{{Short description|New Zealand media business}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2014}} {{Infobox company | name = New Zealand Media and Entertainment | logo = New Zealand Media and Entertainment logo.svg | logo_size = | type = Public | traded_as = {{New Zealand Exchange|NZM}} | industry = Radio broadcasting<br>Print media<br>E-commerce | predecessor = APN New Zealand<br>The Radio Network<br>GrabOne | founded = Auckland, New Zealand ({{Start date and age|df=yes|2014}}) | hq_location_city = Auckland | hq_location_country = New Zealand | location = | num_locations = 25 markets | area_served = New Zealand | key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Steven Joyce (chair)<ref name="NZME board reshuffle 2025">{{cite news |title=NZME board reshuffle: Steven Joyce chair, Jim Grenon director |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/nzme-targets-12m-savings-as-shareholders-vote-on-steven-joyce-joining-board-as-chair/JTJDMM2D35D4BBQ6SI5KGGYIBA/ |access-date=3 June 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=3 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250603024818/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/nzme-targets-12m-savings-as-shareholders-vote-on-steven-joyce-joining-board-as-chair/JTJDMM2D35D4BBQ6SI5KGGYIBA/ |archive-date=3 June 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>|Michael Boggs<!-- Michael Raymond Boggs --> (CEO)<ref>{{cite web |title=NZM.NZ – NZME Ltd Profile |url=https://www.reuters.com/companies/NZM.NZ |work=Reuters |access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref>|Jim Grenon (director)<ref name="NZME board reshuffle 2025" />}} | services = {{ubl | {{Collapsible list|framestyle = <!--(optional)-->|title=Print media|titlestyle = <!--(optional)-->|liststyle = <!--(optional)-->|1=The New Zealand Herald|2=Bay of Plenty Times|3=Rotorua Daily Post|4=Northern Advocate|5=The Aucklander|6=The Northland Age|7=Hawkes Bay Today|8=Whanganui Chronicle|9=The Whangarei Report|10=Waihi Leader|11=Katikati Advertiser|12=Bay News|13=Te Puke Times|14=Hamilton Times|15=Te Awamutu Courier|16=Rotorua Weekender|17=Whakatane News|18=Taupo & Turangi Weekender|19=Whanganui Mid Week|20=Horowhenua Chronicle |21=Stratford Press|22=Kapiti News|23=Hastings Leader|24=Napier Courier|25=Havelock North Village Press|26=Central Hawkes Bay Mail|27=Bush Telegram|28=Manawatu Guardian|29=Weekend Sun|30=Coast & Country News|31=New Farm Dairies|32=Gisborne Herald}} | {{Collapsible list|framestyle = <!--(optional)-->|title=Radio|titlestyle = <!--(optional)-->|liststyle = <!--(optional)-->|1=Newstalk ZB |2=The Hits|3=ZM|4=Gold|5=Radio Hauraki|6=Flava|7=Coast|8=Hokonui |9=Gold Sport}} | {{Collapsible list|framestyle = <!--(optional)-->|title=Digital media|titlestyle = <!--(optional)-->|liststyle = <!--(optional)-->|1=The New Zealand Herald |2=iHeartRadio|3=GrabOne|4=WatchMe|5=TheCountry|6=The New Zealand Herald Focus|7=SunLive}} }} | owner = | divisions = SunMedia | website = {{URL|nzme.co.nz}} | footnotes = | intl = }}
'''New Zealand Media and Entertainment''' (abbreviated '''NZME''') is a New Zealand newspaper, radio and digital media business. It was launched in 2014 as the merger of APN New Zealand (a division of APN News & Media), the Radio Network (formerly part of the Australian Radio Network) and GrabOne, one of New Zealand's biggest ecommerce websites.
NZME brands include flagship national newspaper ''The New Zealand Herald'', and regional newspapers ''Bay of Plenty Times'', ''Rotorua Daily Post'', ''Hawke's Bay Today'', ''Northern Advocate'' and ''Gisborne Herald''. Its radio division operates multiple networks, including the country's largest commercial station Newstalk ZB, The Hits, ZM, Radio Hauraki, Flava, Coast, and Gold. The company owns the New Zealand rights to the iHeartRadio service.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Meadows |first1=Richard |title=The key people, brands and financials behind Fairfax NZ and NZME |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/79865883/the-key-people-brands-and-financials-behind-fairfax-nz-and-nzme |work=Stuff |access-date=10 April 2022|date=11 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114063742/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/79865883/the-key-people-brands-and-financials-behind-fairfax-nz-and-nzme|archive-date=14 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Revealed: New radio station hitting NZ airwaves |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nzme-eyes-powerful-demographic-with-launch-of-gold-radio-station/W76HJZ4EDD55LT6U6TYS2NDPVU/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 April 2022|date=22 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114063742/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nzme-eyes-powerful-demographic-with-launch-of-gold-radio-station/W76HJZ4EDD55LT6U6TYS2NDPVU/|archive-date=14 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gisborne Herald acquisition">{{cite news |title=The Gisborne Herald is now part of NZME |url=https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/the-gisborne-herald-is-now-part-of-nzme |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=Gisborne Herald |date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312031059/https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/the-gisborne-herald-is-now-part-of-nzme |archive-date=12 March 2024}}</ref> It also owns the Tauranga-based SunMedia company.<ref name="SunMedia acquisition">{{cite news |title=NZME buys SunMedia, owner of SunLive website - NZ Herald and Bay of Plenty Times publisher says move reinforces commitment to local journalism |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nzme-buys-sunmedia-owner-of-sunlive-website-nz-herald-and-bay-of-plenty-times-publisher-says-move-reinforces-commitment-to-local-journalism/KII6NF7TLFACVLILAY5UIH5BJM/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609061350/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nzme-buys-sunmedia-owner-of-sunlive-website-nz-herald-and-bay-of-plenty-times-publisher-says-move-reinforces-commitment-to-local-journalism/KII6NF7TLFACVLILAY5UIH5BJM/ |archive-date=9 June 2024}}</ref>
==History== ===Formation=== NZME was formed in September 2014 through the merger of the New Zealand division of APN News & Media, APN New Zealand, The Radio Network, part of the Australian Radio Network,<ref name="APN to rebrand as NZME">{{Cite web|title=APN to rebrand as NZME. |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11330805|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref> and GrabOne, one of New Zealand's largest ecommerce websites.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZME divests ecommerce platform GrabOne to Global Marketplace |url=https://newsnreleases.com/2021/08/24/nzme-divests-ecommerce-platform-grabone-to-global-marketplace/ |work=NewsnReleases |date=24 August 2021}}</ref> The launch of the business fuelled speculation APN News and Media could be planning to fully separate its New Zealand operations, or issue an initial public offering for up to 60 percent of its New Zealand assets on the NZX. Fairfax Media declined to confirm speculation in ''The Australian Financial Review'' that it could buy some or all of those assets.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dann |first=Liam |title=Three into one as APN becomes NZME. |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11330863 |work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=25 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826162302/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11330863|archive-date=26 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Fairfax no comment on APN speculation|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/10510720/Fairfax-no-comment-on-APN-speculation|publisher=Stuff |location=New Zealand|access-date=17 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104065545/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/10510720/Fairfax-no-comment-on-APN-speculation|archive-date=4 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mason |first=Max|title=APN News & Media considers NZ assets spin-off|url=http://www.afr.com/business/media-and-marketing/apn-news--media-considers-nz-assets-spinoff-20140831-jdg5g |work=Australian Financial Review|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820204828/http://www.afr.com/business/media-and-marketing/apn-news--media-considers-nz-assets-spinoff-20140831-jdg5g|archive-date=20 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2016, APN News & Media completed the demerger of NZME, and NZME was listed on the New Zealand Exchange on 27 June 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=NZME Demerger Implemented |url=https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20160629/pdf/438694rdy80fcb.pdf |publisher=APN News & Media |access-date=10 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321090049/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20160629/pdf/438694rdy80fcb.pdf |archive-date=21 March 2018 |date=29 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nzme-completes-demerger-from-apn/RFN7NTCC7SXW6O7ITADREOMDXI/|title=NZME completes demerger from APN|website=The New Zealand Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzx.com/companies/NZM|title=NZME Limited NZM – NZX, New Zealand's Exchange|website=nzx.com}}</ref>
===Attempted acquisition of Stuff=== In 2016, NZME and Stuff Ltd. proposed merging their operations in New Zealand, with Stuff's Australian parent company Fairfax Media receiving a 41% stake in the combine business plus $55 million cash. On 2 May 2017, the Commerce Commission declined to approve the proposed merger. The two companies appealed the Commissions' decision at the Wellington High Court, which upheld the commission's decision on 18 December 2017. In June 2018, the companies appealed the commission's decision at the New Zealand Court of Appeal, which rejected their merger bid on 25 September 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=NZME Limited; Fairfax New Zealand Limited |date=30 March 2018 |url=https://comcom.govt.nz/case-register/case-register-entries/nzme-limited |publisher=Commerce Commission |access-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617150437/https://comcom.govt.nz/case-register/case-register-entries/nzme-limited |archive-date=17 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pullar-Strecker |first1=Tom |title=Stuff, NZME lose at Court of Appeal over merger |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107342494/stuff-nzme-lose-at-court-of-appeal-over-merger |access-date=4 September 2020 |publisher=Stuff |location=New Zealand |date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606204259/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/107342494/stuff-nzme-lose-at-court-of-appeal-over-merger |archive-date=6 June 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, NZME and Stuff abandoned their first merger attempt.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZME and Stuff pull plug on merger |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/290277/nzme-pulls-plug-on-stuff-merger |access-date=4 September 2020 |work=Newsroom |date=24 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904115057/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/290277/nzme-pulls-plug-on-stuff-merger |archive-date=4 September 2020}}</ref>
In November 2019, NZME confirmed that it had entered into negotiations with Stuff's new Australian owners, Nine Entertainment, to purchase Stuff. As part of the second merger proposal, NZME proposed a "Kiwishare" arrangement that would ringfence Stuff's editorial operations and protect local journalism.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZME confirms it is in discussions to buy Stuff |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403641/nzme-confirms-it-is-in-discussions-to-buy-stuff |access-date=4 September 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226053702/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403641/nzme-confirms-it-is-in-discussions-to-buy-stuff |archive-date=26 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Malpass |first1=Luke |last2=Watkins |first2=Tracy |title=Kiwishare model mooted to protect journalism in new NZME-Stuff takeover bid |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/117534515/kiwishare-model-mooted-to-protect-journalism-in-new-nzmestuff-takeover-bid |access-date=4 September 2020 |publisher=Stuff |location=New Zealand |date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606230610/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/117534515/kiwishare-model-mooted-to-protect-journalism-in-new-nzmestuff-takeover-bid |archive-date=6 June 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 11 May 2020, NZME made a second attempt to purchase Stuff for NZ$1 under the pretext of saving jobs during the pandemic. In response, Nine Entertainment terminated further negotiations with NZME.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andelane |first1=Lana |title=Nine Network says talks with NZME over Stuff acquisition were 'terminated' last week |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/05/nine-network-says-talks-with-nzme-over-stuff-acquisition-were-terminated-last-week.html |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=Newshub |date=11 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512000541/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/05/nine-network-says-talks-with-nzme-over-stuff-acquisition-were-terminated-last-week.html |archive-date=12 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NZME makes offer to buy rival Stuff for $1 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/416331/nzme-makes-offer-to-buy-rival-stuff-for-1 |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=11 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515132432/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/416331/nzme-makes-offer-to-buy-rival-stuff-for-1 |archive-date=15 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Response to NZME Announcement |url=https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200511/pdf/44hqcmldjb6rs6.pdf |publisher=Nine Entertainment |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516232838/https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200511/pdf/44hqcmldjb6rs6.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2020 |date=11 May 2020}}</ref> In response, NZME filed an emergency injunction at the Auckland High Court to force Nine Entertainment back into negotiations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gay |first1=Edward |title=Media firm NZME set out to hurt Stuff as buyout bid turned sour – lawyer |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300013150/media-firm-nzme-set-out-to-hurt-stuff-as-buyout-bid-turned-sour--lawyer |access-date=19 May 2020 |publisher=Stuff |location=New Zealand |date=15 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519003631/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/300013150/media-firm-nzme-set-out-to-hurt-stuff-as-buyout-bid-turned-sour--lawyer |archive-date=19 May 2020}}</ref> On 19 May, the Auckland High Court ruled against NZME's bid for an interim injunction against Nine Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZME declined an interim injunction against Stuff owner Nine |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/416965/nzme-declined-an-interim-injunction-against-stuff-owner-nine |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519003831/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/416965/nzme-declined-an-interim-injunction-against-stuff-owner-nine |archive-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NZME loses interim injunction against Stuff owner Nine |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/nzme-loses-interim-injunction-against-stuff-owner-nine/ |access-date=19 May 2020 |work=Newstalk ZB |date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519003955/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/nzme-loses-interim-injunction-against-stuff-owner-nine/ |archive-date=19 May 2020}}</ref> On 25 May, Nine Entertainment sold Stuff to Stuff CEO Sinead Boucher.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stuff chief executive Sinead Boucher buys company for $1 |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/417448/stuff-chief-executive-sinead-boucher-buys-company-for-1 |access-date=25 May 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=25 May 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200525043043/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/417448/stuff-chief-executive-sinead-boucher-buys-company-for-1 |archive-date=25 May 2020}}</ref>
===2020s job cuts=== On 14 April 2020, NZME announced that they were making 15% of their workforce redundant (a loss of roughly 200 jobs) as a result of the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edmunds |first1=Susan |last2=Pullar-Strecker |first2=Tom |title=Media company NZME cuts workforce by 15% |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/120995004/media-company-nzme-will-cut-its-workforce-by-15 |access-date=13 April 2020 |publisher=Stuff |location=New Zealand |date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413222719/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/120995004/media-company-nzme-will-cut-its-workforce-by-15 |archive-date=13 April 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Live Covid-19 updates from New Zealand and around the world on 14 April |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/414159/live-covid-19-updates-from-new-zealand-and-around-the-world-on-14-april |access-date=13 April 2020 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413223203/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/414159/live-covid-19-updates-from-new-zealand-and-around-the-world-on-14-april |archive-date=13 April 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In early June 2024, NZME proposed cutting 10 to 12 regional and community vacant roles across the country in order to reinvest in new regional roles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rice |first1=Taylor |title=NZME proposes cuts to regional and community news roles |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/06/nzme-proposes-cuts-to-regional-and-community-news-roles/ |access-date=10 June 2024 |work=1News |date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606182950/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/06/nzme-proposes-cuts-to-regional-and-community-news-roles/ |archive-date=6 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2024, NZME announced plans to eliminate 30 jobs and close 14 community newspapers, including ''Hauraki-Coromandel Post'', ''Katikati Advertiser'', ''Te Puke Times'', ''Taupō & Tūrangi Herald'', ''Napier Courier'', ''Hastings Leader'', ''CHB Mail'', ''Stratford Press'', ''Bush Telegraph'', ''Whanganui Midweek'', ''Manawatū Guardian'', ''Horowhenua Chronicle'' and ''Kāpiti News''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gallot |first=Eva |date=13 November 2024 |title=NZME proposes to close 14 community papers, 30 jobs to be cut |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360486657/nzme-proposes-close-14-community-papers-30-jobs-be-cut |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Stuff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127001541/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360486657/nzme-proposes-close-14-community-papers-30-jobs-be-cut|archive-date=27 November 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 14, 2024 |title=NZME reveals plans to shutter 14 community newspapers |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/14/nzme-reveals-plans-to-shutter-14-community-newspapers/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=1News |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216031217/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/14/nzme-reveals-plans-to-shutter-14-community-newspapers/|archive-date=16 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2025, NZME announced plans to eliminate 14 reporting and 24 production jobs as part of a restructuring process. These restructuring measures included merging news desks, producing fewer but more focused stories and developing a specialist print team.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edmunds |first1=Susan |title=Nearly 40 jobs to go at NZM |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/539606/nearly-40-jobs-to-go-at-nzme |access-date=22 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122055120/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/539606/nearly-40-jobs-to-go-at-nzme |archive-date=22 January 2025}}</ref> On 20 February, NZME confirmed plans to layoff several senior reporters and create a new Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel. Notable staff members affected by the restructuring include political editor Claire Trevett, deputy business editor Grant Bradley, senior sports reporter Chris Rattue, science reporter Jamie Morton, investigative journalist Nicholas Jones, reporter Kirsty Wynn and social media head Mitch Powell.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Colin |last2=Donnell |first2=Hayden |title=NZME plans new video channel amid news cuts |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/542423/nzme-plans-new-video-channel-amid-news-cuts |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=20 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220065127/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/mediawatch/542423/nzme-plans-new-video-channel-amid-news-cuts |archive-date=20 February 2025}}</ref> In late February 2025, NZME reported a net loss of NZ$16 million for the 2024 financial year after taking a non-cash write-down of NZ$24 million on its publishing assets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pelletier |first1=Nona |title=Media company NZME reports $16 million full-year net loss |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543025/media-company-nzme-reports-16-million-full-year-net-loss |access-date=7 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=26 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302062959/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543025/media-company-nzme-reports-16-million-full-year-net-loss |archive-date=2 March 2025}}</ref>
===2024 acquisitions=== On 5 March 2024, NZME acquired the Tauranga–based regional media company SunMedia for an undisclosed confidential sum. SunMedia was founded by Claire and Brian Rogers in 2001 and owned the SunLive website, the ''Weekend Sun'', ''Coast & Country News'' and ''New Farm Dairies'' publications.<ref name="SunMedia acquisition" /> On 12 March, the company acquired the ''Gisborne Herald'' and its website from the Muir family. NZME previously owned a 49% minority stake in the ''Gisborne Herald'' through the former ''New Zealand Herald'' publisher Wilson and Horton Ltd in 1987.<ref name="Gisborne Herald acquisition" />
===Use of artificial intelligence=== In early August 2024, NZME admitted that it had used artificial intelligence to create editorials that appeared in the ''Weekend Herald'' and other publications as well as an editorial on MMA boxer Israel Adesanya. Following criticism, NZME's editor-in-chief Murray Kirkness stated that AI "was used in a way that fell short of its standards and more journalistic rigour would have been beneficial".<ref>{{cite news |title=NZME cops criticism after using AI to write editorial |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/523875/nzme-cops-criticism-after-using-ai-to-write-editorial |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=1 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803004239/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/523875/nzme-cops-criticism-after-using-ai-to-write-editorial |archive-date=3 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
===2025 leadership changes=== On 3 March 2025, Canadian private equity billionaire Jim Grenon, the founder of TOM Capital, acquired a 9.3 percent stake in NZME.<ref name="RNZ 3 Mar 2025">{{cite news |title=Canadian private equity billionaire takes stake in NZME |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543588/canadian-private-equity-billionaire-takes-stake-in-nzme |access-date=7 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=3 March 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303033127/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/543588/canadian-private-equity-billionaire-takes-stake-in-nzme |archive-date=3 March 2025}}</ref> Grenon owns the alternative media publications ''Centrist'' and ''NZ News Essentials'' (''NZNE'').<ref name="RNZ 3 Mar 2025" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dunkley |first1=Daniel |last2=McNabb |first2=Denise |title=The curious case of NZ News Essentials: the buyout baron, the rapper, and the anti-mandate influencer |url=https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/media/the-curious-case-of-nz-news-essentials-the-buyout-baron-the-rapper-and-the-anti-mandate-influencer |access-date=7 March 2025 |work=Business Desk |date=1 September 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=2 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302225410/https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/media/the-curious-case-of-nz-news-essentials-the-buyout-baron-the-rapper-and-the-anti-mandate-influencer}}</ref> On 6 March, Grenon wrote to NZME proposing to remove all the directors from the board and to replace them with new directors, including himself.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plumb |first=Simon |title=Billionaire moves to clear NZME board, add himself, days after buying 9% stake |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360604889/canadian-billionaire-moves-clear-nzme-board-add-himself-days-after-buying-9-stake |access-date=7 March 2025 |work=Stuff |date=6 March 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306163027/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360604889/canadian-billionaire-moves-clear-nzme-board-add-himself-days-after-buying-9-stake |archive-date=6 March 2025}}</ref> On 21 March, NZME said that it had been in talks with Stuff since late 2024 to purchase several of its Wellington and South Island newspapers to try to boost its OneRoof business revenue and audience. However, these talks had been paused due to Grenon's takeover bid.<ref>{{cite news |title=NZ Herald owner NZME reveals talks to buy Stuff newspapers |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545574/nz-herald-owner-nzme-reveals-talks-to-buy-stuff-newspapers |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=21 March 2025 |url-status=live |archive-date=23 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323135450/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/545574/nz-herald-owner-nzme-reveals-talks-to-buy-stuff-newspapers}}</ref>
On 26 March, Grenon said that he was willing to compromise to appease shareholders opposing his plans, including appointing NZME CEO Michael Boggs to the company's new board, as long as Grenon himself became chair. Grenon had also nominated Des Gittings, Philip Crump, and Simon West as the three other new directors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Sam |title=Canadian billionaire willing to compromise on NZME board changes to become chair |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360629820/canadian-billionaire-willing-compromise-nzme-board-changes-become-chair |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=Stuff |date=26 March 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326035818/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360629820/canadian-billionaire-willing-compromise-nzme-board-changes-become-chair |archive-date=26 March 2025}}</ref>
In early May 2025, former National Party MP and cabinet minister Steven Joyce was nominated to become a director and expressed willingness to replace Barbara Chapman as chair, ahead of NZME's annual shareholders meeting scheduled for 3 June 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title=NZME board battle – former National Party minister Steven Joyce in line to be director and chair amid raft of confirmed and new board nominations |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-nzme-board-battle-former-national-party-minister-steven-joyce-in-line-to-be-director-and-chair-amid-raft-of-confirmed-and-new-board-nominations/QSAFW7CKJJHLZDWKBSVSNXKGKU/ |department=Media Insider |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=6 May 2025|url-access=subscription}}</ref> On 2 June, Joyce succeeded Chapman as chair of NZME during a board meeting. Grenon was also appointed as the company's director during that same meeting.<ref name="NZME board reshuffle 2025" /> By late March 2026, Grenon had become the company's largest shareholder, acquiring 19.9% of the company's shares (1.78 million shares)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Catrin |title=Billionaire Jim Grenon becomes NZME's biggest shareholder |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360957045/billionaire-jim-grenon-becomes-nzmes-biggest-shareholder |access-date=28 March 2026 |work=Stuff |date=27 March 2026}}</ref>
== Publishing == The publishing division of NZME reaches an estimated 2.1 million people each week by print, desktop computer and mobile. It includes national ''New Zealand Herald'' titles, six other daily newspapers, 23 non-daily newspapers and over 20 websites, mobile sites and apps.<ref name="NZ Herald audience numbers">{{cite news |title=Herald audience numbers soar again – past magic 2 million mark |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-herald-audience-numbers-soar-again-past-the-magic-2-million-mark/5DBZION2IW6GCFAPNEOFBE662I/ |access-date=14 November 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 November 2023}}</ref>
===New Zealand Herald=== ''The New Zealand Herald'' is the flagship title of NZME and is the daily newspaper of Auckland. It has the largest circulation of any newspaper in New Zealand, peaking at over 200,000 copies in 2006, with numbers down to 162,181 by December 2012.<ref name=circulation_copies>{{cite web|url=http://newspaper.abc.org.nz/audit.html?org=npa&publicationid=%25&mode=embargo&npa_admin=1&publicationtype=19&memberid=%25&type=21|title=ABC statistics|publisher=New Zealand Audit Bureau of Circulation|access-date=9 February 2013|archive-date=21 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521011406/http://newspaper.abc.org.nz/audit.html?org=npa&publicationid=%&mode=embargo&npa_admin=1&publicationtype=19&memberid=%&type=21|url-status=dead}}</ref> Auckland is its main delivery area, but it is also delivered to much of the north of the North Island including Northland, Waikato and King Country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nabs.co.nz/page/pageid/2145834747 |title=NAB – New Zealand Herald |access-date=23 May 2012 |publisher=Newspaper Advertising Bureau |year=2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508044521/http://www.nabs.co.nz/page/pageid/2145834747 |archive-date=8 May 2012 }}</ref>
The Herald's main book publications include ''New Zealand Herald'', ''Weekend Herald'' and ''Herald on Sunday''. Its supplements include ''Be Well'' on Monday, ''Travel'' on Tuesday, ''Viva'', ''Driven'' and ''Herald Homes'' on Wednesday, ''TimeOut'' on Thursday, ''Canvas'' on Saturday, and ''Spy'' on Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzme.co.nz/advertise/|title=NZME. – Advertise|website=nzme.co.nz}}</ref>
===Regional newspapers=== NZME's flagship daily regional papers include ''The Northern Advocate,'' ''Bay of Plenty Times'', ''Rotorua Daily Post'', ''Hawke's Bay Today and the Whanganui Chronicle – New Zealand's oldest newspaper, founded in 1856.''<ref>{{cite web |title=NZME. – NZME Publishing Brands |url=https://www.nzme.co.nz/nzme-brands/nzme-publishing/ |website=nzme.co.nz |access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref>
The company also publishes multiple weekly community papers, such as the ''Bay News'', ''Katikati Advertiser'', ''Te Puke Times'', ''Coastal News,'' ''Waihi Leader,'' ''Hamilton News'', ''Country News'', ''Taupo & Turangi Weekender,'' ''Manawatū Guardian'', ''Whanganui Midweek'', and ''Horowhenua Chronicle''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NZME PUBLISHING |url=https://communitynews.co.nz/|access-date=2021-08-21|website=communitynews.co.nz}}</ref>
In March 2024, NZME acquired SunMedia and its assets including the SunLive website, the ''Weekend Sun'', ''Coast & Country News'' and ''New Farm Dairies'' publications.<ref name="SunMedia acquisition" /> That same month, the company acquired full ownership of the ''Gisborne Herald'' and its website.<ref name="Gisborne Herald acquisition" />
=== Joint publications === NZME co-owns the ''Chinese New Zealand Herald''. In 2019, it was reported that the website and content of the ''Chinese New Zealand Herald'' is under the operational and editorial control of the state-run China News Service, controlled by Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department and subject to state censorship and government propaganda.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/23/819874/chinese-nz-herald-under-supervision-and-control-of-chinese-state|title=Chinese NZ Herald under Chinese state 'control' – experts|last=Walters|first=Laura|date=23 September 2019|work=Newsroom|access-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215234821/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/23/819874/chinese-nz-herald-under-supervision-and-control-of-chinese-state|archive-date=15 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
In late June 2023, NZME partnered with Australian media company Are Media to launch an online digital exclusive version of the ''New Zealand Listener''. The website is hosted on ''The New Zealand Herald''{{'s}} website.<ref>{{cite web |title=NZME teams up with Are Media to launch Listener.co.nz |url=https://www.nzme.co.nz/news/nzme-teams-up-with-are-media-to-launch-listener-co-nz/ |publisher=NZME |access-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805053633/https://www.nzme.co.nz/news/nzme-teams-up-with-are-media-to-launch-listener-co-nz/ |archive-date=5 August 2023 |date=30 June 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Radio == [[File:Radio Network House implosion.ogv|thumb|right|Radio Network House in Christchurch was imploded on 5 August 2012]]
NZME Radio began as The Radio Network in 1996 when the commercial radio activities of Radio New Zealand were divested by the fourth National government as part of the Ruthanasia free market economic policies of that government.<ref name="Briefing Papers">{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Wayne |title=New Zealand media ownership: History and obfuscation |url=https://briefingpapers.co.nz/new-zealand-media-ownership-history-and-obfuscation/ |access-date=14 November 2023 |work=Briefing Papers |date=12 December 2017}}</ref> Radio New Zealand Commercial, which included talk networks Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport and music networks Classic Hits and ZM, became privately owned and was renamed The Radio Network. In 2014, it became part of NZME and was rebranded again as NZME Radio.
The majority of the programming on stations is networked from the main studios on Graham Street in Auckland Central. However, Newstalk ZB run local programmes in Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. The Hits run local breakfast and morning programmes. Auckland station Mix 98.2 was relaunched in 2014, based on stations previously known as Radio i, Easy Listening i, Viva and Easy Mix, later being rebranded in 2020 as Gold. Privately owned Gore station Hokonui Gold is operated by NZME under a long-term lease contract.
=== History === Publicly owned Radio New Zealand Commercial became privately owned The Radio Network in 1996, and later that year it also purchased Prospect Media Limited and its eleven Auckland and Hamilton stations. The brands of Auckland's Radio Hauraki and Easy Listening i were retained and launched as nationwide networks, while Hamilton's Easy Listening i, Auckland's The Breeze on 91, Hamilton's The Breeze on 89.8 and the other stations were converted to the former Radio New Zealand brands.
The company was bought out by a syndicate that included United States radio company Clear Channel Communications and publisher Wilson & Horton. Wilson & Horton was then purchased by Ireland-based media conglomerate Independent News & Media, and on-sold to Independent's Australian subsidiary APN. The Radio Network became an APN and Clear Channel networked commercial radio joint venture, like the Australian Radio Network already was, and as a result The Radio Network became part of the Australian Radio Network.
Radio Network House in Christchurch was damaged in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake beyond repair. The building became infamous for being the first New Zealand demolition by implosion in August 2012.<ref name="5 August – imploded">{{cite news |title=Radio Network House imploded |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/7415790/Implosion-demolishes-Radio-Network-House |access-date=6 August 2012 |work=The Press |date=5 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024005444/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/7415790/Implosion-demolishes-Radio-Network-House |archive-date=24 October 2012 }}</ref> The implosion was conducted by US specialists and went without problems, providing reassurance for contractors planning to carry out similar operations.
===Community Radio Network=== The Radio Network previously ran a group of provincial radio stations known as the Community Radio Network. Established in June 1998, the network retained the local names and live breakfast shows of each station but began broadcasting a network feed from Taupō for other times of the day. The line-up included Mark Bramley (10a – 2p), Aaron Gillions, Scott Armstrong and Brian Gentill (2p – 7p), and Peter Gosney, Corey K and Duncan Allen (7p – 12a). Other voices heard on the network included Geoff Bargas, Rebecca Ali, Nadine Christiansen, Sarah McMullan, Chris Auer, Marke Dickson and Paul Frost.
On 1 December 2000 CRN stations joined the Classic Hits programme fed from Cook Street Auckland, also operated by TRN. Where the station had both an FM and AM frequency the FM frequency was usually used to broadcast a localised version of Classic Hits while the AM frequency was used to broadcast Newstalk ZB. Two stations, Radio Waitomo 1ZW and King Country Radio closed down. Classic Hits was rebranded as The Hits in April 2014. Stations continuing to operate as The Hits include Tokoroa's Radio Forestland, Taupō's Lakeland FM, Gisborne's 2ZG, Masterton's Radio Wairarapa and Wanganui's River City FM. It also included South Island stations Radio Marlborough in Blenheim, Scenicland FM on the West Coast, 3ZE in Ashburton, Radio Caroline in Timaru and Radio Waitaki in Oamaru.
=== Current networks === The NZME radio networks are the result of the re-branding of the Community Radio Network and several further years of brand consolidation. In 2004, Cool Blue 96.1FM in Auckland became the first Flava station and Jammin' Oldies in Hawke's Bay became the first Coast station. Original stations of The Breeze in Auckland and Hamilton, 2QQ in Palmerston North and The Planet 97FM in Nelson became ZM. Classic Rock 96FM in Hawke's Bay was replaced with Radio Hauraki. The station once known as Easy Listening i has subsequently been rebranded as Viva FM, Easy Mix, Mix 98.2 and now Gold (on 105.4FM, replaced by iHeart Country).
In 2014, the entire Classic Hits network was rebranded as The Hits. Newstalk ZB and The Hits now reach 25 markets, and ZM and Gold AM reach 19 markets. Radio Hauraki reaches 16, Coast reaches 12, and Flava reaches 8.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Radio Brands|url=http://www.trb.co.nz/radio-brands.html|publisher=Radio Bureau|access-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014195901/http://www.trb.co.nz/radio-brands.html|archive-date=14 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[http://www.nzme.co.nz NZME official website]
{{New Zealand radio networks}} {{New Zealand Media and Entertainment}} {{Coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand}}
Category:New Zealand Media and Entertainment Category:2014 establishments in New Zealand Category:ARN Media Category:Mass media companies of New Zealand Category:Newspaper companies of New Zealand Category:Companies based in Auckland Category:Articles containing video clips Category:Radio broadcasting companies of New Zealand