More than a 100,000 extra eyes tuned in to Newshub's 6:00pm bulletin last night, following the shock announcement its days are numbered.
Warner Brothers Discovery, which owns Newshub plans to axe all local news and current affairs programs by June 30th.
Up to 300 people could lose their jobs.
In meeting yesterday, network bosses told staff economic headwinds mean the returns are not there.
Advertising revenue has also disappeared far more quickly than the network can manage; meaning the channels current business model is not financially sustainable.
Figures obtained by Checkpoint, show news of the pending shut down delivered a ratings boost last night with about 318,000 kiwis aged 5 plus switching to three, up from 214,000 the night before.
Director of Spark Foundry Nicky Greville speaks to Lisa Owen.
