovery NZ launching new channels Gusto and Rush, Newshub Live at 8pm and AM Early shows in 2022|language=en|work=[[Newshub]]|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2021/11/discovery-nz-launching-new-channels-gusto-and-rush-newshub-live-at-8pm-and-am-early-shows-in-2022.html|date=10 November 2021|access-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110012214/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2021/11/discovery-nz-launching-new-channels-gusto-and-rush-newshub-live-at-8pm-and-am-early-shows-in-2022.html|archive-date=10 November 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Stuff">{{cite news |last1=Pullar-Strecker |first1=Tom |title=Discovery announces two new TV channels and 'record' volume of NZ shows |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/126939957/discovery-announces-two-new-tv-channels-and-record-volume-of-nz-shows |access-date=11 November 2021 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110114338/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/126939957/discovery-announces-two-new-tv-channels-and-record-volume-of-nz-shows |archive-date=10 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Radio New Zealand">{{cite news |title=Discovery NZ makes big play for TV viewers |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018820008/discovery-nz-makes-big-play-for-tv-viewers |access-date=11 November 2021 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110063532/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018820008/discovery-nz-makes-big-play-for-tv-viewers |archive-date=10 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel will host British drama, game shows, and "intelligent" movies including ''[[Changing Rooms]]'', ''Big Family Farm'', ''[[Finding Alice]]'', and a new local show called ''Great Southern Truckers''.
A second channel called [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] will host "high energy shows" within the survival and adventure genres including ''[[Wheeler Dealers]]'', ''[[Man vs. Wild]]'', ''[[Street Outlaws]]'' and ''[[Treehouse Masters]]''. Discovery also confirmed that its working on several local productions including ''[[MasterChef New Zealand]]'', ''[[The Masked Singer NZ]]'', [[Dancing with the Stars (New Zealand TV series)|''Dancing with the Stars'']], ''Match Fit'', ''Patrick Gower: On series'', ''David Lomas Investigates'', and ''7 Days''.<ref name="Stuff"/><ref name="Radio New Zealand"/> In addition, Discovery also announced plans to launch a new Newshub Live at 8pm bulletin and AM Early show in 2022.<ref name="auto"/>
===Warner Bros. Discovery (2022–2025)=== On 8 April 2022, Discovery, Inc. acquired [[WarnerMedia]] from [[AT&T]], with the two companies being merged into a new entity called [[Warner Bros. Discovery]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Maas|first=Jennifer|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-close-warner-bros-discovery-1235200983/|title=Discovery Closes Acquisition of AT&T’s WarnerMedia|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=8 April 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503213315/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-close-warner-bros-discovery-1235200983/|archive-date=3 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Discovery New Zealand and its assets [[Newshub]] and channel Three became part of the new media company.<ref>{{cite news |title=Discovery and Warner Media join forces to form new entertainment company |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/05/discovery-and-warner-media-join-forces-to-form-new-entertainment-company.html |access-date=6 May 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613202016/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/money/2021/05/discovery-and-warner-media-join-forces-to-form-new-entertainment-company.html |archive-date=13 June 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref>
As a result, Discovery New Zealand was rebranded as Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand. On 20 April 2022, [[World Rugby]] and [[Spark Sport]] announced that Warner Bros. Discovery NZ's channel Three would be the free-to-air broadcaster for the delayed [[Rugby World Cup 2021]], held in New Zealand from 8 October to 12 November 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Rugby and Spark Sport confirm Warner Bros. Discovery NZ as free-to-air broadcast partner for Rugby World Cup 2021 |url=https://www.world.rugby/news/708497/world-rugby-and-spark-sport-confirm-warner-bros-discovery-nz-as-free-to-air-broadcast-partner-for-rugby-world-cup-2021 |publisher=[[World Rugby]] |access-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429090006/https://www.world.rugby/news/708497/world-rugby-and-spark-sport-confirm-warner-bros-discovery-nz-as-free-to-air-broadcast-partner-for-rugby-world-cup-2021 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |date=20 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Spark Sport and World Rugby confirm Warner Bros. Discovery as free-to-air broadcast partner for Rugby World Cup 2021 |url=https://rugbyheartland.co.nz/wp/2022/04/21/spark-sport-and-world-rugby-confirm-warner-bros-discovery-nz-as-free-to-air-broadcast-partner-for-rugby-world-cup-2021/ |website=Rugby Heartland |access-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420231342/https://rugbyheartland.co.nz/wp/2022/04/21/spark-sport-and-world-rugby-confirm-warner-bros-discovery-nz-as-free-to-air-broadcast-partner-for-rugby-world-cup-2021/ |archive-date=20 April 2022 |date=21 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a proposal to shutter the news division of Three, [[Newshub]], permanently beginning 1 July.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Heartbreaking': Samantha Hayes shares reaction to Newshub closure announcement |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2024/02/newshub-newsroom-faces-closure-in-warner-bros-discovery-proposal.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228033733/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2024/02/newshub-newsroom-faces-closure-in-warner-bros-discovery-proposal.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 February 2024 |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=[[Newshub]] |language=en}}</ref> About 300 staff lost their jobs. The head of Warner Bros. Discovery Asia Pacific cited a significant decline in TV ad revenues as the key motivator for the decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Du Plessis-Allan |first=Heather |date=29 February 2024|title='The best way forward': Warner Bros. Discovery boss on Newshub closure |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/james-gibbons-warner-bros-discovery-asia-pacific-president-says-shutting-down-newshub-newsroom-the-best-decision/ |access-date=29 February 2024|work=[[Newstalk ZB]] |language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228132139/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/james-gibbons-warner-bros-discovery-asia-pacific-president-says-shutting-down-newshub-newsroom-the-best-decision/|archive-date=28 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Initial reactions of shock have been compounded by concerns over the effects this could have on [[Concentration of media ownership|media concentration]] in New Zealand, leaving the country with only two television news broadcasters, the state-owned [[1News]] and [[Whakaata Māori]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Treadwell|first=Greg|date=28 February 2024|title=The end of Newshub: Slippery slope gets steeper for NZ journalism and democracy |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/510438/the-end-of-newshub-slippery-slope-gets-steeper-for-nz-journalism-and-democracy |access-date=28 February 2024|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228152845/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/510438/the-end-of-newshub-slippery-slope-gets-steeper-for-nz-journalism-and-democracy|archive-date=28 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 10 April 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that Newshub would air its final bulletin on 5 July 2024, resulting in about 300 job losses. The company rejected a staff proposal for a pared down news bulletin service.<ref name="NZH 10 Apr 2024">{{Cite news |last1=Currie |first1=Shayne |last2=Harris |first2=Katie |date=10 April 2024 |title=Newshub closure live updates: Staff emotional after meeting - TVNZ’s Sunday team |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/newshub-closure-tvnz-sunday-job-cuts-staff-prepare-for-meetings-to-hear-fate-of-news-brands-shows/5RELN4BXSNBWPMH5ZZ7MVQU5CE/ |access-date=10 April 2024 |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |department=Media Insider |publisher=[[NZME]] |location=Auckland |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Donnell |first1=Hayden |title=Newshub shutdown confirmed, jobs cut |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018933655/newshub-shutdown-confirmed-jobs-cut |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410173803/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018933655/newshub-shutdown-confirmed-jobs-cut |archive-date=10 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 April 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery and newspaper company [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] jointly confirmed that Stuff would produce 6pm news bulletins for [[Three (TV channel)|Three]], commencing 6 July.<ref name="NZH 16 Apr 2024">{{Cite news |last=Currie |first=Shayne |date=16 April 2024 |title=Newshub closure: TV3 news saved - Stuff to provide new-look news bulletin under deal with Warner Bros Discovery |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/newshub-closure-tv3-news-saved-stuff-to-provide-new-look-news-bulletin-under-deal-with-warner-bros-discovery/F5SEKQS7Z5AFJFWKL4SF6EVRIA/ |access-date=16 April 2024 |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |department=Media Insider |publisher=[[New Zealand Media and Entertainment]] |location=Auckland |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Stuff publisher [[Sinead Boucher]] also confirmed that Stuff would hire several former Newshub staff (less than 40-50) to produce the 6pm bulletins.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Colin |title=Stuff to provide news bulletins to replace Newshub |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018934438/stuff-to-provide-news-bulletins-to-replace-newshub |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=16 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416032145/https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018934438/stuff-to-provide-news-bulletins-to-replace-newshub |archive-date=16 April 2024}}</ref> In late May 2024, Stuff revealed that the news bulletin service would be called [[ThreeNews]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 May 2024 |title=The name for Stuff's new TV bulletin replacing Newshub |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/517942/the-name-for-stuff-s-new-tv-bulletin-replacing-newshub |access-date=28 May 2024|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527040133/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/517942/the-name-for-stuff-s-new-tv-bulletin-replacing-newshub|archive-date=27 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In late July 2025, Discovery NZ reported a NZ$77.6 million loss for the 2024 financial year, ending December 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Another big loss for Discovery NZ |url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/marketing-and-media/another-big-loss-for-discovery-nz/ |work=[[National Business Review]] |access-date=30 July 2025 |date=25 July 2025 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
===Sky Network Television (2025–present)=== On 22 July 2025, it was announced at the [[NZX|New Zealand's Exchange]] that company's free-to-air television and streaming operations will be bought by [[Sky (New Zealand)|Sky Network Television Limited]] for [[New Zealand dollar|NZ$]]1. The sale was completed on 1 August 2025 with Warner Bros. Discovery continuing pay TV, HBO Max and local production operations in New Zealand.<ref name="1News 22 Jul 2025" /><ref name="Stuff 22 July 2025" />
On 28 July, Sky TV confirmed that Discovery New Zealand would be renamed '''Sky Free''' following the acquisition since they would no longer be able to use the old name due to legal reasons. Sky also filed trademark applications for the names and logos for Sky Free and '''SkyFree''' with the [[Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand]]. The website address '''skyfree.co.nz''' was also registered with a domain company. Sky also confirmed that it would retain the [[Three (TV channel)|Three]] and [[ThreeNow]] brands.<ref name="Currie 28 Jul 2025" />
According to Stop Press, Sky's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's former assets is projected to give the television broadcaster a combined audience reach of 2.2 million linear viewers and 1.2 million digital viewers per week. In addition, Sky and Three will share [[NZ Rugby]]'s broadcast rights for the next five years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Antony |title=A seismic shift on the small screen: Sky TV's purchase of Three reshapes NZ's media landscape |url=https://stoppress.co.nz/opinion/a-seismic-shift-on-the-small-screen-sky-tvs-purchase-of-three-reshapes-nzs-media-landscape/ |website=Stop Press |access-date=13 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813230328/https://stoppress.co.nz/opinion/a-seismic-shift-on-the-small-screen-sky-tvs-purchase-of-three-reshapes-nzs-media-landscape/ |archive-date=13 August 2025 |date=12 August 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Ownership and brands === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" !Ownership ! {{diagonal split header|Year|Channel}} !3 !4 !8 !9 !11 !13 !14 !18 !''Online only'' |- ! TV3 ! 1989 | rowspan="10" |TV3 | rowspan="2" {{N/A}} | rowspan="5" {{N/A}} | rowspan="6" {{N/A}} | rowspan="8" {{N/A}} | rowspan="15" {{N/A}} | rowspan="12" {{N/A}} | rowspan="11" {{N/A}} | rowspan="13" {{N/A}} |- ! Westpac ! 1990 |- ! rowspan="2" |Canwest ! 1997 | TV4 |- ! 2003 | rowspan="4" |[[C4 (New Zealand TV channel)|C4]] |- ! rowspan="10"|MediaWorks ! 2004 |- ! 2009 | rowspan="5" |TV3 Plus 1 |- ! 2010 | [[C4 2]] |- ! 2011 | rowspan="2" |[[Four (New Zealand)|Four]] | C4 |- ! 2014 | [[Four Plus 1]] | rowspan="3" |[[The Edge TV]] |- ! 2016 | rowspan="22" |[[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]] | rowspan="8" |[[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)#Bravo Plus 1|Bravo Plus 1]] |- ! 2017 | rowspan="22" |[[Three (TV channel)|Three]] | rowspan="5" |[[ThreePlus1]] |- ! rowspan="2" |2018 | rowspan="3" |[[ThreeLife]] | The Edge TV |- | The Edge TV | rowspan="3" {{n/a}} |- ! 2019 | [[ThreeLife + 1]] | The Edge TV |- ! Discovery ! 2020 | The Edge TV | [[Breeze TV]] | rowspan="4" {{n/a}} |- ! Warner Bros. Discovery ! 2022 | rowspan="2" | [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|Eden]] | rowspan="3" {{n/a}} | rowspan="3" | ThreePlus1 | rowspan="2" | [[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] | rowspan="2" | [[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)#Eden+1|Eden+1]] |- !rowspan="2" | Sky Network Television !2025 |- !2026 | [[Sky Open (TV channel)|Sky Open]] | Rush | Bravo Plus 1 | Eden |}
== Services == === Television === Three, Bravo, Eden and Rush are operated out of [[Auckland]]. Television advertising was sold by the MediaWorks offices in [[Auckland]], [[Wellington]], [[Christchurch]], [[Melbourne]], [[Sydney]] and [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]. There were [[Newshub]] bureaus in the Three Headquarters in [[Auckland]] and MediaWorks offices in [[Wellington]], [[Christchurch]] and [[Dunedin]], with news staff working out of other offices as needed.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} Three provided mature content, [[Newshub]] bulletins, current affairs and sport. The Edge TV launched in 2014 and broadcasts music videos and entertainment news.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}} All are available via all digital platforms such as terrestrial, satellite and cable. TV3 and Four were the only ones previously available via analogue terrestrial on the VHF band before the 2013 switch-off. The Edge TV was added in 2018. Bravo and Bravo Plus 1 replaced Four and Four Plus 1 in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2016/06/bravo-to-launch-on-july-3.html#axzz4D6J6gEfx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220131913/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2016/06/bravo-to-launch-on-july-3.html#axzz4D6J6gEfx |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 February 2018 |title=Bravo to launch on July 3|date=22 June 2016 |work=[[Newshub]] |access-date=6 June 2016}}</ref> ThreeLife was added in 2018, and ThreeLife + 1 replaced The Edge TV on terrestrial in 2019. On 25 March 2020, ThreeLife went off air, and was replaced by The Edge TV, and its timeshift channel by Breeze TV.<ref name="threelifedeath"/> In 2022, The Edge TV and Breeze TV went off air to make way for the new Rush, Eden and Eden+1 (timeshift) channels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Freeview announces major changes to its channel line-up |url=https://freeviewnz.tv/news/channel-change-0322/ |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=Freeview |language=en}}</ref>
==== Free-to-air television brands ==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" ! Name ! Freeview Channel ! Sky Channel ! Launched ! Notes |- |[[Three (TV channel)|Three]] |3 <br /> (13 - Plus1) |3 <br /> (503 - Plus1) |1989 | |- |[[Bravo (New Zealand TV channel)|Bravo]] |4 <br /> (14 - Plus 1) |12 <br /> (512 - Plus 1) |2016 |Owned by [[NBCUniversal International Networks|NBCUniversal]]. <br> Operated as a joint venture until 2024. |- |[[Sky Open (TV channel)|Sky Open]] |8 |4 |1998 |Sky's existing free-to-air channel. <br /> Purchased by Sky Network Television in 2006, known as Prime until 2023. |- |[[Rush (TV channel)|Rush]] |14 |24 |2022 | |- |[[Eden (New Zealand TV channel)|Eden]] |18 |13 |2012 |Acquired from the merger of Discovery NZ and Top TV Limited in 2021.<br /> Known as Choice TV until 2022. |- |[[HGTV#New Zealand|HGTV]] |19 |21 |2016 |Acquired from the merger of Discovery NZ and Top TV Limited in 2021. |}
==== Former free-to-air television brands ==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" ! Name ! Launched ! Closed ! Notes |- |[[Four (New Zealand TV channel)|Four]] |1997 |2016 |Formerly TV4. Replaced by C4 in October 2003. Relaunched as Four in February 2011. |- |[[C4 (New Zealand TV channel)|C4]] |2003 |2014 |Replaced by The Edge TV. The first and final ever music video to air on C4 was [[The D4]] - ''[[6twenty|Exit To The City]]''. |- |[[C4 (New Zealand TV channel)|C42]] |2010 |2011 |Replaced by Four and converted to a music show for C4. |- |[[The Edge TV]] |2014 |2022 |Extension of the MediaWorks-owned radio brand, The Edge. |- |[[Three (TV channel)#ThreeLife|ThreeLife]] |2018 |2020 |ThreeLife and ThreeLife + 1 replaced by The Edge TV and Breeze TV respectively. |- |[[Breeze TV]] |2020 |2022 |Extension of MediaWorks-owned radio brand, The Breeze. |}
=== Websites === {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" ! Website Name ! Primary purpose |- |skyfree.co.nz |Corporate website for various TV channels |- |[[ThreeNow|Threenow.co.nz]] |On-demand service for Sky's various free-to-air channels |}
==== Defunct websites ==== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" ! Website Name ! Primary purpose |- |choicetv.co.nz |On-demand service for [[Choice TV]] |- |hgtv.co.nz |On-demand service for [[HGTV#New Zealand|HGTV]] |- |newshub.co.nz |Global and New Zealand news content |}
=== Newshub === {{Main|Newshub}}
Newshub was a New Zealand news service that aired on TV channel Three and had articles on their website and app. The Newshub brand replaced 3 News service on the TV3 network and the [[Radio Live]] news service heard on MediaWorks Radio stations on 1 February 2016.<ref name="Newshub launch 1 Feb 2016">{{cite news |title=Multi-platform news service Newshub to launch February 1 |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2016/01/multi-platform-news-service-newshub-to-launch-february-1.html |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=21 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523204727/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2016/01/multi-platform-news-service-newshub-to-launch-february-1.html |archive-date=23 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Stuff 23 Jan 2016">{{cite news|last1=Edmunds|first1=Susan|title=Viewers might not welcome NewsHub, commentator says |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/76106223/viewers-might-not-welcome-newshub-commentator-says |access-date=23 January 2016|work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=21 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703053418/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/76106223/viewers-might-not-welcome-newshub-commentator-says|archive-date=3 July 2018}}</ref>
== See also == * [[Freeview (New Zealand)|Freeview]] * [[MediaWorks New Zealand]]
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == *{{Official website|https://www.skyfree.co.nz/}} {{Sky (New Zealand)}} {{Television in New Zealand}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Companies based in Auckland]] [[Category:Mass media companies established in 2013]] [[Category:New Zealand companies established in 2013]] [[Category:MediaWorks New Zealand]] [[Category:Former Corus Entertainment subsidiaries]] [[Category:Former Discovery, Inc. subsidiaries]] [[Category:Former Warner Bros. Discovery subsidiaries]] [[Category:Sky (New Zealand)]] [[Category:2020 mergers and acquisitions]] [[Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions]] [[Category:2025 mergers and acquisitions]]