TVNZ Announces Management Restructure

TVNZ Announces Management Restructure

For immediate release

TVNZ ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT RESTRUCTURE

The Chief Executive of TVNZ, Ian Fraser, has announced major changes to the top echelon of management at TVNZ.

The role of Head of Television, currently held by Shaun Brown, is to be discontinued.

Two new positions are to be created - Head of Programming, and Head of New Business Development.

Making the announcement today, Mr Fraser noted the contribution Shaun Brown had made as Head of Television, particularly in co-ordinating the activity of TVNZ's two channels.

However, Mr Fraser pointed out that in appointing him Chief Executive from April this year, the TVNZ board had appointed a broadcaster who would expect to have a close involvement in TVNZ's content and output.

Mr Fraser confirmed that Heaton Dyer, the Head of News & Current Affairs will report directly to the Chief Executive, who is also Editor-in-Chief at TVNZ.

"In my view, TVNZ must be differently aligned at top management level to meet the opportunities and challenges presented by the Charter, which comes into effect on 1 July," Mr Fraser said.

"The Head of Programming position is one familiar in most television companies around the world.

This person will lead TVNZ's content strategy and deliver to the screen the vision we have for TVNZ in this new era.

In a real sense, the Head of Programming will shape the big picture in terms of programming and positioning for both channels.

"The Head of Programming will have already established a wide network of international relationships.

As well as being committed to the values of the TVNZ Charter, he or she will also have a strong commercial focus, recognising that TVNZ operates in a highly competitive local and international marketplace." The appointment of a Head of New Business Development is based on TVNZ's keen determination to grow its business within New Zealand and internationally.

"The Head of New Business Development will lead TVNZ's project to leverage and extend the assets and capabilities of TVNZ, whether in the areas of intellectual property, talent, technology, production capacity or systems, into new media programmes and new distribution channels.

This executive will be responsible for identifying, assessing and implementing new business initiatives and is expected to contribute significantly to both the creative and financial results of TVNZ," Mr Fraser said.

Referring to his decision to have the Head of News & Current Affairs, Heaton Dyer, report directly to the Chief Executive, Mr Fraser pointed out that the current situation where Mr Dyer reports on editorial matters to the Chief Executive and on operational matters to the Head of Television required clarification, particularly during an election year.

ENDS

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