April 24, 2024
Broadcast silence ends for Minister Lee
The Prime Minister has sacked Melissa Lee as Broadcasting Minister and moved her out of cabinet.
She retains responsibility for Economic Development, Ethnic Communities and Associate ACC.
The former television producer has been under fire for her lack of action over the collapse of NewsHub and the shrinking of Television New Zealand’s news and current affairs in the face of collapsing advertising revenue and the pressure from social media.
Also cooling her heels outside the cabinet room is Penny Simmonds, who was stripped of her Disability portfolio but left with Environment.
Christopher Luxon says it has become clear in recent months there are significant challenges in the media sector, as well as major financial issues with programmes run by the Ministry of Disabled People.
He says it is important to have senior cabinet Ministers considering these issues.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith will add Media and Communications to his portfolios, and Social Development Minister Louise Upston takes on the Disability role.
Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts moves into Cabinet.