Mediaworks confirm plan to cut Sunday news hour back

TV3's regular news hour on Sundays will be cut back to incorporate a revamped 3rd Degree. File photo / Bradley Ambrose

MediaWorks has confirmed plans to axe TV3's Sunday evening news hour in favour of an hour-long mix of news and current affairs.

The company today formally announced its 6pm 3News bulletin would be shortened to half an hour on Sundays, to be followed by a 30-minute weekly current affairs show at 6.30pm.

The current affairs show 3D, formerly 3rd Degree, will be presented by Samantha Hayes and Duncan Garner.

MediaWorks head of news Mark Jennings said Sunday night was "a good place for current affairs".

"People are increasingly time poor and we believe 30 minutes of news plus 30 minutes of current affairs is a winning formula for this popular timeslot.

"This way we can guarantee a pacey, high-quality product that will be appointment viewing."

Mr Jennings said investigative journalism would receive dedicated resources under the sub-brand 3D Investigates, which was supported by the NZ on Air Platinum Fund.

Garner will continue to host the Drive show on RadioLive, while Hayes is the co-host of TV3's upcoming late news programme Newsworthy alongside David Farrier.