Stuff and WBD partner to redefine 6PM news

AUCKLAND, Today: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Stuff Group are kicking off a groundbreaking partnership, set to transform how they harness data and digital prowess.

From July 6, Stuff will be shaking up the news scene by licensing their 6pm bulletin to WBD for broadcast on Three and ThreeNow. The show will keep its usual timing but with an innovative twist on content and audience engagement.

James Hole, WBD’s Senior Director of Revenue, notes, “The 6pm news audience is hugely valuable to advertisers.” He explains, “By partnering with Stuff, WBD will be bringing a wider range of commercial opportunities that are bigger, broader, and more agile than ever before.”

“The 6pm news is both culturally and commercially vital,” Hole adds. “Stuff.co.nz is the country’s most-read news site and WBD has the primetime 6pm broadcast TV slot. Together we’ll offer innovative and engaging new content with familiar and fresh advertising opportunities plus the strongest integration potential in market.”

Matt Headland, Managing Director of Stuff Brand Connections, remarks, “This agreement will see Stuff innovate not replicate how news is delivered for broadcast audiences.”

“Stuff.co.nz is the country’s most-read news site and WBD has the primetime 6pm broadcast TV slot. Together we’ll offer innovative and engaging new content with familiar and fresh advertising opportunities plus the strongest integration potential in market.”

Headland further details the strategic growth, “We have strategically grown our data and digital commercial capability so we are in a position to really move forward on new commercial products.

“Today’s announcement comes just as we are really ramping up our first-party data through the re-platforming of stuff.co.nz, growing our ability to segment and target audiences. This agreement also transfers ownership of newshub.co.nz and its social assets to Stuff Group.”

He continues, “WBD will take the lead on the new broadcast commercial opportunities but we are excited about the commercial opportunities this agreement could bring on both our platforms.

“It allows us to work with our partners on integrated campaigns alongside our strong digital mastheads, Neighbourly, events team, newspapers and magazines.”

“We are at a pivotal time for local media and there has never been a better time for our commercial partners to support innovation like this.”