Well known supporters of public broadcasting say it's under attack, and are calling for it to be preserved and well funded.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has jumped into the RNZ debate, urging ministers to consult on Radio New Zealand's decision to can its Concert programme and replace it with a youth service.

The state-owned broadcaster has proposed to remove RNZ Concert and instead broadcast a non-stop, unmanned, music station which will stream online. All of the station's hosts, and 17 jobs in total, would be cut. The new station would hire 13 people.

Clark tweeted at Minister for Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Kris Faafoi and Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Thursday saying, RNZ's decision was "very concerning".

"Hope ministers will take an interest in this very concerning @radionz decision," Clark's said in a tweet. She said it equated to a dumbing down of cultural life in New Zealand.

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* RNZ says new 'youth oriented' music brand will lift whole radio industry

ROSA WOODS/STUFF Former prime minister Helen Clark has called ministers to take action on RNZ's "very concerning" announcement to remove its cultural program RNZ Concert.

In another, she wrote: "This decision appears to have been taken without public consultation. Who's in charge?"

Another: "Raise this issue with your MP and ministers. There is a pattern here of destruction of cultural services available to New Zealanders."

Robertson replied: "We will Helen. I am advised it is still a consultation and we will be talking to RNZ about their options."

LAWRENCE SMITH/STUFF Finance Minister Grant Robertson says the ministers are consulting with RNZ on its decision to gut RNZ Concert.

Clark has been approached for comment.