Media Insider: A fight for evening viewers – new TVNZ quiz show, 6pm news ratings; Stuff faces print-plant eviction; NBR takes on MBIE; Why are we waiting a week for MAFS?

TVNZ confirmed last night it was investing in an entirely new studio set at its Victoria St studios, in which contestants vie for cash in front of an oversized, old-school coin waterfall/pusher arcade machine.

Ben Shephard hosts the UK version of Tipping Point, which also screens on TVNZ.

Depending on how this version of the show fares – and there are understood to be high hopes alongside the investment – one source told the Herald that the show could eventually screen in a regular TVNZ slot, featuring everyday Kiwis.

The state broadcaster does not need to look far for inspiration. Australia has its own version of Tipping Point. The Channel 9 show, hosted by former tennis star Todd Woodbridge, now regularly outrates The Chase Australia on Channel 7.

Tipping Point Australia screens at 5pm, helping Channel 9 build a strong lead-in audience to its 6pm news bulletin, 9News.

Todd Woodbridge hosts Tipping Point Australia, which regularly outrates The Chase Australia. Photo / Channel 9

A similar strategy could well work in New Zealand one day, with the added bonus of TVNZ attracting more sponsorship and advertising revenue around a local show.

A TVNZ spokeswoman confirmed the Tipping Point plans when approached last night.

“Tipping Point is a hugely popular format around the world, and after the incredible success of The Chase New Zealand with our audiences, it makes sense for us to try our hand at this one next,” she said.

“Tipping Point New Zealand will film in our TVNZ studios. We’re undertaking an ambitious set build and will utilise our AR [augmented reality] graphics capabilities too.”

The spokeswoman said TVNZ would soon confirm pilot-season contestants, including whether they would be celebrities only, along with a schedule, including whether the show would screen daily or weekly.

There is some good news for The Chase fans for now, at least. The pilot season of Tipping Point New Zealand is expected to screen in primetime – later in the evening – so there are no planned programming changes for The Chase, which currently screens at 5pm, just yet.

McDonald did not return calls or a message last night. One remaining question is who he and TVNZ might be lining up as a host?

Simon Barnett, Jeremy Wells, Matty McLean and Toni Street would surely be among a list of potential top names for any talent scouts.

Stuff faces print-plant eviction

Stuff is facing a costly eviction from the Wellington building that has housed its printing presses for more than 35 years, with building owner and businessman Troy Bowker saying he has better uses for the property.

Bowker – who was once an outspoken shareholder of NZME, and has robust views on the state of the media – acquired the Petone building from Australia’s Nine Entertainment in 2025.

Stuff has been printing newspapers at the Petone building for more than three decades. Photo / Bayleys

Bowker is not a big fan of Stuff, and in that respect, his move has been a masterstroke.

It has meant Stuff has faced a costly dilemma: either move out in mid-2027 when the building lease expires – a huge cost, in that Bowker earlier said that Stuff is required to remove its printing press equipment and return the building to its original state – or agree to what is likely to be a substantially higher rent.

Caniwi Capital executive chairman Troy Bowker.

Bowker, the executive chair of Caniwi Capital, says he has made a decision himself.

“We will definitely be giving them a termination notice to vacate as at 30 April, 2027, which is my right under the lease,” Bowker told Media Insider yesterday.

“The property has a better use for development.

“This will require them to remove their massive two-story-high printing press by that date.

“In practice, this means they will need to decommission it much earlier, as they are required to deliver back the building with a complete make good [they need to take walls off and part of the roof and rebuild].

“I wish them luck finding a new premise and relocating their significant printing assets.”

A source said the eviction could cost Stuff millions, especially if it seeks to rebuild or relocate the printing equipment elsewhere.

Stuff prints a range of publications at the plant, most notably the Capital’s daily newspaper, The Post.

Other options would be an extended deal with NZ Herald publisher NZME to use its Auckland printing plant – NZME currently prints Stuff’s Waikato Times and Sunday Star-Times there – or a new deal with a regional print-plant operator such as Whakatāne’s Beacon Print.

Stuff owner and chief executive Sinead Boucher. Photo / Michael Craig

In response to a series of questions last night about Bowker’s comments and Stuff’s own options, Stuff owner Sinead Boucher told Media Insider: “While I am highly amused to see Mr Bowker continue to conduct his commercial negotiations through NZME, I don’t anticipate any change to our publishing plans.”

Boucher did not respond to follow-up questions on the options available or the likely/possible costs.

Jim Grenon lifts NZME shareholding again

Businessman Jim Grenon has lifted his stake in NZ Herald publisher NZME again – acquiring another one million shares for $1.15 million.

Grenon now has 35,694,802 shares – or 18.97% of the media firm – just behind Australian investment firm Spheria Asset Management, which has 35,702,300 shares.

The announcement was made to the NZX this morning.

Takeover rules start to apply if any shareholder wants to acquire more than 20% of a publicly listed company.

Grenon has been approached for comment.

NZME’s 2025 full-year financial results were released earlier this week – see item below.

6pm news battle – latest ratings

Samantha Hayes hosts the Three News bulletin on weeknights.

An initial three-year term for Stuff to provide TV3’s 6pm news is past the halfway mark, with the media firm likely to seek – and need – a higher price or better terms to deliver the evening bulletin from July next year, according to a well-placed source.

The Three News bulletin runs on a tight budget, with a dedicated but small Stuff team, compared with the more strongly resourced 1News at Six on TVNZ.

That’s reflected in the ratings, with TVNZ’s 1News at Six bulletin now well ahead of Three News in overall audience and key demographics.

For the two-week period between February 2-15, 1News at Six had an average daily audience (age 5+) of 566,200 compared with Three News’ average daily audience of 120,100.

In the 25-54 age bracket, TVNZ’s average daily audience at 6pm was 112,200, compared with Three’s 24,600.

It is understood that the Stuff deal, which started in July 2024, comes up for renewal after an initial three-year period in July next year.

Sky chief executive Sophie Moloney said yesterday she was “really happy” with the Three News delivery from Stuff.

Her comments came in the context of Sky’s half-year results announcement and confirmation of a softer-than-expected linear-TV advertising market.

“It’s a vitally important part of that linear offer, the 6pm news slot. We’re also looking at, in the election year, what we’re going to do.

“Of course, if there’s going to be any review of what we’re doing in the Three News space, that will be for a future conversation.”

At Sky’s annual shareholders’ meeting in November, Moloney indicated that she agreed with a question from the floor about seeking improvements to the 6pm bulletin, at weekends especially.

“It’s my team who look after that, who are in good conversation with Stuff, and I am pleased about the conversations that I know are ongoing,” Moloney said yesterday.

“We’re having a good think about what we might do at the weekend. I do think [with] some of the different formats and the live interviews, we are seeing some better engagement.

“I have a super-skilled team who I trust to be in those conversations and thinking about that performance.”

Asked if she would be willing to pay more to Stuff or any other provider of the bulletin in future, Moloney said: “I am very interested in driving revenue outcomes with audiences, and so if some investment’s required to drive revenue outcomes, then yes, we’ll absolutely be doing that.”

NBR eyes MBIE legal action

The National Business Review (NBR) has uncovered what it believes to be one of the biggest alleged breaches yet by a government department of its copyright-protected paywalled journalism.

It’s calling in lawyers to review information it received back from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) this week, showing that the agency shared and allowed access to NBR articles well beyond, NBR says, MBIE’s limited number of staff subscriptions.

“[MBIE] has admitted sharing at least 149 NBR articles in breach of our copyright and subscription terms and conditions,” NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol told Media Insider.

“This was done in multiple ways, including allowing staff to request specific articles through MBIE’s library, as well as by legitimate MBIE subscribers sharing NBR articles to staff not included in the department’s group subscription to NBR.”

He said alleged breaches had occurred since 2021, “with the most egregious example occurring over three days in August 2024, when more than 40 NBR articles related to the Du Val property group were shared in breach of copyright – a week before Du Val was put into statutory management”.

This information – received by NBR in an Official Information Act response from MBIE – has been referred to NBR’s legal team.

“[It] will seek to clarify several outstanding questions, including exactly how many non-subscribers were provided NBR articles, before pursuing appropriate damages and an uplift in the 100 subscriptions MBIE has to NBR,” said McNicol.

MBIE chief data officer Puawai Wereta confirmed information “regarding the management of NBR subscriptions and related content” had been provided to NBR this week.

“We respect NBR’s right to take legal advice. It would be premature for us to make further comment, should NBR contact us we will respond accordingly.”

McNicol said MBIE’s response incorrectly stated that NBR’s terms and conditions changed late last year – after which the agency increased its group subscription from 61 users to 100 users.

“Our terms and conditions and copyright have long stated that it is a breach to share NBR content with anyone who does not subscribe to the publication.”

This latest legal move is part of an emphatic campaign by NBR and its publisher/co-owner Todd Scott over the past six months, in which it has cracked down on public and private companies sharing subscriptions.

NBR co-owners Todd and Jackie Scott.

Several other companies, including the IRD, are also in the gun, and facing legal action.

“We are further disappointed that of the dozen government agencies we have sought information from relating to NBR subscription use, the four worst offenders – IRD, MBIE, SFO and FMA – are all business-focused departments who should recognise the importance of maintaining the integrity of doing business in New Zealand,” said McNicol.

MediaWorks radio stations ripe for Sky?

Back to Sky and its half-year result that was delivered yesterday – a $19.3 million after-tax underlying profit with revenue boosted by its $1 acquisition last year of Three (TV3).

There were plenty of talking points – not least of all the challenged linear-TV advertising market and the future of Sky’s Neon streaming service without HBO Max content.

The market reacted positively to the Sky result – its share price finished the day at $3.36, up 11 cents.

Sky says economic conditions “remain challenging in the near term”, but that it is on track with its overall ebitda projections in the longer term.

Sky also said that free cash flow was “significantly higher” than the prior period, with an increased cash balance of $100m at December 31.

“Sky will review broader capital management options following the successful integration of Sky Free and will update shareholders at the annual results announcement in August.”

Sky has been touted as a possible future owner of MediaWorks radio stations such as More FM and the Breeze, but chief executive Sophie Moloney told Media Insider she was not involved in any discussions at this stage.

Simon Barnett and Lana Cochrane-Searle host MediaWorks’ More FM breakfast show.

“We do have a strong cash balance, which is why we’re paying 50% of the full-year dividend at the half.

“Obviously, if there’s an asset that we think makes sense – and we do like getting them for a dollar – if that’s an opportunity, I’m sure we would have a look.

“As a listed company, if there’s anything that’s market sensitive, we would obviously be needing to disclose, but I’m certainly not in that place.”

“We obviously had a look [at MediaWorks] a few years ago, and I think we’re in a different place now.

“We’ve made no secret about advertising and the opportunity there. From a personal perspective, I obviously need to make sure that I need to have a conversation with our board, but I would always think it’s important to have a look at any opportunity in the market, and do an assessment.”

Sky’s performance – and a belief that the company remains undervalued – has led to further market speculation that it could be ripe for takeover.

One source speculated that an Australian private equity takeover was possible.

“Obviously, the chair of the board is there to guide and make sure we’re delivering upon shareholder value,” said Moloney.

“So I’m sure if there’s anyone who’s interested, they would reach out to him.

“We do think we continue to be undervalued when you look at what we deliver in market. But equally, our job is to keep delivering every day.”

Why are we waiting a week for MAFS?

Some of the 2026 MAFS Australia cast. Photo / Channel 9

It’s a tough job being a Married at First Sight Australia fan in New Zealand, restraining yourself from screaming at the screen and characters such as Brook and Steve.

But Kiwi viewers of the hugely popular show have an extra challenge – avoiding the multiple spoilers and news media articles between the time the show screens in Australia and New Zealand.

It’s like the 70s and 80s all over again, waiting an eternity – a full week – for the latest shows to reach our shores and screens.

In this connected age – and especially when internet-savvy viewers might be illegally streaming the show anyway – surely Three can screen the show on the same day as Australia or the day after at the latest?

After all, we can watch most other shows and movies at the same time as the Americans and Aussies.

Who knows, Three’s owner Sky might actually enjoy a revenue uptick if it delivers MAFS Australia in a more timely manner.

I went straight to the top about this vexing question.

“It’s a massive show, and so what I’d love to do is follow up on that and make sure we come back to you because we absolutely want to make sure we’re maximising people’s experience of that,” said Sky chief executive Sophie Moloney.

“It’s an incredible rater, and I’m actually going to have a watch this weekend. I’m committed to do that.”

A Sky PR spokeswoman came back later to kill the buzz, and any hope we live in the 21st century.

“We have been a long-term partner of the franchise in New Zealand, working closely with Channel Nine as the primary broadcaster and following the same pattern when it comes to airing the show, which is Sunday–Wednesday.

“A key part of MAFS is the Wednesday dinner party, and the Sunday commitment ceremonies, providing continuity for NZ audiences in the same way that it’s delivered, and intended to be consumed in Australia.”

Analyst to Sky CEO: ‘Removing HBO is like removing the All Blacks’

Sky TV is facing challenges on a number of fronts as it fully embeds its $1 Three/TV3 asset into its operation, not least of all the aforementioned, softer linear-TV advertising revenue market.

But it also has a challenge in stabilising its Neon streaming service customers.

The number of Neon customers has fallen dramatically over the past six months, by 17% to 215,000.

Nevertheless, revenue from Neon subscriptions was stable over that period, around $26m, and up $1.3m year-on-year as a result of Sky increasing its prices.

Sky blamed the drop in Neon customers on the lack of acquisition- and retention-driving content – a factor that might only now worsen with the loss of HBO Max content and shows such as The Pitt.

HBO Max content includes the hugely popular The Pitt.

Jarden head of research Arie Dekker came up with a doozy of a question during Sky’s investor call yesterday.

“It seems to me … removing that HBO content from Neon is a bit like removing the All Blacks test matches from the sports package. My first question is, is there a refresh in pricing coming downwards for Neon?”

Moloney jumped on that assertion quicker than Ardie Savea scoops up a loose ball.

“I disagree with that reference, Arie. I think you’re right to say that there isn’t anything substitutable with the All Blacks. I think that’s fair in sport.

“I don’t think it’s right to say that around the entertainment space.”

Sky TV has All Blacks and Super Rugby rights for the next five years. Photo / Alyse Wright

Moloney then went into a well-rehearsed pitch on the expanded deals that Sky has struck with Paramount and Sony.

“I’m not saying that HBO Max doesn’t have premium content, it does, but they’re not the only provider in the market.”

She did not directly answer the question about whether Neon prices would drop – but it’s safe to assume they won’t.

“As we get closer to year-end, we’ll be having a good look at where we’re at and what the customer response and feedback is, and we’ll be looking to respond accordingly, but … [with] the slates that we have, we think it’s going to be more compelling for our customers,” said Moloney.

Dekker also told Moloney it was “a little concerning” to note Sky’s comments on the softer linear TV advertising market.

Moloney cited Sky’s diversified platforms: “Yes, the linear market is softer than we anticipated, but am I concerned about driving earnings, despite that? No, I’m not.”

NZME radio music overhaul

NZ Herald publisher NZME announced its own after-tax, full-year profit of $13.2m this week – with contributions coming from its three main divisions: publishing, radio and property portal OneRoof.

The rise of radio revenue – in both the traditional and digital sense – was of particular note. NZME called it a “radio resurgence”, citing audio’s overall profitability increase of 23%.

In Newstalk ZB, NZME owns the biggest commercial radio station of all, but its music stations have struggled for several years to gain market share against MediaWorks brands.

When it comes to cumulative audience, four MediaWorks music stations – Breeze, More FM, The Edge and The Rock – hold the next four spots behind ZB.

Over the past 12 months, NZME has overhauled the music of its Coast station, with results starting to come through. Coast gained almost a full audience share point in the last radio survey of 2025, moving from 11th spot to eighth.

Coast FM breakfast hosts Jason Reeves, Toni Street and Sam Wallace.

In an investor pack this week, NZME referenced those Coast changes, and listed its 2026 plans: “Accelerating growth by strengthening ZM and The Hits across both audience engagement and revenue performance.”

Hauraki appears to be another station in line for a music overhaul.

“The key ones for us are Hits and Hauraki, as focus areas – more around music and the entertainment on them as opposed to looking for changes with the great talent we have,” NZME chief executive Michael Boggs told Media Insider.

Boggs believed both NZME and MediaWorks were in similar radio revenue growth positions.

“In the last four months, we’ve actually gained revenue market share.

“The key thing for us, though, is actually going back to growing the audience share. We’ve been pretty flat in audience share over the last couple of years, and that’s why we’ve got the focus on improving overall music performance so that we can increase those audience shares.

“We think on the back of that, that will obviously drive more revenue share.”

Google/AI copyright deals

NZME chief executive Michael Boggs. Photo / Michael Craig

In the next 12 months, Michael Boggs will also be looking to renew a deal with Google. NZME signed a five-year deal with the tech giant in 2022, for the publisher to supply its journalism and other content for the Google News Showcase.

The terms of that deal – and a similar, shorter one with Facebook – were never revealed, although NZME did lift earnings guidance to between $67m and $72m for the 2022 financial year, up from $66m in 2021.

The landscape has changed dramatically since 2022, with large language models scraping news websites and incorporating real-time news into AI products. Overseas, there have been multiple deals between publishers and AI companies, but so far, none in New Zealand.

Boggs expects that to change in the next 12 months.

“We think the number of players we could actually say are breaching our copyright is a lot larger than it used to be,” said Boggs.

“I think that’s still an opportunity. The government sees it as an opportunity for media companies, but they don’t want to be a global leader. So really [they are] just waiting to see what happens, specifically with Australia.

“I think all media companies will more and more go on the front foot and look to monetise the content that’s been taken from us.”

He said NZME had been in discussions with a number of AI companies but he would not reveal who, citing commercial confidentiality, nor could he give a sense of the scale of possible compensation.

“We’re definitely in discussions with a number around them using our content, and you will have seen there’s been deals around the world.

“A number have proactively been coming to us and going, actually we’re using your content, and we know we should be compensating you for it.”

However, he was uncertain if there would be any confirmed deals in the short term.

“I’d love some support from the Government to say, actually, we know we need to do something.

“I’m just not sure the Government will have the runway, this side of an election.”

Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.