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Veteran TVNZ rugby commentator Keith Quinn says he has been "left with a hollow feeling" after the state broadcaster announced it would drop him and fellow presenters John MacBeth and Geoff Bryan as part of 160 jobs to be axed this week.
The experienced sports trio have been notified by TVNZ that their employment is under review, but that they could be hired freelance.
Quinn, one of New Zealand's most recognisable voices, has been broadcasting fulltime since 1965, but says he saw the writing on the wall when TVNZ failed to win rights to the Rugby World Cup.
"It was not a surprise to me, I've had a feeling for a long time that because TVNZ hasn't had the major rugby contracts that somebody in my position would be vulnerable to an assault on jobs.
"Nevertheless, it's left me with a hollow feeling this week, I have to admit that. But [I'm] optimistic about the future. I'm in good spirits, I'm just going to bat on."
A fixture in living rooms on radio or television for 42 years, Quinn says he has been heartened by the support of fans, but is disappointed for colleagues MacBeth, who is covering the America's Cup in Valencia, and Bryan.
"I'm a bit sad for them. I expected it for myself but not for them. We've had a lot of messages of support this week, people like us, but that didn't count for anything in the end."
TVNZ spokeswoman Megan Richards said the proposal to cut the fulltime contracts of the trio and re-hire them on a freelance basis would not be confirmed for several weeks.
The sporadic nature of sports coverage meant the presenters could be "flat out" and then have nothing to do until the next event TVNZ had the rights to cover.
TVNZ will announce up to 160 jobs will be axed on Wednesday, a restructuring exercise designed to save the broadcaster $10 million each year.
News and current affairs shows are the hardest hit in the restructuring, making up 59 of the total 160 jobs to go.
Close Up, 20/20, Fair Go and Sunday are to all lose staff.
Newsrooms across the country will be affected.
The Breakfast programme is believed to be "decimated", a source said.
Proposed cuts
* Auckland journalists reduced from 13 to six.
* Sunday programme's Wellington office shut, five jobs lost.
* Close Up loses two journalists.
* Three roles to be axed from Fair Go.
* Camera teams lose 10 jobs.
* Breakfast loses weather and sports presenter and one reporter.
* Two Sydney reporters reduced to one.
* Positions in Queenstown, Wanganui and Rotorua to be scrapped.
* Two gone from ASB Business.
