The axing of the final local programme components of Newstalk ZB Christchurch marks a sad day for radio broadcasting, says Christchurch Central MP and Labour Broadcasting spokesperson Brendon Burns.
Brendon Burns said reports that Newstalk ZB was laying off five staff in its Christchurch office, including morning presenter Ali Jones and her producer, a sports show news reader, a news reader and a journalist, continued the trend in radio to take the local out of local radio stations.
“This is tough on the staff involved, and it is tough for the station as well, but it is also tough for the local community and for future generations of radio listeners who are less and less likely to ever experience local radio, and to understand how it can enrich community life.
“Already we’ve lost John Dunne and Ken Ellis’ popular breakfast programme to the network. Now the much-treasured Ali Jones is being taken off air from her nine to noon slot and the Saturday sports programme is being axed.
“This means that Newstalk ZB is no longer really a local radio station as we used to know it. The Christchurch ZB journalists will do their best to provide news, but that’s a long way short of local programming.”
Brendon Burns paid tribute to Ali Jones. “She has been a formidable presence in Christchurch and her contribution to local democracy and comment leaves a huge gap.”
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