AB
Okay the old thread has been archived (same as the Aussie TV thread) so i'll start the ball rolling again.
BIG BIG news from across the Tasman sea today: TVNZ has announced that Judy Bailey, the presenter of TV One 6pm news, will not be renewing her contract.
Here's on of the news reports from TVNZ
Judy Bailey to leave One News
Oct 4, 2005
TVNZ has decided not to renew the contract of its longest-serving news presenter, Judy Bailey.
She will step down from her role of presenting One News at the end of the year.
TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser said the state broadcaster will "explore fresh options with her for next year in roles that continue to make the best of a major talent."
Head of news and current affairs Bill Ralston said it marks the end of an era in TVNZ news. "She has enjoyed a record run as a presenter and this was largely a reflection of the rapport she built up with viewers."
Bailey said the 18 years she has spent in the role had been a fantastic job. However, she said it is time to move on. "I'm ready for a new challenge."
Bailey joined the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation in 1971 as a reporter in news and current affairs and nine years later joined John Hawkesby as co-presenter of regional news bulletin Top Half.
In 1987 she moved to co-presenting the weeknight news programme first with Neil Billington and then Richard Long. In 2004 she became the sole presenter.
The announcement comes after months of speculation about her future with the organisation after her $800,000 salary caused a public outcry. She was facing a $200,000-plus pay cut in 2006.
It also follows the recent sacking of One News executive producer Melanie Jones by Ralston, which apparently, did not sit well with Bailey.
Fraser said a decision on the One News format and who will fill the coveted role will be made later in the year.
BIG BIG news from across the Tasman sea today: TVNZ has announced that Judy Bailey, the presenter of TV One 6pm news, will not be renewing her contract.
Here's on of the news reports from TVNZ
Judy Bailey to leave One News
Oct 4, 2005
TVNZ has decided not to renew the contract of its longest-serving news presenter, Judy Bailey.
She will step down from her role of presenting One News at the end of the year.
TVNZ chief executive Ian Fraser said the state broadcaster will "explore fresh options with her for next year in roles that continue to make the best of a major talent."
Head of news and current affairs Bill Ralston said it marks the end of an era in TVNZ news. "She has enjoyed a record run as a presenter and this was largely a reflection of the rapport she built up with viewers."
Bailey said the 18 years she has spent in the role had been a fantastic job. However, she said it is time to move on. "I'm ready for a new challenge."
Bailey joined the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation in 1971 as a reporter in news and current affairs and nine years later joined John Hawkesby as co-presenter of regional news bulletin Top Half.
In 1987 she moved to co-presenting the weeknight news programme first with Neil Billington and then Richard Long. In 2004 she became the sole presenter.
The announcement comes after months of speculation about her future with the organisation after her $800,000 salary caused a public outcry. She was facing a $200,000-plus pay cut in 2006.
It also follows the recent sacking of One News executive producer Melanie Jones by Ralston, which apparently, did not sit well with Bailey.
Fraser said a decision on the One News format and who will fill the coveted role will be made later in the year.