Bridges in the running to lead mega-broadcaster

Former National Party leader Simon Bridges is understood to be in the running to lead the merged state broadcaster, expected to be formed next year. The Ministry of Culture and Heritage has been searching for candidates to fill the board of directors for the proposed state mega-broadcaster, named Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media (ANZPM), created from a merger of Radio NZ and TVNZ. Meanwhile, the ministry has also started its search for a chief executive to lead ANZPM. Bridges is in the running to join its board of directors and could take the position of chairperson. Bridges, who is currently chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and a podcast presenter at Stuff, has been approached for comment. Two sources with knowledge of the appointment process have confirmed Bridges is in the running. The bill to create the merged super broadcaster is expected to be passed in Parliament next year.