Up to 90 jobs at TVNZ are set to go as the state broadcaster battles the Covid crisis.
The company today announced it would consult with its employees relating to proposed changes across the business.
These proposed changes could result in a reduction of 70-90 roles.
Chief executive Kevin Kenrick said the changes were necessary to protect the financial sustainability of the business, "which continues to be influenced by Covid-19's impact on the advertising market".
"TVNZ's revenue dropped 30 per cent during the nationwide lockdown and we expect revenue momentum to recover gradually over the next 18 months," said Kenrick.
"TVNZ has already made substantial savings in areas of discretionary spending, executive remuneration, capital investment projects, and deferred content productions. These actions have enabled TVNZ to offset revenue losses for this quarter, and we now need to resize our business to safeguard the future of TVNZ."
"We expect to confirm the new business structure by early July and are focused on supporting our people as we move through this challenging time."
Payne was found dead on October 16 after falling from a balcony in Argentina.