NZME Announces NZ Herald Focus

NZME Announces NZ Herald Focus, Expanding Its Video Footprint

21 March 2016 –NZ Herald Focus, a digital video news show, will launch in April, New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) announced today.

NZME's digital audience of more than two million* people every month will now have access to NZ Herald Focus across all digital platforms. Powered by the NZME newsroom – the home of the New Zealand Herald, Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport – NZ Herald Focus will give audiences news, business, sport and entertainment in the format they need, on the devices they love.

NZ Herald Focus has been created under the leadership of Managing Editor Shayne Currie, digital and television executive Cameron Death (NBC Universal and Microsoft) and experienced broadcast journalist Belinda Henley (Al Jazeera, 60 Minutes). NZME CEO Jane Hastings says this is another step in the company’s strategy to deliver content across all channels.

“It’s a logical next step to leverage our extensive NZME newsroom content, across our news, sport and entertainment teams, to now be delivered in video format throughout the day. We’ve already had success trialling this area with shows such as The Economy Hub and The Vent in sport.

“Commercially there is high demand for quality New Zealand video content. This is another initiative to meet that demand. Under [incoming CEO] Michael Boggs’ leadership you will see more innovation and growth.”

According to Nielsen, television viewership of the 6pm traditional format news audience in New Zealand has decreased** in the last three years. Recent growth in video has helped drive nzherald.co.nz to record audiences.

NZ Herald Focus will be broadcast from NZME’s new state-of-the-art newsroom multiple times a day and be hosted by Tristram Clayton (ex Campbell Live), Laura McGoldrick (NZME, SKY Sport), Niva Retimanu (Newstalk ZB) and New Zealand’s leading sports broadcaster, Tony Veitch. Guest appearances from key NZME journalists and broadcasters will also occur.

Currie says the team was selected because of their talent, knowledge and ability to connect with their audience.

“In addition to providing latest news, the team will be offering opinion, analysis and insight with some of New Zealand’s leading journalists on issues of the day. We’ll call on NZME’s rich stable of talent to help tell the stories behind the headlines and meet some fresh faces across politics, business, social media, technology, consumer affairs, sport and entertainment.”

Boggs says this signals NZME’s continued investment in growing the business’ digital offering.

“We know from the commercial sector, plus our data and insights, that this is the right time to expand our dominant New Zealand content position. This is the future and NZME is committed to leading it.”

NZ Herald Focus will launch mid-April.

ENDS

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