Media Landscapes Shift: Survivors and New Directions in 2025

The media industry has experienced significant upheaval in 2025, with established publications facing closures and cuts while independent voices carve out new spaces. Veteran journalist Bernard Hickey describes himself as a survivor in this turbulent landscape, likening his experience to that of a character in a horror film. Despite witnessing the demise of long-standing outlets like North & South and significant staff cuts at Metro Magazine, Hickey remains committed to his daily newsletter, The Kākā, which has amassed over 25,000 subscribers.

While the overall tone in the industry has often been grim, Hickey acknowledges a mixed reality. In a recent update on his newsletter, he noted a 5% drop in paid subscriptions since their peak in April 2025. “This is the first year we haven’t grown,” he stated, indicating a need for reassessment and adaptation. His ambition to build a sustainable journalism model through Substack has not yet materialized into a larger team, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.

Independent Journalism Finds Its Footing

Despite hurdles, the rise of independent journalism has shown promise. Chris Schulz, an investigative journalist and former contributor to major publications, has successfully launched his music-focused newsletter, Boiler Room. He reports consistent growth and positive feedback from his audience, illustrating the potential for niche publications to thrive. “I feel like I’m getting better at it,” Schulz remarked, noting that his venture has filled a gap left by traditional media’s cuts to arts and culture coverage.

On the other end of the spectrum, David Farrier, a former journalist turned documentarian, exited Substack for the open-source platform, Ghost. He expressed contentment with his decision, stating that it allows him creative freedom without the constraints of algorithm-driven content. “I have no regrets about leaving,” Farrier remarked, adding that his newsletter, Webworm, continues to attract a dedicated readership with a mix of serious and lighthearted stories.

While independent platforms attract some former industry professionals, traditional media faced a challenging year. Major closures occurred, such as NZME shutting down 14 community newspapers and Stuff discontinuing its Auckland community papers. This wave of cutbacks also affected Metro Magazine, which underwent significant staff reductions.

Positive Trends Amidst Challenges

Despite the bleak outlook for many traditional outlets, there are signs of resilience in print media. Stuart Dick, general manager of Are Media, reported growth across all titles under their umbrella, including popular magazines like Woman’s Weekly and The Listener. He noted that readers are increasingly seeking quality content that allows them to disconnect from the overwhelming digital landscape. “There is a movement of people recognizing that they do need time to switch off,” Dick observed.

Similarly, the TV Guide, edited by Frances Morton, has seen an increase in readership in 2025. Morton highlighted the magazine’s ability to blend trusted content with engaging storytelling, adapting to how audiences consume television. Another notable success is AA Directions, a free quarterly magazine with a circulation of 680,000 copies, which continues to resonate with readers despite the digital shift.

Even smaller publications are finding their niche. Coffee News, a weekly one-sheet filled with light content, is expanding its franchise model across New Zealand, aiming to increase its number of franchisees significantly by the end of next year. Director Rudy Kokx emphasized the brand’s commitment to low-cost production while maintaining audience expectations.

As the media landscape evolves, the survival of independent journalists and the resilience of traditional print outlets illustrate a complex but dynamic environment. Looking ahead to 2026, the industry faces both uncertainty and potential for new growth, leaving many to wonder who will emerge next in this ongoing narrative.