Southland Mayor Gary Tong is outspoken about protecting journalism. A Southland mayor concerned about dwindling journalist numbers has rallied other southern mayors to show support for the industry. Southland District Council Mayor Gary Tong emailed MediaWorks last week over concerns a proposal it put forward could put southern reporters on the chopping block. “The mayors … were surprised to hear of a proposal to remove your team from Dunedin. I can tell you I’ve gotten close a few times.”MediaWorks deferred comment, saying communication was best directed at TV3’s owner Discovery.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 12, 2021 04:18 UTC