Speculation's flying around about the future of Shortland Street.  

The prime-time soap opera's lost its head writer to the UK and other staff have reportedly been told to find new jobs.  

TVNZ hasn't confirmed the show will return next year.  

Former South Pacific Pictures managing director John Barnett says the show scaled back its set and storylines when it transitioned from five days to three days a week. 

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's also been tough to attract audiences with changes in viewing habits. 

Barnett says in the meantime, going to three days a week hasn't been nearly as profitable. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Speculation's flying around about the future of Shortland Street. &nbsp;
The prime-time soap opera's lost its head writer to the UK and other staff have reportedly been told to find new jobs. &nbsp;
TVNZ hasn't confirmed the show will return next year. &nbsp;
Former South Pacific Pictures managing director John Barnett says the show scaled back its set and storylines when it transitioned from five days to three days a week.&nbsp;
He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's also been tough to attract audiences with changes in viewing habits.&nbsp;
Barnett says in the meantime, going to three days a week hasn't been nearly as profitable.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

John Barnett: Former South Pacific Pictures managing director on the uncertain future of Shortland Street

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0d004aca-406f-4d93-b1c0-b2d1005b4ca3/transcript