Due to diminishing sales in advertising Television New Zealand's total operating revenue has dropped 16.6%.

The ad revenue slumped $12.7 million year on year, with total operating revenue dropping to $186.9 million for six months to December. Its earnings before interest and tax were down to $14.2m, compared with $27.7m for the first six months of the previous year.

TVNZ Chief Executive Rick Ellis says, "There are a number of strategic reviews underway across the business as the company looks to further reduce costs, and to make the transition from an analogue broadcaster to a digital television and media company. These will be substantially completed by the end of the fiscal year".

Rick Ellis affirmed that though cost reduction ideas have helped a lot to improve the deteriorating condition, but the result towards the year end would be a loss.

As far as the ratings are concerned, he told that TV2 recording got best ratings in 2003 and the news division has done a remarkable job by bagging 11 out of 12 awards at the 2009 Media Awards.