2 Feb 2013

Sir Paul credited with changing current affairs television

9:09 am on 2 February 2013

The man who hired Sir Paul Holmes for his television show says he changed current affairs television in New Zealand.

Sir Paul, 62, died at his home in Hawke's Bay Friday. He had cancer.

Former head of tlevision news and current affairs Paul Norris said TVNZ was looking for someone who could carry a personality-driven show.

He said Sir Paul was hired in 1989 to front the Holmes show and ushered in a new era, making news more interesting and accessible.

Mr Norris said there was no popular daily current affairs show before that.

He said Sir Paul was a gifted communicator who could engage with his audience.