It’s a shame that TV3 has made the decision to close its Newshub office in Dunedin, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds says.

“Local news coverage not only keeps Southlanders informed, but it also raises the region’s profile nationally.

“I also think that the media has a role to play in our democracy – highlighting and giving voice to significant issues, which affect our community, to Wellington’s decision makers.

“Information around the underperformance of the Southern District Health Board and the closure of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter would not have been as widely disseminated if it weren’t for the coverage by locally-based news organisations like this.

“The costs of flying in reporters in from further North will likely affect decisions around whether Southland news events will be covered by TV3 Newshub.

“I hope some changes will be made to make sure local content in Southland isn’t diluted.”