30 Sep 2014

Carol Hirschfeld to join Radio NZ

2:15 pm on 30 September 2014

Former Maori Television executive Carol Hirschfeld has been appointed to a key new role at Radio New Zealand.

Ms Hirschfeld, the former general manager production for Maori TV, is to become head of content, responsible for news, drama, music, spoken features and Radio New Zealand International.

Carol Hirschfeld

Carol Hirschfeld Photo: Supplied

In the final appointments in Radio New Zealand's reorganisation of its senior management team, current presentation manager John Howson takes up the new position of head of radio.

In making the announcements, chief executive Paul Thompson emphasised the importance of the new roles for Radio New Zealand as it implements a strategy to deliver high quality multi-media journalism and programming across multiple digital platforms.

"I am delighted to announce the two appointments. Both are very experienced broadcasters.

"Carol is a respected media executive with a proven track record of success in managing stories, developing programmes and leading staff, while John is an effective leader with a deep knowledge of Radio New Zealand and he has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve over the next two years."

Ms Hirschfeld noted the new position marks a return to an organisation where she began her career as a cadet reporter.

"I believe strongly in the importance of public broadcasting and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to a national media organisation that touches lives across New Zealand," she said.

Earlier, Stuff website editor Glen Scanlon was appointed as head of digital media.

Radio New Zealand executive team:

  • Paul Thompson - Chief Executive and Editor-in-Chief
  • Ken Law - Head of Business Services, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
  • Glen Scanlon - Head of Digital Media (starts November 17)
  • Carol Hirschfeld - Head of Content (starts November 24)
  • John Howson - Head of Radio
  • Matthew Finn - Head of Technology
  • John Barr - Head of Communications
  • Radio New Zealand International manager Linden Clark also sits on the executive.

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