Radio empire boss quits
The head of MediaWorks’ radio empire, Wendy Palmer, will leave the company at the end of next month as ructions continue in the media market.
MediaWorks boss Michael Anderson said the company was sad but understood Palmer’s decision.
‘‘She leaves our radio business in strong shape, and poised to move forward and capitalise on its leading position,’’ he said in a statement.
Palmer had been tipped as the most likely internal candidate to replace former MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon in 2016 – prior to Anderson’s appointment to that role.
She had been at MediaWorks for 12 years and did not give a reason for her resignation.
MediaWorks also owns television channel Three, which was previously branded TV3.
Television New Zealand chief executive Kevin Kenrick opened the door to possible collaboration with MediaWorks last week, suggesting that within a few years there might only be room for one player in the free-to-air television market.
‘‘Our understand is that TV3 is subsidised by a way-moreprofitable radio business,’’ he said.
Kenrick said Prime was also ‘‘subsidised’’ by Sky TV, meaning TVNZ was the only ‘‘standalone free-to-air’’ TV player.
MediaWorks said David Gibbs would act as its head of radio.
MediaWorks’ radio stations include The Edge, The Rock, More FM and The Breeze.