Top TVNZ executive resigns

Press, 21 July 1989, Page 7

Top TVNZ executive resigns

PA Wellington Television New Zealand’s head of programming, Mr Harold Anderson, has resigned to join the 8.8. C., just six months after being promoted to a new post of deputy director general. The director general, Mr Julian Mounter, said Mr Anderson was returning to Britain “for personal reasons.” Mr Anderson declined to say why he was leaving, but confirmed he had resigned and was not dismissed. He would take up his new job as head of programme acquisitions for the 8.8. C. in October. Mr Anderson was programme director for TV One from 1986 until January this year, when he became deputy director general and programme director for both channels. He has overseen the development of a more commercial style of television with an emphasis on prime-time programming for soap operas and game shows. Between 1978 and 1986 he worked for the 8.8. C. The promotion was announced last November amid suggestions in a British trade magazine that Mr Anderson had been offered a job heading Rupert Murdoch’s Eurosport satellite channel. At the time TVNZ denied the promotion had anything to do with other job offers. A TVNZ spokeswoman, Ms Aline Sandilands, said she could not say whether the position of deputy director general in charge of programming would continue. She said most TVNZ statf had been surprised at Mr Anderson’s decision to leave TVNZ. Mr Anderson has played a big role in TVNZ’s push for TV One, and Channel Two to de-; velop separate identities — One as the more highbrow information channel, Two as the entertainment channel in direct competition with TV3 when it comes on air in late November.